Local Women in Business

T he number of Women Entrepreneurs has continued growing in Crittenden County.

The types of businesses women run are diversifying and vary between West Memphis and Marion.

According to Marion Chamber of Commerce Director Tracy Brick, most of the women business owners work in the retail sector.

“Retail has a lot of women in it,” said Brick. “There is clothing shoes and some home décor.”

Brick listed several shops including Against the Grain, The Speckled Egg, Front Row, Merry Magnolia, Trendie Chicks, and House of MJ.

Furniture, décor and cabinet makers dot the women led in business in Marion as well.

Everyone in town knows Loretta and Lisa Tacker and their role in running the newly expanded Tacker’s Shake Shack, “They’ve been in business for 41 years,” said Brick, “They’ve enlarged it. Kept all the memorabilia and it has the same feel. Loretta has remained at the helm.” The Real-estate community abounds with self-employed women Realtors.

Brick said some savvy women entrepreneurs really know how to advertise and pointed out the Speckled Egg.

“They draw customers from across the region,” said Brick. “They are doing well with internet business and they advertise in regional magazines like Desoto Magazine and Crossroads pulling in even more customer.,” In West Memphis, Chamber of Commerce President Wayne Croom pointed to the many high-flying women realtors, the woman led Curtis Construction and women in leadership as positives for the community.

“You’d have to consider ASU-Mid South Chancellor Debra West,” said Croom, “Alex Smith at Delta Arts is doing an excellent job in leadership. Emily Scarborough over at the chamber has done good stuff revamping.

Fenter Physical Therapy is growing and you’d have to Consider Sarah Fenter a business leader along with her husband. She is a past president of the Marion Chamber.”

Women in business continue to be community leaders,” said Croom.