Essence of the South
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Tracy Ruckman
Essence of the South published in Southern Families Sept/Oct 2007
Essence of the South
By
Tracy Ruckman
Roots run deep in the South, and nowhere is that more evident than the mom-and-pop businesses serving as the foundation of many Southern towns. This month, we’ll visit three entrepreneurs who’ve begun or carried on family traditions despite adversities and trials many of us may never face.
Putting Family First
Even the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath has not diminished Dawn Vaughan’s hope of the American dream. Owner of Vaughn’s Home Design in Picayune, Mississippi, Dawn lost most of her immediate family as a result of the storm. Her grandmother had a heart attack the day Katrina hit and died several days later. Her parents died soon after. “I think my parents just gave up. They didn’t think this area could recover and they got tired of living and struggling.”
But Dawn and her husband Ronnie and three children returned to Picayune and began to rebuild.
Dawn is a residential designer. She began drawing house plans for her stepfather even before attending college. Since earning her degree, working with a variety of builders has helped develop an international client base. She recently hired her first full-time employee.
Dawn is thankful for her husband, a computer programmer at Stennis Space Center and the worship leader at their church. “I couldn’t run the business without my husband.”
Their son Jordan is a high school senior with plans to attend college and major in architectural engineering. He’s been working with Dawn for a couple of years and wants to remain in the family business after college.
Dawn gives some great advice. “Put your family first. I didn’t do that enough and now I regret it, but I’m trying to make up for it. No job or project is worth missing that time with your family. It’s as simple as that.”
Carrying On the Family Business
Sandy Mayhan was finishing her college degree in Retail and Marketing when she began looking for a job. She called her dad, Clarence Wood, and they discussed the future of Wood Pecan Company, a business started by Sandy’s grandparents in 1939 in a small building next to their home in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Their customer base was really good,” Sandy says. “They’d pull up to the house, get their pecans and head home.” Sandy felt the business could expand, and she pitched the idea to her dad, who’d taken over the business from his father years before.
Clarence supported Sandy 100% and they decided to build a new storefront and gift shop that opened in 2001. Today, along with the natural pecans grown in their orchard down the street, they sell pecan candies, gift baskets and tins, and chocolate-covered pralines. Customers can purchase their merchandise in person, by mail order or over the internet. They’ve recently added gift items for corporate accounts, and have catalogs available upon request.
Sandy’s husband Jason, who works for the state, devotes his spare time helping to grow the business, which allows Sandy some quality time with the next generation - their new baby.
They’ve recently added NASCAR collectibles and decorative handbags to the gift shop.
“The Lord’s been with us. We are very blessed.”
Keep the Quality
Doug’s Place is a thriving restaurant in the tiny town of Emerson, Georgia, located 35 miles north of Atlanta. Doug Ferguson and his wife Melissa started the restaurant 14 years ago in century-old building and it has become a regular hangout for politicians, farmers, business people, and citizens. The restaurant features ample servings of good southern cooking, fast service, and a homey atmosphere.
After 37 years of marriage, two sons, and 14 years in business, Doug died in January 2007, leaving Melissa, and sons Alexander, 27, and Aaron, 22, to run the family business. “It’s been hard,” says Melissa. But she takes it one day at a time, and relies on family and friends to get her through difficult times.
Melissa says the biggest challenge over the years has been trying to keep the quality up and the prices down. “Every time we’ve had to raise prices, we’ve agonized over it.”
They serve fresh vegetables bought from local farmers as much as possible. “Doug always said to cook the food as close to Mom’s cooking as we could get.” “Working for yourself is hard work. Start young,” Melissa advises. “It’s very demanding, and always on your mind. But it’s enjoyable and most of the people are nice.”
In 2005, they opened Doug Jr.’s in Cartersville, a neighboring town.
Next time you notice a mom-and-pop business, stop in and show your appreciation. These small business owners are the essence of the South.
SIDE BAR
Contact information for the businesses named in Essence of the South:
Vaughan's Home Design
159 Browning Circle
Picayune, MS 39466
601-749-9294
Wood Pecan Company
3301 Ashley Road
Montgomery, AL 36108
1-888-881-5493
334-264-7501
Doug’s Place
696 Highway 293 Emerson, GA 30137
770-382-9063
Written by:
