I’m doing something a little different for the month of December. I’m going to tell you some stories about businesses I love, that hold special places in my heart. December brings feelings of nostalgia and as an entrepreneur the stories that warm my heart the most are business stories… Oh, and I’m also in Seth Godin’s Story Workshop so it’s been fun to practice, I hope you enjoy them. Happy Holidays!
I grew up on a little island in SE Alaska, in a town called Petersburg.
It’s the kind of place where you learn to cook well because there aren’t many restaurants, you clean your own place because the few people who run cleaning businesses are fully booked, and when you see a need in the market – you might just open up a business.
A few months ago my mom did what she does so well – keeps me up to date on what is happening back on that island. She’d shared a the local paper so I could read about my friend’s accomplishment.
I pulled out that very thin paper, from that very small town, and read a story about a woman with a very large place in my heart.
Roxanne “Roxy” Lee opened up Lee’s Clothing 50 years ago. She opened up a clothing store in a town that didn’t have clothing stores at a time where women didn’t open stores, and if they did they surely didn’t sell men’s clothes.
I could have chosen to smile and remember selling shoes there, I could have thought about the “Cheers” like atmosphere of the store with its strong coffee you pour yourself when you stop to grab a hug or some Xtratu’s.
Instead, I thought about courage.
It’s so easy to start a business. What’s hard is to keep one going, year after year, DECADE after DECADE! Employing your friends, family, and neighbors. Showing up, even when it’s hard, even when it’s a slower-than-slow month, and still serving your people.
The story of Lee’s clothing turning 50 is a huge testament to this family’s women, first Roxy and now Cynthia and Heidi, showing up for each obstacle with that can-do and we’ll-show-you-how attitude.
You just don’t make it that far, for that long, without it.
Bracing yourself in the entrepreneurial world for whatever may come up may not be possible, but deciding ahead of time you’re the person for the job, is. I think Roxy’s story – and so many successful businesses – have a similar commitment woven throughout them.
Businesses like these are a gift to us as customers.
So as you’re shopping this holiday season, as your dining in restaurants that were once just someone’s dream, remember the courage of the woman or the man behind the business. And if you’re like me, and you have the privilege of serving your own clients and customers – I see you. Thank you.
