Ronald Winslett, owner and president, and Maxine Plourde, the body piercer now working for Winslett, answer the questions for today’s Small Business Snapshot.
What is the primary purpose of your business? Plourde: I offer the most experienced body piercing in Rome, having opened in 1999 on Broad Street across from Schroeder’s. I also have an extended supply of replacement body jewelry.
What is your business background? Plourde: I owned and worked Beyond Your Ears on Broad Street, Beyond Your Ears Twin Sister in Centre, Ala., and then opened in Cartersville in 2001. I finally sold Beyond Your Ears in Rome to open Beyond Your Ears The Third Act in 2003 in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Why did you start this particular business? Winslett: I opened Piercing With Aloha to have the best body piercer — who’s also a friend — back in business in Rome.
What makes your business unique? Winslett: Maxine Plourde opened the first body piercing shop in Rome in 1999. She was highlighted in the Roman Record for her years of offering a safe and sterile environment for people to get pierced here in Rome. Although she left town to take a year sabbatical in Hawaii, when she came back I wanted to offer her a chance to work in the industry in which she is a professional. Her relationships with her customers are built on love and care for each person.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? Plourde: My clients. I have built an extended family through all the people I’ve pierced over the years. Families brought their children in for piercing and realized that although piercings weren’t offered when they were young it opened a door to acceptance of piercing on more mature adults. Piercings don’t mean a person is a freak, they mean a person wants jewelry in other body parts besides their ears. Your doctor, bank teller, insurance salesman and librarian all have them now.
What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? Winslett: The long hours of trying to be available when our clients need Maxine there and figuring out how to do taxes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Plourde: I’d just like to say I’ve missed everyone during the time I’ve been out of town, and I look forward to renewing friendships and meeting new husbands and wives of clients and all the new babies that have been born. I’m really happy to be back in Rome and can’t wait to see everyone!
THE FACTS
Owner: Ronald Winslett, president Telephone: 706-802-0826 and 404-274-6352 Employees: One Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Location: 9 Central Plaza, located inside of Buffy’s Tanning Salon If not original location: How long at this location? Two months Previous location: Broad Street Business age: Six years (previous name: Beyond Your Ears) Attention: Small Business Owners. To be considered for Small Business Snapshot, just request a questionnaire by calling 706-290-5257 or e-mail your request to: AKnowles@RN-T.com.
