Q&A with Women who are Making a Difference in Bryan County
Q&A with Women who are Making a Difference in Bryan County
How long have you been in business?
5 years
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
Hiring great team members and learning how to scale.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
Working with people and seeing people thrive.
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
You don’t need permission. So many people are going to doubt you, but you don’t need their permission.
Who are your greatest cheerleaders?
My husband who never wants me to be anything less than 100% myself.
LESLEY FRANCIS Lesley Francis Public Relations
How long have you been in business?
15 years in business and 30 years in the industry.
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
Running a public relations firm in an ever-evolving media landscape has been one of the greatest challenges, requiring constant adaptation to new platforms, technologies, and client expectations.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
Seeing clients succeed and knowing our work has helped elevate their voices, brands, and impact within the community.
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
I would encourage other female entrepreneurs to trust their vision, stay resilient through challenges, and never underestimate the value of relationships. Building a strong network, asking for help when needed, and remaining authentic in leadership are key to long-term success. Most importantly, I believe confidence and consistency will carry you through even the most demanding seasons of business.
Who are your greatest cheerleaders?
My greatest cheerleader is my husband, Carl, my three dogs, Coco, Suzie, and Max, as well as my team at LFPR: Kristyn, Allie, Katelynn, Genelle, and Grace.
GINA HALDEMAN Sea Steps Pediatric Therapy
How long have you been in business?
15-20 years in the industry.
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
Starting a brand new business.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
Getting to change the lives of pediatric patients and improve their daily independence.
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
Aspire to help others, put others first, starting my own business after knowing what works and what doesn’t from my experience of working at several other clinics and facilities.
Who are your greatest cheerleaders?
Her family - husband and children and my patients/families.
ERIN MADDEN, The Wellspring Group
How long have you been in business?
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
When your priorities are clear, it feels like you can "do it all". However, "doing it all" doesn't actually mean doing everything yourself. Also, if you can learn not to take things personally and remember that feedback is the breakfast of champions, you'll be in business a long time!
Who are your greatest cheerleaders?
JACLYN DELOACH, PT, DPT, MS, PCES Advent Therapy
How long have you been in business?
11 years in business and 26 years in PT.
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
Managing insurance networks including credentialing and reimbursements is definitely the most challenging.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
The most rewarding part of owning a therapy business is helping patients reach their goals and return to activities with restored mobility, strength, and balance.
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
To go for it but establish a healthy time balance between work and play.
Who are your greatest cheerleaders?
Family, friends, employees, and community.
SALLY REJAS American Legion JE Lanier Post 27
How long have you been in business?
3 years and 20 years in leadership.
What has been the most challenging in running your business?
The greatest challenge as Commander of JE Lanier Post 27 is leading meaningful change while honoring tradition, especially as the first female commander in the Post’s history. Shifting how the community sees veterans means reminding others that veterans still need support, connection, and advocacy long after service ends. At the same time, rallying trust and resources to raise funds for a building is especially difficult when we have land but no home, yet it remains essential to ensuring a lasting place for veterans to belong and be served.
What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
The most rewarding part of serving as Commander is seeing veterans and their families feel supported, heard, and no longer alone. Helping create a space where veterans reconnect, find purpose, and know their service still matters brings deep fulfillment. Knowing that each effort strengthens community, honors sacrifice, and builds a future home for veterans makes every challenge worthwhile.
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
Lead with confidence, even when stepping into spaces where they have not been traditionally represented.
My greatest cheerleaders are the veterans, families, and members of JE Lanier Post 27, Beauties in Boots: Women Veteran Organization, and my family who believe in the mission and show up with trust and support.
