Meet Flint & Genesee’s Business Owners

Business Development, Flint, MI, Faces of Flint & Genesee Business logo The Flint & Genesee Chamber is a membership organization representing more than 1,200 businesses and affiliates. We also work with hundreds more each year through our Economic Alliance division. That’s a lot of business. It’s also a lot of people. In recognition of the entrepreneurs and business owners driving our economy forward, we present FACES, a monthly Q&A series featuring our members and clients. If you’ve ever wondered who it is you’re doing business with – or could be doing business with – in Flint & Genesee, here’s your chance to find out.

FACES of Flint & Genesee Business: Jennifer Sear

Jennifer Sear had a robust career in health care when she and her husband decided to open a business of their own. So, they investigated various franchises until they landed on one that aligned with their goals and values of helping people. At first, they were just looking to be franchise owners, but plans changed once they found their fit.

“As I got more into it, I realized I didn’t just want to own it but run and operate it,” says Sear. “I realized I could run the clinic and make it the best it can be to help the people in our community.”

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Leni Williams, Leni Kei Photography

Leni Williams started photographing 10 years ago as a hobby. She and her husband just moved to Michigan, and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her career, so in the meantime, she used her digital camera to take some photos. With the encouragement of her husband, she started to take photos of family and friends for fun, until one day a friend approached her to give her an opportunity.

Olivia Sanders, The Way Coffee Co.

Olivia Sanders started her career as a special education teacher. During her time in the school system, she noticed the lack of opportunities for special needs students after graduation.

“Students that might not qualify for traditional transitional services, but are not college bound, had a hard time going directly into the workforce,” says Sanders. “We wanted to create a bridge for those individuals.”

Marlena Curtis, Curtis Accounting & Tax Services

In 2014, Marlena Curtis left her job at a local tax firm to branch out on her own. She had learned a lot from her time with the company and wanted to take those lessons and build upon them.

“I left there because I had maximized my opportunity for advancement,” says Curtis. “I learned a lot from that business, especially about wasteful spending and ways to save money.”

Sherri Stephens, Stephens Wealth Management Group

Sherri Stephens’ path to leadership has been unique, especially in her profession. When Stephens graduated high school, she planned on attending the University of Michigan-Flint to pursue education, like her parents. However, when she was hired by an investment advisory firm her life path took a turn.

“I didn’t know about Wallstreet or investment,” says Stephens. “I started as an intern and then became an assistant due to my boss’ encouragement. He encouraged me to take business classes and became my mentor.”

Sharina Jones, Rehydrate Michigan

Sharina Jones set out to build a place where everyone had access to self-care because she knew firsthand what it felt like to be without it.

“I am in a wheelchair and my husband always had to take time off work to help me lift onto tables for facials and massages,” says Jones. “That is where the idea came from. I thought, ‘Why can’t I just make it myself?’”

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