Passion, perseverance and a deep love for their community—Cathy Richards Harbison and Kerra Spaeth embody what it means to be successful female business leaders. As the dedicated owners of Baysore’s Flower Shop and The Goddard School of Mason, respectively, both women have turned lifelong connections into thriving businesses that serve and uplift those around them. Whether it’s preserving a beloved floral shop’s legacy or shaping young minds for the future, Cathy and Kerra prove that entrepreneurship is more than just business—it’s about making a lasting impact.
Cathy Richards Harbison - Baysore’s Flower Shop
If you ask Cathy about flowers, she won’t just tell you about bouquets, she'll tell you about community, legacy and love. As the owner of Baysore’s Flower Shop for nearly 23 years, Cathy has kept a beloved Mason institution thriving while deepening its roots in the town she’s called home her entire life.
Baysore’s isn’t just a business, it’s a family story. Originally founded in 1955 by Marilyn Baysore Johnston and her mother, Lois, the shop is a Mason fixture. Cathy’s own connection to it started early—her mother worked there as a designer and Cathy spent many childhood afternoons surrounded by blooms. Though her first career was in nursing, her love for entrepreneurship and her hometown led her to buy the shop in 2002, ensuring it remained a local gem instead of being absorbed by larger chains.
Running a small business is no easy feat, but this mother and grandmother of four embraces both the joys and the challenges. “Mason may have grown, but it still feels like a small town,” she says. “I love seeing old friends and welcoming new faces.”
Cathy is deeply involved in the community, supporting organizations like the MADE Chamber, Kiwanis and the Mason Historical Society—always ready to uplift fellow entrepreneurs, especially women in business. “I am a relationship person and love to support other business owners in our community in any way that I can,” she explains.
The floral industry has changed dramatically over the years, but Cathy has navigated these shifts with resilience and creativity. She has ensured that Baysore’s remains a place where customers can find not just flowers but meaningful, personal service.
“If it wasn’t for the support of my family I couldn't have done it,” Cathy shares. “I give all the credit for the early success of the shop to my Mom. She was a talented designer who knew the flower business and came out of retirement to manage the shop day to day while I maintained my other position to support the business and my family.”
For Cathy, success isn’t just about sales. It’s about supporting others, preserving history and keeping local connections alive.
Kerra Spaeth - The Goddard School in Mason
For Kerra, early childhood education isn’t just a job, it’s her life’s work. As the onsite owner of The Goddard School in Mason, she has dedicated nearly 30 years to shaping young minds, building strong community connections and creating a nurturing environment where children learn, grow and thrive.
Her journey with Goddard began at the age of 22, when she started helping her parents who opened the school in 1996. What started as lending a hand in the classrooms quickly became a lifelong passion, and when the opportunity arose, she officially took over the school in 2006. Though the transition wasn’t without challenges—especially balancing her friendships with teachers while stepping into a leadership role—Kerra embraced the business side of education and never looked back.
With 26 years in Mason, three children and a granddaughter, Kerra is a dedicated educator, business owner and community supporter. Owning a school is a large task, and Kerra knows firsthand the unpredictability of running a business.
“Last-minute things always come up, and sometimes you have to drop everything, even if you’re on vacation,” she says. But for her, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. She loves her connections with families, children and the local community.
Kerra is also invested in Mason. Every July, she hosts a carnival fundraiser benefiting nonprofits such as the Mason Food Pantry, and the school collects donations every Christmas for Toys for Tots. As a Women Business Leaders Advisory Council member and Chamber leader, she advocates for female entrepreneurs, believing that women supporting women is key to breaking barriers.
“There are times as women when we may have experienced doors closing before we have a chance,” Kerra shares. “If we can get more women together for a shared cause, we can open more doors and be heard.