March

Profile Name: Libby Rich

Company: Plant Odyssey & Plant Odyssey Nursery

Address: 2912 6 th Ave. South Birmingham AL 35233

and

2900 4 th Ave. South Birmingham AL 35233

Phone: 205-324-0566

Fax: 205-324-9194

Years in Business: 30

Author of Books:

• Odyssey Book of Houseplants
• Edmond & The Baby Hummingbird
• Halloween – A Short Story

Favorite Awards and Honors: My customers thanking me for being here.

Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Family: Married with 1 Son and 3 Grandchildren

Personal Business Philosophy: Always be truthful with your customers, own up to your mistakes, and do the best to make it right.

Favorite Quote:  "If you will it, it is no dream." - United Jewish Appeal on Israel's 25th anniversary 1997.

Advice to women in business: Know you are going to be judged differently and certainly not equally. NEVER be shamed by a banker or by being turned down for a loan – pick yourself up, put a smile on your face and don’t accept their judgment. Go elsewhere.

Best advice you ever received: “Honey, why not just close this place up and come to work for me?” said by a now closed business. The anger I felt made me more determined than ever to succeed. I never looked back.

Secret to surviving in business: Love what you do and you will succeed because you’ll never tire of giving it your best.

Your strongest inspiration: Sojourner Truth – “And ain’t I a WOMAN?!”

What being in business has taught you: You must believe in making your dream come true and mistakes you make can be corrected.

Secret to dealing with employees: Compassion, leadership, and appreciation.

Special Comments: My reputation for being tough is well earned. I needed to be tough to survive. I am not as angry as I was in the past. I’ve proven what I personally needed to prove. I laugh and play now and though the toughness will always be a part of me, I’ve learned to show my kindness and gentleness.