Celebrating Women Business Owners

Be passionate about your chosen path. Be honest with yourself about what you know and what you don’t know. Get help and/or expertise for what you don’t know. Trust that you are just as worthy of success as anyone else.

Annie Selke, Founder and Chief Vision Officer, The Annie Selke Companies
Commercial Loan Officer: Gretchen Troiano

The best recipe for success, in my opinion, is working hard and honing your craft while staying humble. And, of course, giving back to your community and helping people along the way is the biggest reward.

Regina Stanley, Founder and CEO, ArtCliff Diner
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

To excel in business and in almost anything, one needs only to reach out to those who have done it before and ask for their advice. Staying humble and surrounding oneself with advisors and successful individuals who have knowledge of what the business is attempting to do…will ensure that the business stays the course and the owners are held accountable to making wise decisions. Be a career student, and partner with bright, driven people. Continue to pivot for what the client needs.

Stephanie Robl, President/CFO, Banner Environmental Services, Inc.
Commercial Loan Officer: William Zawacki
Treasury Management Officer: Stacey Coyne

Pivot...Persevere...Positivity

Catherine Bean, Founder, Bella of Cape Cod
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Regularly spend time investing in skills specific to your industry on an ongoing basis to increase what you can offer customers, refine your skills, and add value to those you're doing business with.

Sharon Brewster, Chief Creative Officer, Brewster Branding
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Stay consistent, and have your store open as much as possible. I try to be open all year, every day, except for the holidays. Also get to know your customers. The relationships you form with them can be such a joy! I truly do love my customers and they have supported me over this last difficult year. They appreciate that I am still working it and I appreciate them right back.

Wendy Ghelfi, Owner, Caline for Kids
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

One thing I have learned since COVID is that the pandemic has opened up lines of communication. Employers who just had people working for them have learned they are nothing without the foundation of their employees. I am humbled by this pandemic and happy, lucky even, to have great people surrounding us.

Kristin Broadley, Co-Founder, Centerville Pie Company
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Perfect your craft and be ready to perform when the world opens up. Stay optimistic and hopeful that better days are coming. The best has yet to come!

Chantel Jordan, Founder, Champ City
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Love what you do, trust your instincts, and remember a "no" just means no right now.

Colleen Boyle Jolin, Owner, Colleen & Company, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

I manage my business with a positive attitude, especially during difficult times like the pandemic. Staying connected to the community has also been an area that has benefited my business; I give back, stand as a positive influence, and I take advantage of the great resources Brockton and the state of Massachusetts have to offer small business owners.

Nirva Caillot, Owner, Distinction Giftware & Furniture
Branch Manager Relationship: Jim Smith
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Put one foot in front of the other & set your intentions daily so that you don't get overwhelmed. Also, get back to basics and be willing to change, evolve, and pivot. Get back to thinking like an entrepreneur!

Holly Daniels Christensen, Owner, Dune Jewelry & Co
Treasury Management Officer: Pam Tosi

I guess maybe one of my favorite quotes that seems pertinent now more than ever is by James Baldwin: “The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.”

Allison Iantosca, Owner/President, F.H. Perry Builder
Commercial Loan Officer: Rose Buckley

The only reason the Agway is still open is because we (The Agway Crew) have each other, we are a team. We have the other business owners in our local business group too and most of our customers are wonderful and appreciative of what we are trying to do. Through this last year I have really missed the joy of helping and teaching people. I know we will get it back. Make sure you have a great support group, build a team and find joy in what you do.

Melanie J. Hamblen, Owner, Franklin Agway
Commercial Loan Officer: Terry Katsaros

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but on building the new." - Socretes

Jayne Marie Farquhar, Owner, G.A.T.E.S. Homework Society
Business Banking Officer: Shefali Desai

Follow your passion. It will not steer you wrong and you’ll have fun doing it!

Vicky Laflamme and Patricia Chretien, Owners, Greystone Development LLC
Commercial Loan Officer: Sally Medeiros

For new entrepreneurs, like we were five years ago, focus on building your foundation. Determine what you do well and who your customers will be while working within the parameters of your business plan. Be prepared to work harder than you ever have to strengthen your business, in preparation for growth opportunities as well as cyclical economic downturns. Our success is due in large part to hiring good people that represent who we are and understand what we are trying to accomplish.

Jennifer Webster O’Connor, Owner & PGA Professional, Holly Ridge Golf Club
Commercial Loan Officer: Laura Gaito

No matter how many obstacles cross your path, do not give up. Don't quit.

