Q&A with Business Women Who Make a Difference in Our Community

The National Women’s Business Council reports that women-owned businesses “contribute substantially to entrepreneurship in the United States.” 42% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women (13 million) and employ more than 9.4 million workers. Women are three percentage points more likely to start a business than men. Here we celebrate women in our community who are making a name for themselves while lifting up others in the process.

DR. LAUREN OGLESBY, Magnolia Primary Care

How long have you been in business?

Magnolia Primary Care opened February 1st 2025 in Springfield, GA. I have been a physician since 2017.

How long in your field of expertise?

Doctor of Medicine. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. I have been a physician of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics since 2017.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

As a new medical practice, the greatest challenge is identifying what customers value most in their healthcare experience, developing solutions to these needs and building a skilled team to implement quality care.

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

Seeing the patient’s surprise and relief of a simpler alternative. As a physician-owned practice, I decrease the distance to the doctor and increase transparency on services and prices.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Do extensive research on your field. Investigate the market, compare to similar businesses in other areas and read every book you can from someone who has gone before you.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are undoubtedly my family and friends. I am blessed to have a supportive husband, daughter, close family and friends. I am honored to work with many talented physicians.

ALYCIA CALDERIN, Coastal Contracting, LLC

How long have you been in business?

My husband started Coastal Contracting in 2016. I started my column in 2025.

How long in your field of expertise?

I have been writing as long as I can remember. I was chosen as a young author in Elementary School, Published poetry in my High School Literary Magazine as well as a book in High School and I’ve been in Customer Service since I was a teenager.  I’ve been a mom since I was 18.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Finding a good work/home life balance. I mean, who doesn’t struggle with that?! But, working with your spouse and then making time to write in between car pools and meetings can be a struggle some days.

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

On the Remodeling front, seeing out clients end result come to life. I always love that. And with my column, when someone I know (or don’t know) says that felt seen when they read what I wrote.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

It is never too late, and instead of why me, ask why not me?

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My children, my husband, my mom, my sister. I am so blessed with an incredible support system of cheerleaders.

ALISHA ESSELSTEIN, Esselstein Law P.C.

How long have you been in business?

3 years

How long in your field of expertise?

Over 4 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The emotionally tolling cases.

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

Helping my clients through the darkest seasons of their lives and helping them to a better future.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Don’t give up! Keep setting goals and knocking them out of the park.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Husband, children and the amazing team she has built at her firm.

SANDRA BAZEMORE, D&S Auto Brokers

How long have you been in business?

5 years

How long in your field of expertise?

25 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Balancing between my children and work.

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

The fast pace and knowledge that I have required.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Not to get discouraged. Find your balance and always strive to accomplish your goals.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My children are always very supportive and tell me how proud they are of me. My parents have always been extremely encouraging as well as my brother.

KATHERIN MCQUILLEN, Cottage Geeks and New Adventures Enrichment Co-Op

How long have you been in business?

2 years with my bakery and 10 with my school

How long in your field of expertise?

20 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

I would say keeping her ingredients in her bakery fresh from their farm, offering sustainable products for the home and not breaking the bank so everyone can enjoy. For her school, working with all ages and learning paths!

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

Her love of people and bringing food awareness and education to so many!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Wake up everyday with a grateful heart!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Her parents, daughter and husband.

MARTHA HALL, Hall & Navarro

How long have you been in business?

I have been an attorney for 31 years, and in private practice for 25 years. I have had an office in Effingham for 20 years this May. I knew I would put an office in Effingham because of my experience here while I was an Assistant District Attorney assigned to Effingham 30 years ago. Even then I knew it was a vibrant community with the perfect balance of tradition and willingness to welcome newcomers.

How long in your field of expertise?

I have specialized in family law matters since moving to private practice 25 years ago: divorce, child custody issues, child support issues and grandparents’ rights. Additionally, I have extensive experience in criminal defense work from representation in misdemeanors of any nature or description through and including work on death penalty cases.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Like with most folks in business retaining the best staff possible is a challenge, however I have been fortunate to have very experienced paralegals who have been with me for years. My team is very cohesive. Providing stellar customer service is our daily goal. Technology is also always a challenge for a lawyer who grew up using books and paper documents. I am getting much better though!

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

Fighting for great parents is my reward. This community is loaded with fantastic families, and I am blessed to help them through very difficult times.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Love the Lord, work your hardest and success will come.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

No question: my husband, Mike Hall, who started the firm in 1990, is my biggest fan. He is a true gift to me. My law partner, Paige Navarro, who is younger, smarter and more efficient keeps me up to date and more efficient myself. I must also give a shout out to the entire staff of Hall and Navarro in all three offices (Springfield, Statesboro and Swainsboro). They are the hardest working folks I know, and they have my back every single day.

DR. ASHLEY ALLEN, Gateway Community Service Board

How long have you been in business?

1 year

How long in your field of expertise?

15+ years of experience

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities of behavioral health funding while ensuring that individuals in need receive high-quality, accessible care. Balancing financial sustainability with the mission of serving the most vulnerable populations requires strategic leadership, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving.

