Anna Romero, owner of Briar Patch in Jennings

By Lisa Yates
Editor


The Briar Patch is a boutique, at 342 N. Main Street in Jennings, specializing in children's clothing, gifts, toys, shoes and baby apparel.

Owner Anna Romero started the business in 2000, because she loves working in retail meeting people and working with children.

“I spoil all of the children that come into the store,” she said.

Romero, 54, knows about spoiling children. This mother of three grown children has six grandchildren: Gracie, 8; Ireland, 6; Ella, 3; Haydon, 3; Thomas, 1 ½; and, Hudson, 1.

“And, there's one due in February,” Romero said.

When she's not working at the store, she's spending time with her husband, Rick, and their grandchildren. The grandchildren call her “Granna.”

“I guess you can say they are my biggest hobby,” she said.

As a successful business owner, Romero said her inspiration to make a positive difference in the world came from her own mother.

“My major influence has been my mom,” she said. “She didn't work in retail. Mom was a nursing home administrator who loved serving people.”

As a result of her upbringing, Romero has always found it is to treat people with respect and she believes that's one of the reasons she has been successful in business.

“If you treat people good, they'll be good to you,” she said. “Be pleasant and happy, and keep your customers happy – that's what I try to do.”

She said in a service-oriented business, you have to love working with people. Fortunately, she has a dedicated, talented employee to help her.

“I could not do this without Beth LaBouve,” Romero said. “She's been with me for seven years. She's dedicated, wonderful, honest; and, she's great with the customers.”

Romero said customers also provide feedback, which is important when it comes to selecting merchandise people want to buy.

“We have wonderful customers,” she said. “They give us tips on what's new; and, what they would like to see us carry in the store. In this business, you have to stay current.”

Also, Romero stays current through membership in the Jeff Davis Business Alliance. There she makes important business contacts at the Chamber's luncheons, mixers and social events.

Her charitable work includes volunteering for the American Heart Association.

“People should support their towns,” she said. “It's especially important to support youth, because they are our future.”

In business, Romero said it's important to diversify.

Her plans to diversify include adding a wholesale business. She will be manufacturing monogrammed and personalized hair bows and pacifier clips.

Romero's advice for young women, who want to follow in her footsteps: “be positive.”

“You can do anything you put your mind to doing,” she said. “Be ambitious, but be cautious.”