The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for 2021 Business & Non-Profit Partner Awards
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 2021 Business & Non-Profit Partner Awards. Nominate your business, or another deserving business, today. The deadline for submitting nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 22nd.
Each month we'll be featuring a chamber member woman-owned business for their impact in our community. For October, we have chosen Hodge Podge, owned by Janalyn Williams. CONGRATULATIONS!
How long have you been in business?
Janalyn: I purchased Hodge Podge on March 23, 2015 however Hodge Podge has been around since 1997. It was originally started as a gift basket shop and slowly evolved into the full service floral studio it is today.
What is your favorite part of having your business in Central Arkansas?
Janalyn: Central Arkansas is home for me. After spending many years in Nashville, TN, I moved back to Central Arkansas and it’s the community and people that I love the most. I love working with so many people in all aspects of life. We work on flowers and events that celebrate all of life’s milestones and occasions so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to meet people and earn the privilege to walk with them for so many memorable moments. Flowers are the ultimate way to celebrate even on the first and final days of life.
How did you get started?
Janalyn: Before I moved to Nashville I was the marketing manager for a large florist so I had an introduction to the industry shortly after college. My career path took many twists and turns after that but the vast majority of it was spent in Advertising and Corporate Sales. While in Nashville I discovered a passion for volunteering and non-profit work which garnered me the opportunity to work on a lot of corporate events and national fundraisers. I was able to chair some of those larger national events so working on large scale installation and multi faceted events became a passion. So I guess, in a way, each stop along my career path allowed me to obtain knowledge and skills that poised me to prepare for this opportunity when it presented itself.
What are my biggest challenges as a business owner or as a woman business owner?
Janalyn: Given current market conditions the largest challenge we face is a staffing shortage. We have been blessed with supportive and loyal clients, but over the last 18 months we haven’t been able to maintain a full staff to accommodate our potential market share. I have had many discussions with other business owners (from a wide array of industries) and I know Hodge Podge is not the only business that has experienced a staffing shortage.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
If I could change one thing, what would it be?
Janalyn: Is this a trick question? I don’t know that I would change anything. Our industry has experienced a great deal of supply chain issues - like so many others - so that has added a layer of difficulty, but that just means we have to plan accordingly and execute a level of patience. It’s not a factor we can change exactly. I love our location (on North Main St) in a historical building that at one point used to be a grocery store. I adore our “regulars” and my current staff is fantastic and the epitome of professional and dedicated, so I’m not sure what I would change even if I could.
Do you have any important advice you could share to another person or woman who wants to start their own business?
Janalyn: Believe in yourself and do it! That doesn’t mean to jump blindly; but still take the leap. There will be sleepless nights and hard days, but put in the work, do your homework, make your plan and take the leap. In the end the business you build and the legacy you create is worth it. Women often put all others above self and aren’t taught to be bold. Women are often the cheerleaders but don’t have their own cheering section. We can do anything we set our minds to. Surround yourself with intelligent people who know aspects of business that you may not know. Create contacts that you can use for “phone a friend” situations. Don’t let not knowing all of the answers in the beginning stop you from your calling.
