Score Reopens
Art Gallery Grand Opening
The Charleston Chapter of Score held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Summerville Visitor’s Center signifying the re-opening of its Summerville branch office, which is located inside of the facilities.
The dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday morning, May 18, 2004, at 9:30 am.
Summerville Mayor Berlin G. Myers joined several SCORE dignitaries in cutting the ribbon.
According to SCORE Director Tom Barnes there are big plans in the works for SCORE. "With the growth in Summerville, we are planning on growing this into a full time office," Mr. Barnes said. "We are taking on what George (Hamlin) has been doing and making this a full time office."
Who can benefit from the SCORE? "We are offering our services to people who planning to start a business and who already in Business," SCORE counselor Pete Duncan said. "We are trying to keep up with technology."
Counselors are also needed. Duncan said, "In Summerville we are looking for people who are more specialized in areas such as marketing. We are looking to do quality counseling."
The plan is to move the Summerville office into a stand-alone office, which will qualify the office for SBA funding. "If we become a full fledge chapter, we will be able to get funds from the small business administration," Mr. Barnes said. "Hopefully, that will happen within a year."
There are unlimited resources available to the small businessperson, with the Charleston branch serving as a major tributary for information.
The Summerville office presently has limited availability, but its status will change. Janice Campbell said, "When the demand comes, we will be here. But, right now it is by appointment only."
Barnes said that one of the main goals that they have in mind is getting the correct amount of counselors. "Twelve to fifteen counselors is our goal," Mr. Barnes said. "We will put them through training."
SCORE recognizes that finances are one of the prevalent reasons for business failure. "The problem with most businesses is that their startup is under funded," Mr. Barnes said. "However, with this technical world a lot of money can be saved."
SCORE also will direct its attention to existing businesses. "There are hardships on existing businesses as well as new businesses," SCORE Counselor Bill Dempsey said. "They can come (to SCORE) and get rejuvenated. Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties are being filled with people. We will see tremendous growth in the next 10 years."
If you need help establishing a new business; or if you need help with your existing business; or if you want to volunteer to be a business counselor and you have extensive business experience, please contact SCORE by calling the Summerville Visitors Center at 873-8535.
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Art Gallery Grand Opening
The creation of business people is similar to the creation of diamonds. With diamonds, pressurized coals become this most valuable gem. Creating a quality businessperson requires one to be under the pressures of life. Life pressurized situations cause a metamorphosis in which the tried individual falls in love with the idea of being their own boss – a state that they don’t ever want to surrender.
The above mentioned is the case with Mrs. Lillie Jarrott, who just opened Art Gallery and Fashion Design by Lillie, after retiring from the corporate world.
The grand opening was held on Saturday May 8, 2004. The gallery specializes in oils, jewelry, floral arrangements swags, art for homes and etc.
Mrs. Jarrott had an interesting journey leading her to this point. "I was an entrepreneur ever since I was in the fifth grade in Loris, SC. (located in the Myrtle Beach area)," Mrs. Jarrott said. "I sold crosses in the community."
Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Jersey City, New Jersey and enrolled in Drake Secretary College. After graduating, she was employed by New Jersey Bell. That is when she met the love of her life Harry Jarrott, who ironically is from her hometown. "When he graduated from the 12th grade; I was in the 6th grade (different eras)," Mrs. Jarrott said with a smile.
While up north, Lillie got into retail for herself - selling jewelry and perfume while working at Jersey Bell. "Business was really great," Mrs. Jarrott said.
When Harry’s job transferred back to the Lowcountry, Lillie subsequently transferred to South Carolina to work with Southern Bell. That was in 1978, the same year that Harry Jarrott Jr. was born. She also has a daughter, Shalon Jarrott–Williams (Damascus - her husband), who is the firstborn. They now have three grand children.
During her time with BellSouth, she rose to the highest plateau in sales. "At Bellsouth I was the #1 Sales person for the whole region," Mrs. Jarrott said. "Now I’ve decided I want to be the number one sales person for Art Gallery and Fashion Design by Lillie."
In her new business, she plans on asserting the same determination she had while at BellSouth. "While a service representative with BellSouth, while living in Charleston, I drove 5 days a week from Charleston to Columbia everyday for months," Mrs. Jarrott said. "It is the hard work and dedication working for the corporate world that has made me decide to be an entrepreneur for myself upon retirement."
For years now, Mrs. Jarrott businesses has been considered the definitive shopping oasis for Afrocentric garments. "I decided to open my business at the Coastal Carolina Flee Market in Ladson," Mrs. Jarrott said. "Years ago, I also opened up at the Vendors Mall (in the old Sam Solomon’s building). From that point the business started to go."
Mrs. Jarrott specializes in church outfits and choir-wear. She also performs fashion and home shows.
So, the experience that Mrs. Jarrott has encountered has prepared her for her ultimate goal – successful business ownership.
The coal has been pressurized and has become a diamond.
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