May 2004 Client of the Month

Jane Shekleton
Janey Lynn's Designs
New Hampton, IA

Jane had been running her business about six months when she enrolled in the MyEntreNet program. Eager to ensure her business' success, she was also hoping to learn how to expand to multiple locations. Like she had hoped, MyEntreNet broadened her business skills and increased her efficiency. In fact, Jane feels that the class has so much to offer that taking it twice would be beneficial!

Since childhood, Jane has known she wanted to own her own business-her first entrepreneurial endeavor at age fourteen when she tried to purchase the local women's apparel store. Several years later, she recognized a service and product that was in demand with little competition.

Janey Lynn's Designs is a business unique in its kind; not only does this small business owner rent wedding reception décor, but she also sells and installs custom blinds and drapes. What sets Janey Lynn's apart from the competition? Jane is always coming up with new ideas on wedding décor, and she makes a lot of her own pieces. On the window side, she beats Home Depot's prices and offers free consultation.

For Jane, the greatest challenge of owning a business has been borrowing money, which as a business owner is often difficult to overcome. However, entrepreneurship has been extremely rewarding for Jane-learning, sharing, and people contact to name a few. Asked if she would do it over again, Jane exclaimed, "In a flash!"

Through MyEntreNet, Jane was able to form a working team though which she can ask questions and share information. "Networking," she says, "is a key part of growth." The person-to-person contact was most helpful, and the online information provided by the program a wonderful resource. Jane is confident that participating entrepreneurs are greatly benefit by what the program offers. Her best piece of advice? "Take the class!"

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