WOME
T
N IN
W
BUSINESS
A Lucky Find Knowledge is the Key
business owners and bookkeepers.
One client says, “I consider her a S
aphonia Gee, president and
owner of The Virginia Institute
valued member of my financial team of Esthetics, is taking the esthet-
and appreciate her contribution to
ics industry to a new level by her
our success.”
actions not just her words. As a
Lynn’s business slogan is “Pas-
practicing esthetician, esthetics
sionate about helping your business
educator, speaker, author, founder
succeed.” Her in-depth knowledge of
of two academic institutions, and
the software, as well as accounting
president of an esthetics society
principles, enables her to identify and
Ms. Gee is changing the face of
support her clients’ needs. Through
esthetics education by expanding
on-site training, workshops, semi-
opportunity in the industry. As
nars, and telephone consultations,
quoted by Ms. Gee, “Knowledge
she can ensure you are using your
software properly. “I find it very
is the key to personal and career
rewarding when I’m helping people
success.”
learn something that can really make
As a result of the changes in this
a difference in their business,” Lynn
ever growing industry, Ms. Gee has
says.
decided to take esthetics education
S
ome people are natural-born
Many of Lynn’s clients have re-
to the next level. In January 2010,
teachers. Lynn Ailsworth, owner
ferred her to others—which Lynn
Ms. Gee will launch the opening
Ms. Gee, a board member of
of Ailsworth Accounting & Software
believes is a true reflection of her
of The University of Esthetics and
Virginia’s State Board of Barber
Solutions, is one of them. She can take
ability to provide value to them.
Research for the Art & Science of
and Cosmetology represents her
complicated accounting software,
Recently another satisfied client
Beauty. The university will offer
industry with great pride and looks
like QuickBooks and Peachtree,
summed up her feelings about Lynn: courses and programs that will
forward to blazing the trails of op-
and simplify it so that her clients
“You will be glad you found her, just allow students the opportunity to
portunity for an industry that has
can understand it and maintain their
like me!” ❊ grow beyond earning a certificate
offered such growth and success
books more efficiently. This gives
and work towards higher levels of
for her. ❊
them more time to focus on their
business. “I want to provide solu-
education.
tions to clients that will help them Ailsworth Accounting
“Life is a journey,” Ms. Gee said.
Virginia Institute
make more effective management
& Software Solutions
“It is important that we have the
tools necessary to build our craft
of Esthetics
decisions,” Lynn says.
After working for two account-
and our future.” The institute offers
ing firms for 24 years, Lynn started
Serving Hampton
courses that are essential in educa-
1554 Laskin Rd.
her own consulting business in 2007. tion and training for the esthetics
Roads
#110 • Va. Beach
She decided that she would rather industry. Basic Esthetics, Master
make money for herself than for Esthetics, and Make Up Artistry
757.431.4526
someone else. Since then, she’s estab-
757.503.4404
are among the list of courses that
lished quite a reputation among local
are being offered in January.
757.582.5827
www.ailsworthaccounting.com www.vaie.org
Quality Work You Can Count On
“W
e deliver what we promise,” says Judy
none by way of attention to detail, knowledge, train-
Sweetland, owner of Sweetland’s Heating
ing, ethics, and integrity,” says Judy.
and Cooling Services. She and co-owner, Sammie Lewis,
All Sweetland’s employees are drug screened and
along with their team, have over 56 years combined
background checked, Judy says. “We always have our
experience in the HVAC field, which includes all types
customers’ best interests in front of all we do.”
of heating, cooling, boilers, heat pumps, geothermal
Judy enjoys working for customers who care
systems, hot water heaters, and gas logs. Besides
about quality workmanship. Her goal for the future
service, repair, and installation, Sweetland’s also offers
is “to grow with all of our standards intact.” Judy also
energy-saving maintenance agreements.
plans to stay on top of new technology through con-
Now that heating season is here, Judy urges those
tinuing education and training for herself as well as
with fuel-fired (gas, oil, or propane) heating equipment
her employees. “We want to be the company that you
to have a carbon monoxide and safety check done.
refer to your family and friends without hesitation,”
Carbon monoxide is a killer you can’t see, smell, or
Judy says. Call her today for your heating and cooling
taste. “The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
needs. ❊ Sammie Lewis & Judy Sweetland
mimic flu symptoms,” she says, “so please be cautious
enough to have your heating system checked out.”
Sweetlandʼs Heating & Cooling Services
As a woman business owner in a field that’s male
dominated, Judy strives to provide quality without re-
6001 Miller Store Rd. # 103 • Norfolk, VA 23502
strictions. “We provide quality work that is second to
757.480.5133
TIDEWATER WOMEN 9
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