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

The most rewarding part is seeing lives transformed through the services Gateway CSB provides. Watching individuals and families regain stability, hope, and independence because of the programs and resources available is what makes this work so meaningful. Leading a team of over 600 dedicated professionals throughout Coastal Georgia who are passionate about making a difference is equally rewarding.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Stay true to your mission, lead with confidence, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where decisions are made. Surround yourself with mentors, continuously seek growth opportunities, and remember that resilience and adaptability are key to success.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The dedicated team at Gateway CSB, the community partners who believe in the mission, and the individuals and families whose lives have been positively impacted. Additionally, my personal support system—family, friends, and mentors—has been instrumental in my leadership journey.

ANGELA LIGHTSEY, Tybee Wellness Retreats

How long have you been in business?

3 years

How long in your field of expertise?

20 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Starting over as a newly single mom.

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

Watching women overcome incredible obstacles with my help.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

There’s no room for competition, only for collaboration.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My daughter.

BRITTANY MOSLOW, Moslow Motorsports

How long have you been in business?

4 years

How long in your field of expertise?

4 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

I’ve watched her work on this business for the last 4 years. Stepping out on your own to pursue your dreams can be very tough. She has created a brand that I’ve never seen anyone do. Her husband has the fastest 300zx in the world and also holds the stock engine and street chassis world record. That’s how she got into making import apparel and accessories. She took over her husband’s family company and turned it into an apparel brand in 2021.

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

I think making things that people love and want to see more of.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Don’t ever give up, no matter how tough it gets. Things will always work out in the end!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Her husband has been her biggest supporter along with family and friends.

DR. TERRI NORBURG , Norburg Chiropractic and Wellness

How long have you been in business?

20+ years

How long in your field of expertise?

20+ years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Juggling family/business or Expansion during Covid.

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

Being able to help people in pain. Educating people about the body’s ability to heal. Helping veterans with chronic pain.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband, children and staff

STEPHANIE MONDT, Rincon Community Market

How long have you been in business?

1 year

How long in your field of expertise?

3+ years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Getting the market up and running has been an uphill battle for sure! But we have overcome all the obstacles and now have a full year of market’s planned.

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

I love how impactful organizing consistent markets has been for vendors and local small businesses. So many of them have shared with me how excited they are to have somewhere to sell in their own county.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Keep going! Just when it gets the hardest, you are on the verge of a major breakthrough.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Lori Sowers, Nikki Lee and Kristen Stamfer has been HUGE cheerleaders for this project. I could NOT do it without them.

ELLEN GEHRKE, Bloom Nutrition

How long have you been in business?

2 years

How long in your field of expertise?

10 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Keeping enough supplies.

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

Meeting new folks daily and forming new relationships.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Always give your best to clients.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Family and clients.

LORI SOWERS, FBC Rincon Church

How long have you been in business?

10+ years

How long in your field of expertise?

7+ years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

She’s been amazing and handled everything with Grace. She’s constantly the public scrutiny and I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.

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

Working with the kids in the community makes her light up.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Seek God, and remember to love people.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Miss Amy

ANITA COLSON, Country Crossings,LLC

How long have you been in business?

March 1, 2025

How long in your field of expertise?

2 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Finding vendors with quality products.

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

Meeting our customers and being able to assist them with gifts and home decor.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Have faith in yourself and never give up.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband Sean and sons Caleb & Tyler. My friends Vera Jones and Erica Waters.

IVY EILERMAN,  Southern Grace Mortgage

How long have you been in business?

9 months

How long in your field of expertise?

23 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Having the courage to completely rebrand yourself was a challenge for me. But with 23 years’ experience, it wasn’t difficult to get things running.

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

Helping people achieve the dream of ownership is a vital part of building a community, and I am honored to help each and every person who puts their trust in me and my team.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Don’t ever think it, just go for it. People will always have something negative to say but trust in God and his plan for your life!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders have been other business owners and of course my friends and family.

RENEE HOWARD, Mungo Homes

How long have you been in business?

10 years

How long in your field of expertise?

20 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Work/family life balance. Focusing on doing the best job I can for my customers and being the best mom I can at the same time.

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

Getting to help people find a new home that they love. It’s like HGTV in real life.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Dream big. Set goals and work towards them every day. Understand that there will be good days and bad days so make a conscious decision not to let the bad days discourage you. Attitude is everything. Have a good one.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family and my amazing coworkers.

EMMA WHITAKER, Lux Tanning

How long have you been in business?

5  years

How long in your field of expertise?

5+  years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Some of the most challenging parts of owning a spray tan business is the seasonal demand along with the competition & pricing. With every business, comes competition but in the tanning industry there are not as many mobile artists like LUX Tanning. Every spray tan from LUX Tanning, is customized to your skin type!

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

The most rewarding part of a spray tan business goes beyond just giving clients a bronzed glow—it’s about the confidence and happiness they feel after their session. Some of the most fulfilling aspects include: Being part of a bride’s wedding prep or a big event makes the job special. Seeing the excitement and joy on their faces is priceless because they always feel so confident!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Always believe in yourself! Charge what you are worth and don’t under value your services! Stay consistent and keep up with the new industry trends!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders is definitely my family! The people who encourage me and remind you of your worth even on the slow days!