Tammy Leadbetter, Business Owner on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Retail Thrift Antiques

Tammy Leadbetter

Business Owner, Friends Boutique

Allentown, PA

2Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Licensed Cosmetologist Degree Vocational Student Degree Self-taught Cert Licensed Cosmetologist Cert Business Licenses Cert Small Games of Chance License Cert Bingo License Member Vice President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Injured Workers Member Former Chamber of Commerce Member

Her Story

About Tammy

Tammy Leadbetter owns and operates two antique resale and thrift stores in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a role she has held for 26 years. She manages all obligations to the city, state, and federal government, including obtaining necessary business licenses such as Small Games of Chance and Bingo, maintaining insurances, sourcing merchandise, handling social media, and ensuring excellent customer presentation. A licensed cosmetologist who was a vocational student and is largely self-taught, Leadbetter previously worked as a bridal consultant specializing in accessories, clothing, and jewelry, experiences she incorporates into her current retail offerings. She has also been an Avon representative for more than 30 years, earning multiple sales trophies, and received a hairstyling trophy upon obtaining her cosmetology license. In addition to her retail work, Leadbetter serves as vice president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Injured Workers, a nonprofit focused on workers compensation issues, where she runs the office and organizes weekly bingo fundraisers. She is a landlord who owns her business property and additional rental units. Leadbetter attributes her success to a thirst for knowledge, a love of education, and resilience gained through overcoming personal and professional challenges. She values bringing happiness and positivity to customers, ensuring they leave her stores with a smile, and stays informed about news and economic factors that affect consumer spending.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Tammy

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to a thirst for knowledge. I love education and read everything I can find. I am very strong-willed and self-taught. I have been through a lot and got stronger with each turn I had to overcome. Knowledge is wealth.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I received was in real estate: Do not be so quick to sell your property. If it's a rental income, it will always provide income for retirement. Also, do not be too kind to tenants; bring in rents that you can afford to accommodate them.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges are government and economic factors, COVID-19, explosion of online shopping, world events affecting gas prices and customer spending. News and current events greatly impact disposable income and shopping behavior. I have to have thick skin and stay aware of what's happening in the news.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Happiness is most important because I am an optimist and positive person. I carry that to the people around me. If customers come in sad, I make sure they leave with a smile and feel better. My goal is to give excellent prices so they have fun shopping.

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