AMY COSTLEY, Assistant General Manager/Director of Sales, Crosswinds Golf Club

 

How long have you been in business?

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

 INNA STEPANOV, Owner/Master Piercer & Master Permanent Make-up Artist, Elite Ink Studio

How long have you been in business?

3.5 years in business, 20 years in the field

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge helped shape who I am today. Moving from Kyiv, Ukraine to the United States meant starting completely over — new language, new culture, new career path. I had to let go of my first profession as a speech therapist and teacher, which was very hard at first. The language barrier made me feel like I had lost part of my identity, but it also pushed me to rediscover myself through art.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

What is truly rewarding is seeing the confidence and joy on someone’s face when they look in the mirror after a service. It’s more than just about beauty — it’s about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin again. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Trust your vision and remain consistent, even when the journey feels uncertain. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, seek mentorship whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take up space. Success doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through resilience, integrity, and a willingness to keep learning.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My biggest cheerleaders are my family and close circle, along with the clients and community who consistently show their support. Their loyalty and encouragement remind me why I do what I do and inspire me to keep pushing forward. 

 
RAECHEL HALBERT, Savannah Age Management Medicine

How long have you been in business?

2 years in business and 10 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

I’ve been in brand marketing for over ten years but have had to learn how to apply my expertise to marketing a small functional medicine clinic in a new market. This has required developing a new professional network, establishing agency relationships and learning the ins and outs of local media. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The every day success the patients of Savannah Age Management Medicine see in achieving their health and wellness goals.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Focus on progress over perfection; done is often better than perfect when you’re scaling a business.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The team at Savannah Age Management Medicine who she works hand in hand with to educate the community on the benefits of functional medicine and its potential in helping them feel their best.

 TRISHA COOK, The Trisha Cook Team Compass Realty

How long have you been in business?

10 years in business, 15 years in the industry

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The markets ups and downs

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Helping clients find their dream homes

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Continue to grow and build strong community relationships

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family and clients.

 DR. KAREN DENISE ALSTON, The Jewel Empowerment Institute

How long have you been in business?

12 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most challenging aspects has been uilding and sustaining a mission-driven organization in a space that deals daily with trauma, crisis, and deeply personal lived experiences.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part has been witnessing the tangible impact of creating safe, affirming spaces where survivors are seen, believed, and supported. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Lead with purpose. Don’t be afraid to build something that reflects both their values and their lived experiences. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders include the survivors and families whose lives have been impacted by The Jewel, as their healing and growth continually affirm the importance of the work. I am also supported by a strong network of colleagues, community partners, advocates, and volunteers who believe deeply in the mission to advance domestic violence prevention and survivor supp 

 SHALIDA GRAY, His Reach, Inc

How long have you been in business?

1 year

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The biggest challenge is obedience when pressure rises. Resources feel tight. Time moves fast. Decisions carry weight. I have learned how to release control and trust God fully. Prayer leads before action. Patience matters when I want to move faster. Stewardship stays non-negotiable.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Watching God restore women never gets old. I see fear turn into confidence. I see employment replace uncertainty. I see women return to Christ and stand with dignity again. Those moments remind me this work belongs to God. I simply get to serve as the vessel.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Seek God first. Write the vision and guard the mission. Know your numbers and steward every dollar. Build systems early. Ask for help without guilt. Protect your character over growth. Stay rooted in the Word daily. Trust God in seasons of waiting. If He called you, He will sustain you.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The woman she lifts up with her dedication to their success

 MARIA MEKRAS JUSTUS, Lasky Justus Law

How long have you been in business?

4 years in business and nine years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Balancing the emotional weight of the work with the responsibilities of family and community. Many of my cases involve people who have been seriously hurt or are facing devastating loss, and carrying that while also being present as a mother, colleague, and leader is never easy. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part is being able to truly help people when they are going through something overwhelming and often life changing. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Trust your instincts. You can be strong and compassionate at the same time. It’s okay if your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Consistency and integrity matter more than perfection.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family, husband, and especially my children.

 YULIANTY KUSUMA, MD, FACP, Internal Medicine of Savannah

How long have you been in business?

13 years in business and 25 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Navigating the best care for patients through the obstacles of insurance.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Compassion and care for patients.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Never give up, no matter the obstacles.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My patients. 

 JESSICA NEELEY, Beach Insurance Pooler

How long have you been in business?

8.5 years and 24 years in industry

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

As the business continues to grow, handing off more responsibilities to my team members so that I can continue to scale effectively.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Helping people find the best insurance for the home, auto & businesses and then despite the tragedy, helping them navigate when an accident occurs.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

“Its not going to happen for you, so go get it Girl!”

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband Glenn. Cristy Mallot, friend and partner in my on-line vintage clothing store.

 SHIRLENIA DANIEL, Bread of Life Ministries 

How long have you been in business?

