This month we salute some of Midlothian’s most amazing women. We asked each: What drives your success? We hope their answers inspire you to create your own personal and professional success story!
“One word: Possibilities,” said Rhonda Howlett Carroll, founder and principal broker for Clocktower Realty Group. “I’m a firm believer that if you work hard you can do or be absolutely anything you want to in life. Come in early, leave late, and never settle. You owe it to yourself.”
Supporting small business - “the engine of our economy!” - is what drives Polly White, founding partner and COO of Gather, a co-working space with seven Virginia locations, including Midlothian. “First in my consulting work, the books and columns I’ve written, the speeches I’ve given, and most recently with Gather, which makes a home for small businesses, so they can focus on reaching their goals and objectives.”
Passion was a common theme.
“I’m driven by a constant desire to learn new things and connect with people, two passions that mix well with real estate,” said Jenn Hart, who operates as Hart & Sold under the Coach House Realty umbrella.
“I’m a living example that it’s OK to leave a job to pursue something you’re passionate about,” said Emily Alwood of EmmiClaire Photography. “It’s OK if you still haven’t figured everything out. You don’t have to be in the same job until retirement. Don’t feel stuck – take risks and see the outcome.”
Michelle Bettin has found it “life changing” to build Richmond Academy of Ballet (now with a studio in North Chesterfield) along with her husband, Jack.
“Fostering a unique environment where children are inspired to create, learn, and be challenged in an encouraging way … to show that magic and wonderment still exist … that's what drives me,” Michelle said. “I hope to ignite the passion for the next generation.”
Besides passion, others mentioned the satisfaction of making others happy.
“I love when my clients share that their new way of eating and living has freed them from pain, anxiety, exhaustion, and other unpleasant health symptoms!” said Laurel Otey, certified integrative nutrition health coach with Layered Living. “Their successes inspire me every day.”
Kimberly Baker, who goes by Kay, owns the Sassy Bee boutique. Kay said, “I truly adore our shop, our team, this community, and making people happy every day.”
All the women agreed their work is most fulfilling when others benefit, too.
“I love telling stories that entertain or educate readers, or make my clients look good,” said Mary Ellin Arch, editor of Midlothian Lifestyle magazine and owner of P46 Communications. “If my clients are successful, then I am, too.”
