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38 | MACON MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS Why did you start Ocmulgee Traders? We started Ocmulgee Traders when we saw what was happening in Downtown Macon. We've lived in Intown for 17 years and have seen it rock back and forth, and we knew it was reaching the tipping point and that all the people living and working downtown needed a grocery store. Unfortunately, none of the chain stores felt that Macon was right for them. We knew that we could help set the tone for what downtown was becoming, so we decided to do it ourselves. Where do you hope to see the business 5 years from now? I want Ocmulgee Traders to feel like it's been there forever in five years. We've had lots of other cities across Georgia asking us to start stores for them, so I think we will either franchise or consult, once we feel like it is all figured out. What's the best part of your job? My favorite part of the job is telling others about our cool products. I walk a fine line between friendly and pushy, so I try not to be annoying. I'm just excited about so many of our items, either because they are delicious or make you feel better or both! We've got great local items like Biron Tea, Crown Candy, Buckner's Stone-milled Grits, Kiree soaps, Mrs. Griffin's and Dog Days barbecue sauces, and Bread Gypsy pizza dough, as well as local produce and meats. Plus we have items that you can't find anywhere else, like King of Pops, Tiger Mountain wine, Evolution Himalayan salt, Scharffen Berger candy bars, and the whole line of Ginger People! What is the biggest challenge? Our biggest challenge has always been keeping the shelves full. We're not a big chain with hundreds of people doing all the jobs that need to be done, so it can be really tricky. We never want to let anyone down, so we work really hard - but it's worth it. LAURA PUCKETT BELL CO-OWNER, OCMULGEE TRADERS 455 Poplar St | Macon, GA 31201 478.345.6162 Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur and start Pet Nanny? I was soul searching at the end of 2013, after many years in a career that wasn't making me happy anymore. I made a list of the things that I love most. Animals and art made the top of the list. I then decided to spend more time with animals and art in my life. I have always taken care of pets. My family has always had at least one dog if not several strays that my dad and I would make sure were taken care of and ended up staying forever. I decided to form Pet Nanny Network, LLC, in August 2014. My strongest desire was to assist people with their pets at important times or when they were traveling. What do you love most about what you do? I love walking in the door and seeing happy furry faces! e pets become my buddies, and I miss them when I don't see them. I also enjoy getting messages from clients thanking me for allowing them to enjoy their vacation. Most people worry constantly traveling, while their pets are boarded. Knowing that they are home, comfortable, and following the normal routine takes a lot of stress off of my clients. I make sure to keep in touch with them while they are away. Pet Nanny has been on call for babies being born, deaths in the family, important business trips, sudden family emergencies, holiday trips and vacations. Where do see yourself 5 years from now? I will still be having fun with pets, but also have more fully developed a course providing pet and animal care tips for children. We have created coloring pages, and also have the Pet Nanny Top 20 Care Tips available for children. Next will be children's stories. I hope Pet Nanny Network, LLC, will have a few franchised locations, and that we will have branded merchandise to educate people about animal care and their pets. BETSY CAMPBELL PET NANNY NETWORK, LLC bcpetnanny@gmail.com | 478.538.1490