Carrie Tergin has continued her family's tradition of running downtown businesses, even as she takes on the business of running Jefferson City.
Tergin, owner of Carrie's Hallmark Shop on High Street and Jefferson City mayor, is a third-generation downtown business owner, running the business her parents opened in 1976 and named after her. Now, she's in the process of expanding the store yet again, into what used to be Hair Plaza at 123 E. High St. The store sustained severe fire damage after a fire in April and moved out of the building, which Tergin said offered her store an opportunity to grow.
Aside from her business, Tergin spends most of her time as mayor of Jefferson City, an office she took in April after beating five opponents for the position. Before that, Tergin spent six years as a member of the Jefferson City Council representing the 4th Ward.
Tergin said it was her business that got her involved with the city, saying it always brought her to City Hall.
"I found myself as always being a voice," Tergin said. "So it was a very natural role for me to take on."
Q. Who has invested in you and your career?
"My family, definitely. Growing up in a family business, I just had amazing support. My grandparents, George and Ourania, they taught me everything I know. They taught me what it meant to value being in this country, how fortunate we were to be in America, the best country on Earth. And then my parents, too, they were just always supportive of me, whatever my interests were. That's how I learned everything I know in business, it's from learning how to count change back as a young child and then learning how to take care of the customer. It's just learning the basic "what it takes to be successful in business' and just appreciating being in business and appreciating the customer and appreciating being in this country and what all that means."
Q. What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?
"With my business, always trying to keep up with the times, keeping up with the trends in business and adapting to that. For example, extending our hours to 8 p.m. every night, Monday through Saturday. ... We're open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. I mean, we are here for the customer and that's changed, because being in a downtown setting, most stores aren't open. I would encourage them to be; I think we're a leader in that respect, so I think being a leader is important in business.
"Personally, just getting involved in the community, because if we want our community to be the place we want it to be and to be successful, we all have a part in our community's success. I've found it's important to give of myself, and everybody has their own way to give, but just giving back and being involved so that we can be what we want our community to be."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?
"Just finding balance is always an issue, because most women are balancing their families and career, so I think that's an issue. But really, with anyone, regardless, is just saying "you can do it, whatever you set your mind to, to be successful' and not giving in to negativity. I think that's almost regardless of women, just as a business owner the biggest challenge is if you're negative, that reflects to your customer. You have to make sure that you're really a mirror to what your customers are going to reflect, and I don't know if business owners realize if they come in and they're complaining about something, their whole store feels it. That's the challenge, remembering that what you bring to your business is what you get back."
Q. What drives you most in life and in your career?
"I just enjoy what I'm doing. I'm very happy. Just being happy drives me and just being thankful and giving back. And I think making a difference, which is why I ran for (City) Council. That drove me to run because I wanted to make a positive difference and impact in our community. And carrying on the family business, carrying on what my grandparents started, when (George) came to this country from Greece as an immigrant boy, as an orphan, to see what he did inspires me and makes me want to continue what he started. It inspires me all the time. And then to see my mom and dad taking on what my grandparents started, it's a lot of pride that I have. I want to continue."
Q. What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?
"Go after your dreams, and don't give up. Go after your goals. Set your goals and have your vision and go after it. Like my grandfather always told me, in this country anybody who works hard can have a good life and make a living. Just to find what that is and do it. Don't ever be discouraged because if you work hard enough you can really do what makes you happy."
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15 in 15 Profiles:
Carrie Tergin: Third generation entrepreneur shares time between business, mayoral duties
Erin Wiseman: Attorney balances courtroom duties with a heavy dose of community ties
Nikki Payne: Boutique owner brings something new to hometown
Kris Ballage: Real estate agent never closes the door to opportunities
Suzie Nichols: Passionate musician composes second career in finance
Mary Kay Kempker: Jeweler connects with customers as friends
Catherine Crum: Salon owner relies on faith and community to spur success
Dr. Angel Allen: Experienced dermatologist focuses her business on stopping melanoma
Regina Garr: Birds-I-View owner a longtime presence for those who share her passion
Marilyn Herigon: Saleswoman who loves her work at age 71 has no plans to retire
Dr. Paige Hedgpath: Optometrist set her career goals early, knowing she could achieve them
Carolyn McDowell: Longtime store owner is civic-minded community fixture
Lisa Mankin: Restaurant owner credits faith and family for success, perseverance
Judy Dietzel: Sign company president is matriarch of family business
Jami Wenzel: Self-made woman balances real estate sales, grocery store ownership