15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Inability to reach the needs of everyone in the community. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Persons receiving salvation of Jesus Christ and the community outreach ministries. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Never be afraid to be yourself, trust in God and have a willing heart to serve.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Due to my empathy in meeting the needs of others they become my greatest cheerleaders.

 CAROL LEGASSE, The Salt Table

How long have you been in business?

15 years owning Salt Table - 40 overall.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Creating a food brand and manufacturing about 300 products and running multiple shops. In addition, investing in people. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Seeing a concept and idea come together and be successful! It takes a lot of sweat equity and conscientious decision making to build a business. The biggest reward is when you have customers tell you how much they love what you do and love your products!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Be willing to take risks but don’t be reckless. Also, invest in your community and give back. This is so important. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and partner David. He is always very supportive and quick to tell everyone that I am the genius and he “carries the heavy boxes”! We are fortunate that we both have different skill sets that work well together. 

How long have you been in business?

7 years. 

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most challenging aspects of running my business has been balancing quick turnaround times while still giving each customer’s art piece the care and creativity it deserves. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my business is being trusted to create custom art for life’s most meaningful moments. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

My advice is to focus less on competition and more on authenticity. Don’t just worry about who you’re competing with—make sure your brand truly reflects your core values and speaks clearly to your audience. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are my parents and my eight-year-old daughter. Their constant encouragement keeps me grounded and motivated. Seeing my daughter watch my journey and believe in what I’m building gives me an extra sense of purpose every day.

 BELLA DIMEMMO, Inked elegantly 

How long have you been in business?

15 years 

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Having to start over when moving to five different states.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Helping people feel confident and beautiful. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Keep going, don’t give up. Don’t treat people in your niche like competition, rather treat them as supporters and motivation. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My long term clients—100%. 

 VERONICA DENISE STANFORD, Alexander Vee Ties and Things

How long have you been in business?

2 years 

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Advertising 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Seeing people enjoying their neck tie.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Keep pressing on. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Joseph F Stanford.

 PAM BAKER, Pine House Home & Decor

How long have you been in business?

Less than 1 year and 2-3 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

New Location Storefront 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Meeting new people and the community.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Start the business, conquer your fears.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My daughter Mccall and my Husband Jeff

HEATHER ALKIRE, As told by nominator

How long has the nominee been in business?

Heather Alkire has been employed at Brasseler, USA as an HR Business partner for 5 years.

What do you think has been the most challenging in running her business?

In her volunteer work, she serves as the Secretary and Chaplain of the Cooties, a hospital and disabled veterans support group, keeping this group organized and focused is difficult to accomplish, though Heather makes it seem effortless.

What do you think has been the most rewarding part?

She has fostered over 225 children, ranging from 2 days to 21 years old. She works tirelessly to assist less fortunate citizens, successfully soliciting sponsors to provide truckloads of food, clothing, and blankets for the homeless.

What advice would the nominee give other female entrepreneurs?

She inspires people to put aside time, money, and effort to support those who need it the most. Despite being very busy, she shows that one is never too busy to reach out to someone in need. 

Who are her greatest cheerleaders?

Pat Hardin: the nominator, who is overwhelmed by Heather’s generosity and calls her a true gift to the community. Charles Fillyaw , her fiancé and the VFW Post 660 Commander, with whom she partners to give back to the community. The foster children: The children she has cared for, who recognize how blessed they are to be in her care. 

 SONYA L. JACKSON, Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office

How long have you been in business?

5 years 

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most significant challenges has been leading a public-facing government organization through constant change while maintaining public trust. As Tax Commissioner, I operate in a highly regulated environment with evolving state laws, technology demands, and increased public expectations for transparency, speed, and customer service. Navigating pressures while keeping the focus on equitable service and community impact has been both complex and demanding.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact of her leadership on both the community and the employees I serve. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

I would encourage other female entrepreneurs to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose, even in environments where their leadership may be challenged or scrutinized. Building strong relationships, listening first, and investing in people are just as important as strategy and execution. 

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are my family and my management team. Their unwavering support, enthusiasm, and shared belief in the mission energize my leadership and celebrate the positive, people-first culture I have built through trust, collaboration, and excellence.

 MARA JUDD, Regional Manager, RPM Living

How long have you been in business?

15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most challenging aspects is navigating the constant and ever-evolving changes in the multifamily industry. 

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my business, especially as a regional manager, has been building strong teams and a positive, consistent culture across the company. 

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to never give up. This is often a male-dominated industry, and it can be easy to feel discouraged but don’t let that define or limit you. We are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are a small but incredibly meaningful group. First and foremost is my husband, who has supported me in following my dreams, my current leaders, Amanda, Eric, and Dana, who push me to be better, challenge me to grow, and cheer me on when I need it most. Lastly, my grandfather has been a lifelong influence. He instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age by allowing me to go to work with him as a child. Watching his dedication and commitment shaped how I approach my career today and laid the foundation for the professional I’ve become.