Some people choose to chase the American dream by becoming their own boss. Four Fort Wayne business owners have worked or are working for another employer, but decided to start their own businesses. And they aren't the only ones. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Studies report, one in nine workers were self-employed in 2009. These local business owners say there are benefits and drawbacks of working for yourself.
Jewelry designer
Cynthia Barnes has a business administration degree from Purdue University, which she said helps her with her part-time business, Your Size Jewelry.
Founded in 2006, it features handmade items for women of all sizes.
Barnes operates her business online, taking orders and keeping in touch with interested buyers.
None of the jewelry is pre-made, she said, so when customers purchase an item, she makes it and sends it out usually within 24 hours.
Her creations feature Swarovski crystals, sterling silver and gold.
She is inspired by things she sees around town and in fashion magazines.
"This is just an avenue for me to be more crafty (and) display my creativity," Barnes said.
She said running her own business is fun, but challenging.
"I'm in charge of the good, the bad and the ugly," she said, adding she alone is able to celebrate the successes or learn from the mistakes.
It's easier to be your own boss because you aren't limited, Barnes added, but it takes discipline.
To learn more about Your Size Jewelry, visit yoursizejewelry.com.
Custom advertiser
Alfred Rodriguez opened A-R Specialty Advertising in 1982 after his then-employer left town. Including himself, the business has three employees.
His company sells custom embroidered and screen-printed promotional items , such as cups, calendars, clothing and bags.
Depending on the frequency of purchases, Rodriguez said he has 500 to 1,000 clients. He also said his business is competitive, and loyal customers are the reason for his success.
For a business to be successful today, Rodriguez said it takes a bit of everything, including education and experience.
Despite all the hours he dedicates to A-R Specialty Advertising, Rodriguez said he would do it again.
"I had an opportunity to go to work for General Motors and turned that down to stay in this business," he said.
Rodriguez likes the freedom to come and go. It's a lot of work, but it has its benefits, he added.
A-R Specialty Advertising is at 1341 Goshen Road and online at www.a-rspecialtyad.com.
Wellness coach
Kim Hiatt is a wellness and weight-loss coach who started Slim Down for Life last fall. She runs the growing business full time in her retirement.
Six years ago, Hiatt worked for a wellness company that studies plants and how they help the human body. When she moved to Fort Wayne two years ago, she said her eyes were opened to the unhealthy aspects of life, so she decided to act.
"My passion is to be able to help people look, feel and perform better and happier," she said.
As a consultant, Hiatt works with people to help them improve their health, lose weight, increase energy and decrease stress.
"We all have too much stress in our lives, and stress can do nasty things to our bodies," Hiatt said.
As a certified natural health professional, Hiatt educates clients on what they can do to improve themselves, such aschanging habits.
She said there are pros and cons of being her own boss, but she enjoys the independence and flexibility. It takes passion and perseverance to run a business, she added.
Hiatt has no office, but she can be reached at 255-3553.
For more information, visit www.slimdownforlife.net.
Storage provider
Gary Wooten began Warehousing by Wooten in 2007 after being laid off twice.
"I decided to take my fate in my own hands," Wooten said. "I was tired of getting laid off."
When he first opened the storage warehouse, he said he cleaned it from top to bottom, getting rid of years of dust.
Wooten has a background in purchasing, inventory management and customer service.
The facility is 60,000 square feet. Wooten can store anything but hazardous and perishable items.
He runs everything for the business -- from accounting to phone calls, forklift driving to deliveries.
When a client comes in with a truckload of items, Wooten unloads the inventory and organizes it in the client's contracted warehouse space. Wooten said running a business takes confidence. He said he has a competitive business, but the recession has hurt him, noting the market research he did before opening the warehouse doesn't fit in the current economy.
Being your own boss is gratifying yet nerve-racking, he said, and it takes perseverance because "things don't go as scripted."
