LECLAIRE, Iowa (KWQC) – In the 2016 “State of Women’s Business Report,” commissioned by American Express OPEN ranks Iowa among the top five states for growth and economic clout of women-owned businesses.
In the last nine years, across the state of Iowa there has been a 30% increase in the amount of women owned businesses.
Two of those new businesses can be found in LeClaire, Iowa. In the quiet town, that attracts tourists with it’s view of the Mississippi, Rebecca Burns and Jennifer Williams have opened not one but two new stores in the last three years.
Burns previously owned a candy company in LeClaire, but she ended up closing down in 2008. Even a business that didn’t succeed couldn’t stop Burns from trying again. The then former business owner met Williams through her current husband and the two became friends.
“One day we were at the gym and [Jenn] said I think it would be kind of fun to own a chocolate shop, because she knew I was trying to get back open again, and I was like if you are serious lets do it,” said Burns.
Today, the dynamic duo owns James St. Java House and The Shameless Chocoholic in downtown LeClaire. Even with both shops succeeding, the co-owners admit they still have fear.
“I still shake in my boots every morning,” said Williams.
“There is always fear of failure in starting a business,” said Burns.
But to the team, it’s worth the risk. For women who are looking to start their own businesses, Burns and Williams advice people to jump right on in and join them.
“Take the leap, take the leap,” repeated Burns. “It is really worth it. There is a lot that goes with it. You are going to have your great days you are going to have your bad days, but to believe in yourself and really if it’s your passion, it’s what your calling is, what you want to be doing with your life than do it.”
