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 Artisan and entrepreneur, Lisa J. Tatum has turned a spirit of giving into a ministry and a successful business. She is The Grand Lady of gift-giving and personal skin care. Lisa has matched her passion for business with her spirit of creativity to birth a living entity that encourages, embraces, and uplifts. She is The Grand Lady! Lisa has spent twenty-five years in the retail, computer, education, and energy industries grooming herself into an entrepreneur. She holds degrees in both Business and Accounting.
Birth
Since 1992, Lisa and her mother, the late Myrtle Lavergne, began making Easter Baskets for family members and friends. Inspired by overwhelming request from others, Lisa turned a family tradition into a business venture. Assisted by family and friends, she began expanding her client base to local hospitals, schools and churches. In 2003, Lisa decided to expand the business by introducing an exclusive line of natural skin care products resulting from experiences caring for her mother, who struggled with Breast Cancer. Lisa is continually training and researching with Aromatherapy and product innovations to assist others with skin care maladies. Grand Lady’s gifting has grown into an Alternative Wellness for a more healthy and beautiful you.
Growth
Today Grand Lady’s line of products boasts handcrafted bar soap, body butters, salt scrubs, bath salts, bath oils, fragrance sprays, milk baths, Organic herbal DETOX baths and the list is growing. Lisa has created skin care lines for the entire family in many enticing fragrances. Grand Lady is primarily, but not limited to an internet-based business. Grand Lady comes to many venues; essentially bring the store to the people. Lisa participates in many community events as a vendor allowing customers to see, touch and smell the essence of Grand Lady. Lisa’s loyal following seeks her out for their next fix of Lemon Meringue, Nubian fig, Summer breeze, Bubbling Brown Sugar and Pomegranate Passion. Look out she may be in a city near you real soon!
Lisa is a native Houstonian where she still resides with her family and many friends. She is cleaning up this country one bar at a time……….soap bar, that is!
“The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” ~ Job 17:9
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 Be ready to hold your sides from laughter when you all get the chance to meet this fabulous PEP Woman in the Spotlight. Holly Murphy-Barstow is one of those wonderful women that tend to find a humorous side to every situation. On the occasions of weekend or week getaways with other ‘girlfriends’, the comments are always the same, “I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so hard for so long”.
This is precisely why we have chosen to feature Holly as an example of positive women with whom we want to be connected. Not only does she make you feel good just being around her, but you are in awe of all of her talents. Her photographic memory makes her a wealth of information—even if it was something she learned 20 years ago. She has built a very successful financial planning business; Barstow and Co, that she now operates out of her home. A home that exudes her decorating expertise of color, texture and definitely an influence of one of her favorite vacation spots—Paris, France. She has taken her ‘creative’ side to a higher level by developing a side business of making unique one-of-a-kind beautiful invitations for weddings, birthdays, parties, etc.
Now you may think, how can one person be an expert on financial matters (attention to detail and numbers) and be equally as creative? Haven’t we been told you are EITHER right-brained OR left-brained? Well, that is precisely why we want to acknowledge women that exemplify ‘following your passions’. Holly lives life to the fullest and is the first to acknowledge that having a loving, supportive husband is instrumental in helping her achieve many of her passions. In addition to supporting her business ventures, Holly and Bruce have made family and friends a priority. Together they have raised 2 confident, kind and driven children; they love to cook gourmet meals and they frequently host gatherings in a lovely backyard they’ve created with ponds, plants and an unspoken ambiance that invites you to “come, sit, laugh and share our garden”!