Corona Robinson, RN and Loretta Ihedioha, CFO and CEO, Independent At Home, LLC
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

As majority owner of J. White's Automotive, LLC the best advice I can give to other woman business owners or those who aspire to own a business is, pay careful attention to your numbers (key performance indicators) and follow your instincts. Both can be equally telling.

Shirley Warren, Managing Partner, J. White's Automotive, LLC
Commercial Loan Officer: Darin Foster

My advice to other business owners would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your banker, accountant, attorney, insurance agent are great resources and a valuable network. They can help you build a roadmap to your future and stick to it.

Kerry Hollstein, President, K1 Roofing
Business Banking Officer: Joe Moser

Relationships matter, especially during this time, reach out and stay in touch with your clients. Join industry associations that interest you, raise your hand and get involved. You and your business will not only benefit from networking opportunities, you will make a difference for your industry and, in turn, will become a mentor for the next generation of leaders.

Christine Keville, President and CEO, Keville Enterprises
Commercial Loan Officer: Nancy Bailey

Stay resilient and keep persevering. Also reach out to your community for all of the wonderful resources that are available.

Kathy Powell, Owner and Manager, KLP Specialties
Business Banking Officer: Joe Moser

My advice is to seek out other business owners who are willing to share, mentor, or just be good listeners and cheerleaders for you. Having those relationships are priceless – in good and challenging times.

Karen L. Stacey, PCC, President & CLO, Kreative Learning Solutions
Business Banking Officer: Joe Moser

These days, with the struggles that so many businesses and individuals are going through, I find that listening to what is happening in my clients’ lives always helps for me to understand how I can best help them.

Debi James, CIC, President, Leonard Insurance Agency, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

You don’t need to be an expert. If you have passion and drive you can do anything! Heck, I didn’t even know how to frost a cupcake when I first opened my doors!

Taylor Stump, Owner, Little Miss Cupcape LLC
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

The greatest advice I could give would be to have strong communication skills with the clients....listen, validate, and then show them how you can help them resolve their problem. Document and follow up - emails, phone calls, etc. The rest of the advice is applicable to life in general. Be passionate about your work and how it can impact lives. Put your best foot forward and always have a smile and positive words of encouragement. Stay in your lane and focus on what you do best. Ask for help when you don't know the answer. Say I am sorry when you are wrong. Delegate where needed.

Maria L. Hickey, President, Maria Hickey & Associates, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Treat each client or customer as if they bring the highest value to your business. Let's face it, without them we have no business, but we should make clients feel that they are valuable, that their businesses matter. If everything else is the "new normal" your customer considerations should be regular normal for clients when interacting with you. People have lost enough during the pandemic.

Nahomie Vilnaigre, Real Estate Agent, Littleton Realty
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Adjust to the ever changing challenges while maintaining your business identity and exercise extreme fiscal conservatism to keep your business viable long term.

Florence Lowell, Owner and Executive Chef, Naked Oyster Bistro and Raw Bar
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Don’t let the lack of imagination of others limit your own dreams and ambitions.

Kahina Van Dyke, Owner, Narragansett House
Commercial Loan Officer: Rachel BenDavid

In the current climate, with so many charged issues and events, it is even more important to take care of oneself. A morning mantra can help set up your day. As a clinician and business owner, I like to use the following: "May I be able to care and nurture myself so I can attend to the needs of others with generosity, balance and presence."

Claire Olivier, PMHNP-BC, President, Olivier Group, PC
Commericial Loan Officer: Sally Medeiros

To put your love and heart into your work can never be wrong; but, like childbirth, it isn't going to be painless.

Miriam Kravitz, DNP, FNP-BC, Orleans Dermatology & Laser Therapies
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

To be successful, you have to put your heart, love and consistency in your business.

Tina Tavares, President, Premier Business Solutions Inc.
Branch Manager Relationship: Jim Smith
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Lead by example! I have always said that I will never ask my team to do something that I won’t go do myself!

Erin McEnaney, President, Rainbow Movers, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Shefali Desai

Trust your instincts. Only take advice that feels right.

Jane Walsh, Owner, Red Fish Blue Fish
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

1. Make the most of the things you can control and let go of the things you can’t.
2. Will yourself to keep a positive attitude in the face of adversity and change.
3. Empower your team members and encourage them to be the best they can be.
4. Serve as the chief promoter for your company.

Kelsa Zereski, President, Reliant Foundation
Treasury Management Officer: Karen Niro

When adversity strikes, power on. Believe in yourself.

Janice M. Bergeron, President, RND Consultants, Inc.
Commercial Loan Officer: Helen Garvey

Don't let fear hold you back. Fear can be an incredible tool in your development so as long as you lead it vs. letting fear lead you. Grab fear, drop it in your purse and jump anyway. And you will discover that the opposite of fear is FAITH. Faith in your abilities, skills, purpose, vision, and all of the possibilities you knew were in you all along.

