Business 1 on 1 with Ginny Cook, owner of Ginny Marie's in Macon

Ginny Cook, owner, Ginny Marie's LLC, 3920 Ridge Ave., 238-4370.

How long have you been in business?: "I started off online in June 2012. I'm a crafter, and I began by painting chalkboards and have always loved monograms way before they were a trend. So I personalized the chalkboards by painting freehand with initials and such. And not very long after I bought one (sewing) machine, and then I bought an embroidery machine. I worked out of my home for three and half years."

She also worked part time with the Community in Schools organization for two years at Howard Middle School and Howard High School while working from home full time. She opened the shop in September 2015.

"I decided I just wanted to do one thing and commit to this and just do it. I really had no idea how much more running a store would be than being online. But I'm loving every minute of it. I'm really pleased with how it's going here."

What do you like best about your job?: "I get to make things and customize them and bring someone else's idea to life. Even before I was in the store, that was my favorite thing.

"Working with customers online is totally different. ... You don't get to smile at people. ... I like having the personal interaction and I also like making things. My job is very hands on.

What is your specialty?: "Monogramming, but we have a lot of merchandise that is not custom-made. We carry a lot of name brands and we have a lot of T-shirts and some very cute clothes you wouldn't monogram. ... I like a variety of things. ... We're a gift shop. We have a lot of jewelry, clothing ... and also have accessories and a lot of drinkware.

What are your future plans?: "Well, we have plans that are already in the works. Right now, ... we are adding a boutique room. It's a sale room now, and in the next month or so it will be transformed."

-- Linda S. Morris

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 6:38 PM with the headline "Business 1 on 1 with Ginny Cook, owner of Ginny Marie's in Macon ."