Creating a Better Community
Spring/Summer 2010 – Local businesses are so much more than a source of revenue – they are a vital part of the fabric of life in the communities they serve, bringing variety and color, meeting needs and offering valuable goods and services. This third annual Women in Business issue for Who’s Who in Rutherford County features six phenomenal women who use their diverse gifts, talents and passions in business to make Rutherford County an even better place to call home.
When Becky Marshall began Becky’s Alterations out of her garage, she could not have imagined that someday she would own and operate a successful alterations business and bridal boutique, The Engagement/Becky’s Alterations. Becky’s reputation for excellent customer service, her talent as a seamstress, and eye for fashion helped bring her to this place, she insists, “I attribute my success to God, for his guidance, the support of my family, and my loyal customers, whom I will forever be grateful. We strive to provide the best customer service from selling gowns, tuxedo fittings, to performing alterations.”
The Hellum family and J.C. Hellum Funeral Homes are no strangers to Rutherford County. In fact, J.C. Hellum Funeral Homes has loyally served area families since 1934. Now, third generation funeral home director and owner Wendy B. Hellum continues her family’s legacy of compassion and sensitivity, consistently demonstrating integrity and character as they care for families experiencing great loss and heartache. “I am carrying on the legacy of being a family serving families.”
Since opening last year, Deana Wildish has been busy introducing new learning concepts designed to help students from the youngest to the oldest take their personal learning capabilities to a whole new level. At LearningRx Deana and her mother and business partner Hazel Matheny are about the business of “training the brain” through cognitive skills training. Deana is excited to see clients embracing the concepts of cognitive training and going on to master a range of subjects. “Our system is unique and comprehensive,” she explains. “I look forward to helping students get to the root cause of learning issues.”
Audiologist Dr. Patti Thigpen understands that a life spent struggling to communicate is one full of frustration. Through Thigpen Hearing Center, Dr. Thigpen and her staff seek to help patients grasp quality of life through clear communication with help for those experiencing hearing loss. “We provide relief and hope,” she says. With more than 20 years in the field of audiology, Dr. Thigpen’s passion for the “fine art of hearing healthcare” is evident to everyone she meets.
When Dr. Cindy Smith, Pharmacy Director of Reeves-Sain in Murfreesboro recognized a good solution to the frustrations of women experiencing hormonal imbalances, she immediately took the opportunity to bring bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to women in Rutherford County and throughout Middle Tennessee. “No two women are the same,” she says. “At Reeves-Sain we treat women as individuals and tailor hormone regimens to best meet their individual needs. Thanks to Dr. Smith and her enthusiasm for helping women through BHRT, she and the pharmacy staff at Reeves-Sain are literally changing lives.
Sheri Morgan of Tri-Star Title & Escrow, LLC loves owning her own business. “It’s something I always wanted,” she states. “And the title industry offers something new every day along with the opportunity to help my neighbors throughout Rutherford County successfully protect their most important investments.” With a desire to treat every customer they serve as the most important, Sheri and her team have managed to not only survive but thrive through a housing crisis. “We are thankful to our customers and their referrals for making our success possible,” she says. “You cannot survive without a solid reputation.”
While the stories of the women featured in this Women in Business issue demonstrate diversity and creativity, their stories also share a common thread of their deep commitment to their community and devotion to those they serve. As you read through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll be both impressed and inspired!