Sandra Garcon Degerville, LICSW, MSW, Owner
Sandra Garcon Degerville Ministries, LLC
The Wholeness Center LLC
The Healing Institute LLC
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

Maintaining or even starting a new business will always have some hiccups. To stay on track, never lose sight of your vision, your mission and never stop learning - from your successes and most importantly your challenges.

Sandra Baldeon, Founder and Director, SELA: The International Private School
Business Banking Officer: Joe Moser

In the drastically different business climate we have all been forced to navigate this past year, our best option is to focus all of our energy not on fighting the changes but building new methods. Nothing could be more important to a small business in times of crisis than strong relationships and an effective contingency plan. “Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” - Richard Cushing

Lynn Shaughnessy, President, Shaughnessy Rentals, Sales & Service
Commercial Loan Officer: Joe Tavares

The best way to keep your business successful during difficult times is to stay on top of your social media and website. It has literally saved us. Not only were we able to sell items while we were closed during COVID, but maintained selling when new items arrived daily in the store!

Betsy Alper, Owner, The Shoe Salon of Osterville
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Always look for the smile on the faces of your family, friends, staff, clients, vendors, the person on the street. When you see that smile, even wearing a mask - you know you have made at least a slight positive impact on someone else and it lessens the struggles and challenges that we are all facing during these tough times. As Bob Marley wrote in my favorite song, “Three Little Birds”: "Cause every little thing is gonna be alright!"

Linda Smith, CEO, Standard Modern Company, Inc.
Commercial Loan Officer: Joe Tavares

Favorite quote: “I have no use for bodyguards, but I have a very specific use for two highly trained certified public accountants.” – Elvis Presley

Helen Tang, CPA, Owner, Tang & Company LLC
Business Banking Officer: Lisa Sliney

It’s important to build an organization full of people that you can truly rely on. We respect them, and always put their health and well-being first, and are very open with them. Being very transparent with our team in all aspects of the business has been critical.

Katherine V. Juckett, CEO, Telescope Casual Furniture, Inc.
Commercial Loan Officer: Andrew Wierman

There will always be interruptions throughout life and we have no control when they will occur or how extensive they will be. We are all doing our best to navigate this new normal. With everything going on in the world today, as bad as it is, I’ve found that a positive perspective and hard work, as well as my faith, is helping me tremendously to stay ahead of the curve and maneuver my way through this difficult time. I believe there is always a lesson to be learned, and I expect that something good, no matter how big or small, awaits us all when this is over.

Christina L. Catelli, Owner, Tequila Lime Cantina
Commercial Loan Officer: Sally Medeiros

Be open to doing things differently, believe in and prepare for an influx of new business, support your employees.

Rebecca Wild-Wesley, RN, BSN, MA, CDP, CMC, President and Founder, The Aging Space
Business Banking Officer: Shefali Desai

Make the most of the down time. Reflect on how far you have come and focus your energy accomplishing important tasks that you wouldn’t otherwise have time for!

Shila Armell Duffy, Owner, Tribute In Stone, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Shefali Desai

What I have come to realize during the COVID-19 pandemic is that cultivating relationships over the years has been a tremendous help. I have always tried to treat each person with respect and kindness for you never know when you may need the favor returned.

Ellen Zaniewski, Owner, Tumble Time Gymnastics
Business Banking Officer: Nanette Davidson

Three of the guiding principles for Vantel Pearls, or as we refer to them, Treasured Gems that can act as guidance during these unique times:

Gem #1: Everything happens to us for a reason, from which I can learn and grow.

Gem #2: Trusting my intuition and a power greater than myself provides the best guidance.

Gem #3: All I have is today. Let me make today a fully alive day.

Joan Hartel Cabral, Owner and President, Vantel Pearls
Treasury Management Officer: Karen Niro

Successful people think and do things differently from people that struggle. Here are five success tips that will set you on the right path.

• Keep a positive mental attitude by filtering out “the noise” that can bring you down. It might be necessary to turn off the news and avoid negative people.
• Set SMART goals and review them daily. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
• When business is slow, use the time to learn a new skill or ways to improve your business.
• Take 100% responsibility for your outcome by using the E + R = O exercise. Event plus your Reaction equals your Outcome.
• Maintain a crystal clear vision of what you want and don’t let temporary setbacks define you.

Therese R. Nicklas, CFP®, CMC®, Owner, The Wealth Coach for Women, Inc.
Business Banking Officer: Joe Moser