Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Piper.
Hi Rhonda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband Jody and I moved here from NY in December. I wanted to be near the beach. He found the perfect spot in St Pete. I work remotely in accounting for a company out of Rochester, NY and he works in construction. We travel frequently between northern NY and Florida. We both have the mindset that we will accomplish whatever we set out to do. We support each other.
My career has included CPS Investigator, Comptroller & small business owner. But what I love most is supporting small businesses anywhere we travel by eating at restaurants that are locally owned, salons that are small business owners, etc. I was the owner/operator of a Pizza and wing shop for ten years in a small town called Theresa, NY. My 2 kids worked for me along with a few other teenagers. My goal was to be close to home for my kids while they were young. It worked and we were successful. They learned about work ethic along with a lot of the other young employees. After they graduated and moved on, so did I. I took a job in another small business as the Comptroller.
As time went on, I moved from CPS to my current job working remotely in accounting. However, my favorite way to pass the time is creating crafts. My company RoseBud Creations (named after my Mom who passed from breast cancer when I was 7 years old) sells my creations online only at this time. Eventually, I will open a little boutique with my pieces along with others that want to sell. When in NY, I sell at craft fairs and enjoy meeting many new folks and reconnecting with old friends. Doing what I love, creating crafts such as repurposed jewelry art, redoing jewelry boxes, tables and anything else that inspires me will be my retirement “career”.
I believe anyone can be successful if they put their mind to it. Sometimes we fail, but we learn from it and move on.
Positivity prevails! Think positive and tell yourself that you can do it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is always some stress in owning a small business and also working for one. The hours can be long, the funds can be short, and you may not be able to take a much-needed vacation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am very focused and detail oriented in my accounting job. I get my job in collections done efficiently and collect on accounts that are past due. I also like that work well with others to get the job done.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think being positive-minded, approachable, and open-minded works well in networking.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Faces_of_floridas_gulf_coast
- Facebook: RoseBud Creations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-calhoun-piper-40499329