Look for Holly’s contributions in Pep-Perspectives “Ask the Experts”, to be featured in our ‘relaunch’! Also watch for her new website: www.barstowandcompany.com
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 Jessica Tomsen has loved styling girlfriends hair for as long as she can remember. When it was prom time @ her high school in Minden NE, she was the one who fixed everyone else’s hair—just because she loved doing it. She was also influenced by an uncle who owned and operated a salon in the Denver area. When she was considering careers after high school, Jessica was determined to attend cosmetology school. Trying to provide support, but also guidance, her family encouraged her to think of other options that would give her a college degree. Being a “strong young lady”, Jessica knew her passions. At the age of seventeen, she moved to the ‘big city’, completed a 15-month training school and then went to work for a large salon. Her boss at the well-established firm turned out to be an excellent mentor, teaching her many skills that were invaluable. Jessica, however, felt compelled to run her own business. Four other stylists/entrepreneurs from the former salon started their own shop. Within months, clients filled their chairs and the increased take-home revenue proved to be a very lucrative decision.
The excitement is evident in Jessica’s voice as she talks about how much she loves what she does. Being VERY personable, she is much more than a hair stylist, over the years she has developed a relationship with her clients and knows about their spouses, kids and families. “It’s what makes work not seem like work”, she states. Because of her talents, Jessica was also hired as a trainer for Enjoy, a company that sells hair supplies. She does shows demonstrating the latest hairstyles utilizing their products.
Jessica is a positive influence to any woman that feels they need to please others, but in their heart they know their own passion. Jessica’s family could not be more proud of her and her determination. However, she is the one who every day feels the pride of having pursued her passion--her “Dream that Grew Wings”!
CONGRATULATIONS, you are an inspiration!!
Location: Lincoln Trade Center - 5930 South 58th, Suite H, Lincoln, NE 68516. Contact them at 402-560-5552
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"Bar S Tack & Western Wear"
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 Stacy is an INSPIRATION! Several years ago this young woman had a job with a bank. When she un-expectantly lost her job, she made the decision to pursue her passion. She opened her own business, Bar S Tack & Western Wear in Holton KS, without missing a beat. She along with her husband put their heart and soul into their business, their animals and their customers. Their lifetime of experience with horse and cattle care makes them experts in their field. Stacy McClintock truly had a dream to open a tack and western wear store. Their dream has grown even bigger as they have added an outdoor arena and a roping pen. They built it and the customers have come—they could not be happier!
Our PEP's original founder, Sam, discovered Stacy’s booth @ River City Roundup in Omaha, NE. She was impressed with her display and after talking to her was even more impressed with her story of how her dream grew wings!!
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"DB Designs" & "Purse'n'ality"
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  Deni & Brooke were an incredible mother/daughter team. Brooke from the age of 3 showed promising signs of dancing talent. Being from a small town of less than 25,000 population, the opportunities for challenging dance classes were few. From that need, Brooke's mom decided she and a couple of business partners would open a dance studio in order to bring new and innovative classes to the town for Brook and her friends. For years, this studio successfully taught many girls the art and finesse of dancing.
When Brooke graduated from high school and subsequently from college, the desire to own their own studio no longer existed, but their passion for being involved in the dancing community continued. Out of this 'passion', they explored their interests and realized a couple of things—Deni, from the time of 8, loved to design and sew Barbie clothes; in college she designed and created sorority rush party themes and costumes; in their studio, she and Brooke created and designed 'competition winning' dances and costumes for girls of all ages—so their next business seemed a 'no-brainer'.
They took the "next step" and started a new business called: DB Designs, a company that designs and sews costumes for dance studios, show choirs, dance teams, and high school musical/play productions around the country (thanks to the website Deni personally created). In addition to the costumes that have received fabulous reviews, she has also started making and creating purses via 'purse parties' where women choose their own fabric, style and trims.
Deni, you are an inspiration to all of our PEP women to set goals and GO FOR IT!! The best of luck with both of your ventures: DB Designs & Purse'n'ality.
