WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW
Ten movers and shakers in Southwest Florida
1 LIZA CLOUSE & TRASI SHARP (Over Easy Café and Island Paws, Sanibel) Sanibel’s Over Easy Café is one of the go-to places for breakfast and lunch, not only for seasonal tourists but for year-rounders. Trasi has owned Over Easy Café for nearly a decade. Just a few steps away is Island Paws, which Liza owns, offering healthy pet products. Liza’s advice: “Work really hard but make it fun―it’s good for you.” Trasi’s advice: “You should learn and be able to perform every aspect of your business, so that no one knows it better.”
2 DAWN HILLMAN & KATE SERGEANT (On Island, Sanibel) On Island is founded on the idea of supporting businesses and island artists. The pair created a niche retail store consisting of such items as designer towels and a Joggling Board that is a must-see. Dawn is president of The Sanibel School PTA, and Kate is an attorney for Great Prairie Risk Solutions. Their consensus advice: Don’t let fear stop you, it’s OK to feel afraid, but just move past it.
3 SUSAN MCCALLION (McCallion & McCallion, Sanibel) The word entrepreneur is imprinted in Susan’s DNA. Her mother owned a real estate business in Connecticut and the family was invested. So it’s not surprising she followed in her mother’s footsteps, starting McCallion & McCallion in 2014, partnering with her husband. Susan’s advice: “Never forget what’s really important in life, no matter what!”
4 MELISSA CONGRESS (Congress Jewelers, Sanibel) When Melissa Congress joined the family business in 1989, her added value was instrumental and immediate. Handwritten receipts and a dated ordering system were still utilized, so she initiated an inventory management system. Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to make suggestions!”
5 TRACEY GALLOWAY (Community Cooperative, Fort Myers) As its CEO, Tracey strives to take the nonprofit Community Cooperative to the next level, supporting efforts in addressing education, hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida. Her advice: “No matter what you choose in life, you must do it with a passion.”
6 LINDA REYNOLDS (Genesis Counseling of Fort Myers) Counseling can be invaluable. It is the profession that allows many of us to function in day-to-day life. Linda started with Genesis Counseling III in 1996 and founded Genesis Counseling of Fort Myers in 2003. Linda’s advice: “Learn the ropes first before branching out on your own.”
7 HOLLY PAULUS (Nexxus, Fort Myers) Holly worked as a vice president with Accudata before branching out a decade ago with Nexxus, a direct marketing and data consulting firm. “I saw a niche that needed to be filled in creating marketing solutions that are more than just a list,” she says. Holly’s advice: “Surround yourself with like-minded people and follow your intuition, dreams and vision.”
8 JENNIFER PAGNUTTI (Studio RK Salon, Fort Myers) Jennifer started working at Studio RK Salon almost 20 years ago, was offered a partnership 10 years ago. “A dream come true,” she says of the opportunity. Her advice: “Surround yourself with people who have your back. Support is paramount!”
No matter what you choose in life, you must do it with a passion.” —TRACEY GALLOWAY, CEO COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE, FORT MYERS