We Asked, You Facebooked "What's the best part of owning your business?" When business becomes tough, we oenmes need reminding of why the entrepreneurial life is so great. We asked local business owners what they like about being their own boss. Here are a few of the responses we received. To read more, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine. Terrell Sandefur: If you have a passion for what you do, it never feels like work. I created the "SoChi" brand and own The SoChi Companies (www.thesochicompanies.com). The best part is that I'm my own boss. The worst part is that my boss works me day and night! Saralyn Collins Harvey: I love the feeling I get when I see a new customer become a "regular," or when a bride tells me her recepon is perfect. It's not all about money for me. I'm more movated by the freedom I have in my life because I own my business. Amanda Lindley: The best part of owning Lindley's Photography is that we get to be a part of someone's special day EVERY weekend! And we get to do what we love to do for a living! Mary Jane Kinnas: I love having my own business because it allows me to set my own schedule... to take my children to school, be involved in their school, be with them at home aer school, during summer vacaon, etc. I also enjoy working with my clients (who are small businesses) to help them find creave ways to promote and market what they do. And I love taking pictures of precious children and families. It's truly been a blessing for me and our family. Cyndie Smith: I like being at Mellow Mushroom Warner Robins every day greeng people and interacng with the community. My employees call me “mama mushroom.” We have a “mushroom family” going on here. Tammy Anderson: I enjoy my clients very much; they are like family to me. They have helped me to hone my cra which pleases them and makes me happy to exceed their expectaons. Ashley Slocumb: The best part about owning my own business is being able to interact with all my customers and build personal relaonships with them. It never gets boring in my store because people are always stopping by to visit or just catch up. Sarah Oglesby Poulos: It is rewarding to see the wide eyes and big grins on kids’ faces when they come to Monkey Joe's for a party or to play. You know they are happy, and that's what it is all about! Calista Waddy: I find that the best part of owning my own business is that I can do what I love to do. In my case, it's teaching harp and piano lessons, as well as performing the harp for weddings, recepons and special events. For me, there is no greater reward than saying that I honestly love what I do every day. I love my students and I feel very fortunate that they have chosen me to be a part of their educaon and lives. As for performing at special events, I am always honored that I get to be a special part of one of the clients' most important days, be it a wedding, proposal, funeral, or party – they want their day to be special and I am part of that. Jennifer Bucholtz: Having creave freedom and being able to grow professionally in ways never imagined. Also, it's nice to be able to work in pajama pants and spread magazines and notes of paper with ideas all over the floor without worrying if my boss is going to get mad. Paige Henson: You think I'd cite the freedom it affords you, but honestly I keep longer hours than ever. I guess one of the best perks would be being able to choose who you work with! Ellen Jelks Finkelstein: Geng to know my customers! I have loved meeng so many new people and becoming close to a lot of them. I look forward to each day because of the people I see! Steve Bertram: There is never a dull moment. If, by chance, there is a dull moment, go on vacaon. 10 MyTown October 2009 www.mytownmonthly.com | www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine