Heidelberg and the School of Business, Computer Science & Information Technology honored four local women entrepreneurs for their innovation, creativity, commitment and longevity in initiating, organizing and growing their business enterprises and community projects. The fifth annual Women Entrepreneur Awards was held today on campus.
These four women – Zoe Dolch (New Entrepreneur), Kelli Dariano (Established Entrepreneur), Maya Clouse-Henry (Young Entrepreneur) and Karen Klepper (Lifetime Achievement) – stand out for their vision, success and positive impact on their customers, clients, employees and especially the community.
Here’s more about the 2018 recipients.
ZOE DOLCH – NEW ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Zoe Dolch is a Tiffin native who grew up in the country, just south of town. She enrolled in Sentinel Career and Technology Center during high school and received her Advanced Cosmetology license before starting her education at Kent State University. Zoe graduated from Kent State with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing.
After moving back to Tiffin with her current boyfriend and now business partner, Spenser Blackiston, the couple began their dream of opening a business. They envisioned a shop that was a different experience -- somewhere that offers a distinct product assortment in an environment that explores culture and creativity. That’s when their shop, Washington Street Outfitters, was born.
Washington Street Outfitters offers both women’s and men’s clothing, along with old vinyl music to flip through, home goods and unique gifts and accessories. The shop’s merchandise is always changing, brands are intermixed and prices vary from $1 to $150. The business continues to inspires customers to express their individuality.
Zoe credits her drive and ambitions to her family members who encouraged her -- those who are still living and those she lives for.
KELLI DARIANO – ESTABLISHED ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Kelli Dariano Established Entrepreneur Award Kelli Dariano’s interest in retail started early. Born to “retail parents,” she learned about strong work ethics, commitment to customer service and dedication to the local economy. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from John Carroll University in 1992, Kelli started a career in sales/management working for ArtCarved and Marshall Fields in Chicago and Columbus.
After moving back to Tiffin, Kelli, along with business partners Ray Wise and the late Charles Cooper, believed in the idea that with a strong business plan, great products and unparalleled customer service, a new apparel boutique could succeed in Tiffin.
Fast forward 19 years and Kelli’s boutique, Threads, has experienced 300% growth, continuing to bring the latest trends in apparel and accessories to Tiffin and beyond. Although the original vision has changed along with the dynamic fashion industry, Kelli credits her success to an unwavering belief in Threads and perseverance to serve her customers.
Kelli’s proudest ongoing achievement is Club Thread. Since its inception in 2009, the loyalty club members have helped raise more than $40,000 for charity. Longtime loyal employees, customers who have become family and friends and the support of wonderful women and their families make coming to work every day an amazing adventure.
MAYA CLOUSE-HENRY – YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Maya Clouse-Henry is a 16-year-old student at Columbian High School. She is president of Student Council for the sophomore class, participates in volleyball and swimming at Columbian, and also works part time at Behm and Henry Law Offices and Simply Susan’s in downtown Tiffin.
Maya operates her own T-shirt design business, which provides shirts and apparel to people in the region. She also has her own photography business, MCH Photos. Her T-shirt business inspires new and unique designs and logos for schools and businesses. With the help of her sister, Bailey Reinhart, and her mother, Susan Wilkinson, Maya creates and screen-prints all original designs.
Maya has also been assisting Karen Klepper in her efforts to get her new business, ReClaim It, up and running. She photographs the project and progress, capturing the hard work taking place in the up-and-coming building. This experience allows people to see the change and effort taking place there and the good things that are yet to come.
Maya wishes to inspire youth to take all the opportunities they can and no what matter, do what they love. Taking photos and designing shirts allows her to see her work and passion come alive in amazing ways and she wishes other kids the same when do what they love.
KAREN KLEPPER – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Karen Klepper has been married to husband Mike for 31 years, and they have four incredible children. A 1991 Heidelberg graduate with dual majors in psychology and accounting, Karen has served on the boards of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, the Tiffin-Seneca United Way, the Heidelberg Fellows Organization, the NOAH Foundation (No One Alone or Hungry on Christmas Day) and PatchWorks House.
Karen is currently working to start a communitywide collaborative non-profit, called Reclaim It, an inspired resale shop, with the proceeds being used for improving the lives of children and strengthening the systems upon which they depend.
A unique partnership with Sentinel Career and Technology Center and its students has been the springboard to Reclaim It, wherein donated items become a conduit for life lessons, skills and a real connection to the community. The belief is that Reclaim It will be an outlet that becomes a supportive space that prevents young people from turning to negative choices and a space for them to reclaim what was theirs all along -- a life worth fighting for. A key component to the shop is the use of children to help solve and prevent problems faced by today’s youth.