Called to serve God in business

Name: Sonja Mateer Rempel '96

Business name: The Millrace Framery, Goshen, Ind.; established in 2001, after purchasing an existing framing business and growing it into "what I wanted it to become."

Business description: Full-service custom picture framing, specializing in framing and preservation of art, photography and memorabilia (including unique shadowbox designs) using archival materials and UV glass. She also sells limited edition prints and posters and manages the Washington Street Gallery.

On the spirit of entrepreneurship: "You need to have a vision for your business. You have to be disciplined and determined. You have to be self-motivated. Those are key factors.
"This business is interesting because it combines retain and manufacturing. As an artist, I enjoy the process of designing, and I also enjoy the framing. It's rewarding to work with people; I feel honored when someone trusts me with artwork or an heirloom as well as trusts my ability in coming up with a presentation for them.
"In the beginning, it's a little overwhelming, but it becomes easier. Joining Business Networking International Group was really helpful; I learned how to talk about my business and express who I am looking for as clients. Establishing relationships is very important. And a word of mouth recommendation is the best advertising there is.Ó