DALTON, Ga.-When Kathy Jenkins opened her first business under bright red, yellow, green and blue awnings in downtown Dalton, she didn’t expect Toys in the Attic to take over her life.
Four years later, she is known as the “toy store lady” to children in her church, elementary schoolchildren greet her with hugs and the specialty store defines who she is to many people.
“It is a very unique commitment – more than the financial aspect or a full-time job,” Jenkins said. “It really impacts every aspect of your life, so you gotta love it if you open a business.”
Jenkins, who pursued a lifelong dream when she opened the store with her husband, Bob Jenkins, in 2007, is one of panelists speaking at the First annual Small Business and Entrepreneur Workshop in Dalton next week.
The Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority is offering the free workshop that is open to all small-business owners and entrepreneurs in Northwest Georgia. Federal, state and local organizations that provide financing, marketing and other resources will be present to provide information and answer questions.