Debra Harris’ passion for dog shows lead her to dog grooming. Photo by Ryan Lely.Many wanna-be entrepreneurs obsess about money, but to some, love and passion are more important ingredients when starting a business. “If you’re in it for the money it's not going to... Continue

Gabriella Villasenor has tried her hand at a variety of jobs and in a variety of sectors in Sonoma Valley, all of them linked with a common thread: customer service. Starting in the 1980s, she found work as a cosmetologist at several local beauty salons... Continue

Terese Spingola purchased the Briar Patch in June. The shop specializes in locally roasted coffee, which Spingola still purchases from the shop’s original owners. Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley SunFor Terese Spingola, becoming the new owner of the old Briar Patch is a dream come true. As... Continue

In 2006 (the latest year for which data are available) an SBA review reported that women-owned firms accounted for 6.5 percent of total employment in U.S. firms. Between 1997 and 2002, the numbers of women-owned firms overall increased by 19.8 percent. Small firms with fewer... Continue

Becky and Clarence Jenkins are co-owners of Madrone Vineyard Management. Jenkins is a strong advocate for improving worker conditions by making sure they have fair wages, meals and health care. Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley SunOne of ten children, Becky Jenkins was born and raised in West... Continue

Linda Richards, owner of the Jack London Lodge, speaks with Jack London Saloon bartender Matt McDermott about local wines. Ryan lely/EL SOL DE SONOMA“I never in a million years imagined that I’d be in business for myself or own a hotel,” said Linda Richards, “I... Continue