By Derek Cornet

La Ronge entrepreneurs celebrate 30 years in business

Aug 13, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Two entrepreneurs celebrating 30 years in business give credit to local residents for the success they’ve been able to achieve.

Penny’s Hair Design owner Penny Schooley, along with Home Hardware owner Rita Goertzen, received plaques from the La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce earlier this year in honour of their accomplishments. Both entrepreneurs moved to La Ronge with their husbands in 1988, opened a shop the same year and have been in business ever since.

“We pretty much provided everything we do today, but I did start with just myself with one chair,” Schooley said. “Within three months, I had two chairs, and then in five years, I had three.”

Schooley first opened her beauty parlour in the former Fields building, before moving the salon to the current Subway location five years later. In 2000, she had the opportunity to purchase the building the business is in now, noting she did a major renovation when she moved in. Two years ago, Schooley said another renovation occurred to double the space, adding she now employs four full-time employees.

Schooley also stated it’s hasn’t been easy being an entrepreneur, noting sales move up and down with the economy. It’s also been difficult finding employees, she said, but they always do their best to hire local hairdressers. Penny’s Hair Design offers haircuts, colour, highlights, waxing, pedicures, tanning and ear-piercing services.

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“I’d just like to thank the community for their support over the last 30 years,” Schooley said. “Without you, we wouldn’t be in business today.”

When Goertzen and her late husband Ivan moved to La Ronge in 1988, she said they immediately faced a setback as the interior of the store was destroyed during a fire one month after taking ownership. She said the store remained closed until June before they were able to reopen again. Throughout the years, Goertzen noted they also made some renovations, as well as an expansion about 15 years ago.

“I just want to thank everyone who has supported us, and me now, over the years,” she said. “Without the locals supporting me and my husband, we wouldn’t be here.”

Goertzen also noted Home Hardware has experienced turns with the economy in the last three decades, but she said it’s all part of doing business. She sells furniture and appliances, and Goertzen said there are still customers who have moved out of town who continue buying from her. She added the reason her business has been able to stay open so long is due to exceptional customer service.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno