Many of your recent articles have brought to mind my Facebook post the day after Donald Trump was elected president in 2016: “The progress women have made in this country has just been set back 50 years.” Joe Napsha’s story “Women’s business ownership growing; still face different challenges” (Oct. 30, TribLIVE) struck me the most.
In the 1990s, East Carson Street on the South Side had at least 12 businesses owned and operated by women. An art gallery, fabric store, two clothing designers, a clothing store for plus-size women, a costume shop, two gift shops, etc. (the hair salons were owned by men). These businesses were profitable and existed for years. At least four of these were owned by women who didn’t have a “significant other”with an additional income. I closed my gift shop after 14 years when the building was sold.
Napsha is correct that it was difficult to get a loan even in 1990. We found creative ways to finance our businesses.
I wish female business owners continued success and hope their daughters won’t face the same problems if they choose to do this when they are of age.
Rose Ann Kwiecinski
North Huntingdon