Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1365748
< Dorothy E. Ridley Dorothy E. Ridley is the owner of Dot's Forget Me Knots clothing store in downtown Macon. Ridley is inviting and warm, and she has lived in Macon all of her life. She has been happily married for 51 years and has four children, four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. "I have always been entrepreneurial, so while working full-time, I was a licensed realtor for 14 years," she said. Upon early retirement from the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company in 2001, she realized her dream of opening and owning a women's boutique in her hometown. "I love being a part of the revitalization downtown," she said. She advised younger women to take care of themselves and to make an effort to have quality family time. "When working, don't waste time feeling guilty about working and leaving your children. Make sure they are left in trusted hands, and after work spend quality time with them," she said. "As you prepare for retirement, follow your passion and focus on things that you enjoy. Be bold and brave." Ridley has always wanted to help other women develop their own unique styles. "We are all built differently and look amazing regardless of size. I love helping women integrate new trends into their fashion while still looking very stylish," she said, adding that her store's slogan is "step out in style." She emphasized having grace with yourself, especially in uncertain times. "I certainly had challenges in the beginning, but nothing quite like what I've experienced in the last year because of the pandemic," she said. "I am still thriving and surviving while meeting the needs of women with a desire for unique fashions and accessories. Since the inception, I have walked by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) for over 18 years, enjoying and loving what I do. I thank God for His blessings." W ork-life balance. ose three words can be daunting and overwhelming, and finding that balance looks different for every woman. Oftentimes, seeking the "balance" is unrealistic and even implies that women must subtract from one area of life in order to achieve success in another. Macon-based work club, e Web, leads with a better mantra: a work-life blend with the purpose of fostering and enhancing "professional energy, creative inspiration, personal motivation and career-defining intention." Forget the balance; embrace the blend. ree Macon women exemplify perseverance, passion and purpose – successful lives made more fulfilling because they blend life and work to accomplish more. May their wisdom inspire others. APRIL/MAY 2021 | maconmagazine.com 115