Visit Deni's website(s): www.dancextensions.biz and www.pursenalitybydbdesigns.com
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 Sandy doesn't quite remember what the initial 'drive' was to start Bushel Basket, a floral and variety store in Stuart, NE. However, in August of 1987, she recalls following a passion to open a business in this small community because the “town needed it.” As a way to grow the business, ten years ago she added floral design and arrangements. That sparked off the tuxedo rental since she was doing many weddings. Having a steady income has been a positive, not having every weekend off has been the negative. Sandy has had to miss family events especially around Mother’s Day, Christmas, the busy wedding season or an unexpected funeral. Her strategy for ‘marketing’ her business had been: to be very involved in the community, to cater to her customers who then spread ‘the word’ and to take care of her ‘prom customers.’ She said, “Someone once told me the young generation would become my future customers.” “Having been in business for over 20 years, that has certainly proven to be some of the best advice I ever received!”
The unique items and displays are fabulous. Although her 2 daughters are not officially part of the business, they can be found ‘helping out’ mom on many occasions. Like mom, like daughters, they are all very creative! The community has continued to thrive because of businesses like this and because of Sandy’s commitment to follow her passion! The Bushel Basket is a must stop when traveling down highway 20 in north central Nebraska. Check out more info and pictures in PEP’s Gallery and Boutique Mall.
Website: www.bushelbasketflowers.com
 Maude Cote' is one of the volunteer gardeners at The Museum of Civilization in Quebec Canada.Maude will begin her first year at University. She works high atop the roof of the Museum, where they have been cultivating a vegetable and flower garden for fresh produce to be donated to the food pantry of Quebec. The Museum is for all ages but I noticed you can't help but jump in with the kids in the sand box or work on a finger painting and hang it, leaving you "mark " behind. This is a very hands on museum.
There is an area of the roof-top garden dedicated to the art of the special needs children of the area....It is called the "Pink Garden". Abundant with pink flowers of all shades and tucked in each bed is a painting or drawing. It is truly a garden of love! PEP tips their garden hat to The Museum of Civilization and to Maude Cote' for her unselfish service.
Website: www.mcq.org/bloge
Baby Ditt Couture is a company for hip moms and families who enjoy fine fabrics for their homes that are unique in style and exceptional in quality! They specialize in couture baby blankets along with large throws that will create an instant conversation piece in any home!
What started out as a “dream” for Christy Croom, a stay at home mom, has now become a small business for her as well as several family members. Soft, “yummy fabrics” as she calls them, have always been her favorite. The problem is most often you have to pay such high prices for these types of products. She recalls once having to split a couture baby blanket with several girlfriends just so they could provide a unique gift for a close friend. Even though it took three of them to buy it, it was worth the money. Christy’s taste for couture fashion/fabrics is what paved the way for this “dream that grew wings”.
At the age of 31, she learned how to sew on her mom’s used sewing machine. They set it up on a sewing table that she bought at a garage sale in her unfinished basement. After a lot of mix-ups and mess-ups during start up, Christy realized that she was able to use her interior design sense to create beautiful products. After deciding on a label design they started producing and marketing “Baby Ditt” products to friends and family.
The name Baby Ditt came from her son Nick! He started calling his blanket his “Ditt” when he was about 14 months old. Baby Ditt seemed like a logical choice for our baby blanket line and the couture was added to exemplify the uniqueness of our fabrics.
Word spread about Baby Ditt and years later they are a full-service “gift shop”. The business has grown so much, that she is unable to keep it up by herself, she had to recruit her family to help out. Her step-mom comes over at least once a week to sew and her grandmother finishes up designs with the whipstitch.
As Christy pursued her passion she discovered that running a business “takes a village”! This is a great example of women’s empowerment; she credits her friends and family. She realizes that when women work together, offering encouragement and helping hands—success is achieved. She states, “they have helped move this business from a dream to a reality for me”.
