IN RECENT years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women entrepreneurs. According to a report by American Express, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States increased by 58% since 2007, while the overall number of businesses only increased by 12%. This trend is not limited to the United States; countries worldwide are seeing more and more women starting their own businesses.
The rise of women entrepreneurs is a powerful force that cannot be ignored. From the United States to countries worldwide, women are breaking through barriers and starting their own businesses at an impressive rate. Despite facing unique challenges, such as securing funding and overcoming biases against female business owners, these women are proving they can achieve great success with hard work and determination.
Dandelions Furniture and More is not just a store; it’s a local family-owned business full of repurposed antique furniture, unique home decor, handcrafted jewelry, soaps, and gifts that will make any house feel like a home.
Store owner Janice Summer Dustin’s passion for selling quality items is evident in every piece she sells. From the moment you step into her store, you’re greeted with an ambiance of warmth and Southern charm.
Janice runs the shop, along with her daughter, Anna Kaiser. Through her example as a female business owner and mother, Janice creates a strong sense of connection and shared purpose among her family members. The mother-daughter duo is building something meaningful together and creating a legacy that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Owning a small business is nothing new for Janice. In 2004, when her daughter, Anna, was in third grade, she ran a cleaning service where she cleaned homes for older women.
In March 2016, she owned a Dandelions shop in Decherd for 3 ½ years but closed the storefront to spend more time with her family.
She later went into business running booths in two prominent antique shops and other storefronts in Alabama. She and five others who ran booth businesses were each featured in Huntsville Magazine, highlighting top local antique stores to frequent. Now, she’s ready to reopen and start fresh in the great city of Winchester.
Originally from West Virginia, she and her husband moved to Huntland 22 years ago and have lived there ever since. The couple has four children and seven grandchildren, and Janice said they are very family-oriented.
Janice said she loves small towns, and she and her husband felt it was a great place to raise their family.
“I love small towns, and Winchester is a great small town with great people.”
She said one of the challenges of running her own business is having limited hands to help with production. But despite its challenges, Janice said entrepreneurship is very rewarding because it allows her to spend more time with her family and create her own schedule.
For the experienced business owner, being an entrepreneur means much more than just running a business. She believes that women entrepreneurs have the power to inspire future generations by showing them what they can accomplish when they set their minds to it.
“It is freedom, community, and the opportunity to show my daughter and five granddaughters what we women can accomplish.”
Janice said owning a small business in a small town is vital because of its economic benefits for the community. In addition to personal fulfillment, owning a small business also has significant economic benefits for local communities. People are investing in their towns’ growth and development by supporting local businesses like Dandelions Furniture and More.
“The money earned at local businesses goes back into the community. We help support schools and churches, just to name a few.”
Looking toward the future, Janice plans to expand her offerings by refurbishing her customers’ custom-made bedroom pieces, such as headboards and dressers, and dining room pieces, like custom tables and chairs. Her passion for selling unique pieces and vintage finds knows no bounds.
Janice would like to offer a special “thank you” to her husband, Dusty, and her family for their unwavering support on her journey through entrepreneurship.
Janice’s story is just one example of how women entrepreneurs are making their mark on the world. Her hard work and perseverance prove that anything is possible when you dare to pursue your dreams.
The next time you’re looking for something special for your home or loved ones, consider supporting local businesses like Dandelions Furniture and More — you never know what treasures you might find! GN
