Page 4 - RVO Women In Business Jan 2017

4VV • Sunday, January 29, 2017 • Women in Business
Advertising Supplement to the River Valley & Ozark Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Pat & Emily Young Dog Ear Books By Sarah DeClerk
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
For mother-and-daughter duo Pat and Emily Young, Dog Ear Books is more than a business; it is a hub where members of
the River Valley community can gather to enjoy great books and stimulating conversation.
“Providing customers with books has always been — and will always be — a very important role in our culture,” daughter and co-owner Emily said. “Helping people find the right book is a reward in and of itself.”
Emily, who has owned a graphic-design company for several years, said she wanted to pursue a community-driven and interac- tive venture, so she and her mother opened Dog Ear Books in November.
“We just jumped. The idea struck us, and we went with it,” she said. “We have never done anything like this, so it’s been a learn- as-you-go process.”
The shop offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for study, conversation and, of course, reading. A diverse selection of books offers something for everyone. In hopes of creating community bonds that
SUBMITTED PHOTO
PatYoung,left,and her daughter Emily opened Dog Ear Books in Russellville last November in hopes of creating a community hub where customers can study, converse and read.
are as strong as their family bonds, the pair also host events that provide opportunities for community engagement.
“You can make a dream become a reality if you have enough patience and community encouragement,” Emily said. “Support small, local businesses every chance you get.”
Dog Ear Books is at 301 W. Main St. in Russellville. To learn more, call 479-219- 5123 or visit www.ilovedogear.com.
Linda Starr The Sporty Runner By Cody Graves
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Running has become a popular pastime, and one local woman is helping commu- nity residents find the equipment they
may need.
Linda Starr opened her store, The Sporty
Lady, at age 60. Before that, she had spent 35 years with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. and had never worked retail or used a cash register.
“Almost 18 years later, we are still in busi- ness, and we have expanded twice,” she said. “I love the opportunity that I have to help others so they can become better walkers and runners.”
She said she decided to open the store in February 1999 because she was a runner and had trouble finding running items and apparel for women. So she opened her own store to fill the need in the community.
After comments from some men about why the store didn’t offer items for men, she decided to add men’s shoes and apparel and changed the name to The Sporty Runner.
Starr operates the business alongside her son, Don Starr. Linda Starr said that having
RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION FILE PHOTO
Linda Starr, owner of The Sporty Runner in Conway, opened her business to offer great running gear to the community.
him helping her makes the business possible. “It is great,” she said. “I couldn’t run it with- out him. Not only do we have a good personal relationship, but a good business relationship
as well.”
Starr said many friends and relatives have
supported her and her business, but her biggest supporter was her mother.
“My mother was still living when I opened the store and always encouraged me in my new career,” Starr said.