Website: www.babyditt.com
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"PEP's Original Founders Sam & Janell"
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 It started as we chatted with coffee over the phone--a thousand miles apart. Janell said, "I have a plan". "When I was a marriage and family therapist I loved watching women feel empowered after going through a crisis". She continued, "it was clearly important for them to have guidance as they made life changing decisions, however, what I found is that after those decisions were made, they kept coming back--for support". "I realize now that they did not really need me, they just needed other women to support them as they continued their journey". Sam, mucking her horse stalls (you think I am joking??) as she 'listened', said 'yeah-what's your plan". I said, "I think we could do this on the internet, it's become a pretty popular median you know"! "It could reach women everywhere, they could tell their stories and get ideas from other women--at no cost". That suddenly rekindled an idea that Sam had had for years and the conversation veered in the direction of Sam's passions. She said, "Hey, what a great idea, we could start a business of you pursuing your dreams empowering women; and me having a venue for my "Purely Positive Material" (art work, trunks, pots, etc) that I love to do! It's all about being Positive and Passionate"!!! Well the "mucking of the stalls" was over for that day.
We talked for several hours, each of us barely getting our words out before the next idea came to our brain and we had to interrupt the other person!! Ladies, you ALL know what we're talking about--the Passion, the excitement, the positive impact it would have---no one was going to stop us!!! Suddenly, Sam said, "wait, but I don't even own a computer". Too late, the excitement was unstoppable, we'd work out that little detail. Our business-minded husbands supportingly said, "ladies--first you MUST have a business plan"!!! Their advice was exactly right--however we knew we would eventually get to that--for now we had to come up with things like a name, our colors, our logo--you know the IMPORTANT fun things.
We did come up with a name, PEP-Perspectives..."Passionately Empowering Positive Perspectives"--and it is perfect for our mission!!! The journey has been incredible, wonderful, challenging, frustrating, educational and much more! It is OUR Dream That Grew Wings and because it truly included passions for both of us....it has taken flight!!!
 Prang, Si, Suk, Sumran, Nah, Yah, Chuey are just some of the women who are committed to making changes in their lives for their personal betterment, but probably are empowered more by making a difference for their families. These ladies are from a small village 6 hours outside of Bangkok called Buriram, Thailand. The original organization of The Women of the Well was started in Bangkok when missionaries, Jim & Judy Nelson, discovered on a trip to China that the sex industry was rampant with ladies trying to make a living for their families.
Today, when the ladies choose to come to The Well, they are taught to make jewelry, purses, cards and most recently to sew PEP pants. Michaela Weeks is currently living in the village of Buriram and teaches the ladies and their children English, math, conducts Bible studies and helps with their new ‘profession’ of learning to sew with 2 donated machines. As the women become more competent they are increasingly feeling empowered. It reminds us of the ‘modified’ saying, “Give a woman food and she feeds her children for a day, teach a woman to sew and she feeds her children for a lifetime”!!
Michaela related a story that when the ladies finished several pairs of pants they decided to celebrate by going to a park with their children outside of the village in a small truck. She said all 21 of the women and their children loaded in the back of the truck (where’s the photo??) ?, and when they arrived at the park, each and every woman proudly bought their child a small snack with money they had earned from “The Well”. Michaela said the moment was indescribable, as you could ‘feel’ how the empowerment of these women.
PEP-Perspectives proudly acknowledges that no matter what the culture or where women are in the world, one thing is universal—Self Esteem is built when you choose to do something positive with your life and then passionately pursue your goals. Go to: http://www.servantworks.com/well OR to www.narimon.org to see how you can purchase their products online. Also check them out in our Boutique Mall as their products and their positive mission to empower women are a feature in our mall.
 The Teacher’s Lounge is anything but relaxing for Dawnita Buck. In August of 2008 she took the “plunge’ to start her own business. She had taught school for 14 years in Grand Island Nebraska and was ready for something different. When a local school supply store closed, she decided that elementary teachers needed a place to buy their supplies.
She said parents also have been coming into her store buying educational games for their children, as well as homework books and other school supplies. She has had a steady stream of customers. You can find bulletin board items, teaching aids, audio tape conversion to CD, lamination and even a great cup of coffee and ‘lounge area’. Periodically Dawnita even gets to enjoy that—while using her laptop of course.
Dawnita loves the freedom her job allows while still pursuing her passion of educating children. Stop in for a coffee and to browse her store, you will find wonderful educational tools! |
