Danielle and Company Receives Award for Woman Entrepreneur!
Danielle K. Fleming, Founder and CEO of Danielle and Company, wins the prestigious Award for Woman Entrepreneur.
On Tuesday, October 20th, Ms. Fleming took the stage at the DeNaples Center at the University of Scranton and dedicated her win to her parents. In a tear-jerking acceptance speech, she credited her parents who are also her business partners, for the success of the company and the creation of her as an entrepreneur.
Scranton Times Article, October 21, 2009.
Danielle Fleming's nose for the luxury market landed her recognition that escaped her four years ago. Ms. Fleming, chief executive of Danielle and Company. Inc., a Scranton-based organic bath and body care products manufacturer, received the Award for Women Entrepreneur at a University of Scranton Small Business Development Center luncheon Tuesday at the university.
"This is definitely one of the top awards I've received," said Ms. Fleming, who was among the finalists for the award in 2005. Danielle and Co. has prospered through the economic crisis by branching into new markets, Ms. Fleming said.
Despite the steep downturn in luxury-related commerce, Ms. Fleming said her company's sales grew by more than 200 percent in the last year by hiring sales representatives in the Mid-Atlantic, upper Midwest and Northwest and branching into new markets.
"We exhibited at twice as many trade shows this year," Ms. Fleming said. "We did more advertising. We got ourselves in front of a lot more buyers."
Ms. Fleming, who has done extensive study on the psychology of scent, began the company as an organic candle producer in 2002. It has grown to seven employees, produces a range of personal products sold at 175 locations and operates a boutique at its Adams Avenue headquarters.
Ms. Fleming was the 14th winner of the award, which recognizes the achievements of female-led businesses.
Jill Aldrich, who operates Pure Pennsylvania, a gallery and general store in Great Bend, encouraged women to pursue business ideals during her remarks to about 75 people who attended the ceremony. She was among the women honored at the luncheon in 2004.
"The safe, easy solution may not be the best," said Ms. Aldrich, who left her job as a postal carrier in 2000 to establish Pure Pennsylvania, which sells food, art, books, toys, quilts, pottery and antiques. "I've taken my life experience and turned it into a career."
Other finalists for the award this year were: Michelle Bersch, Design Done Right, Lake Ariel; Michelle LeBarre, LeBarre Dressage Training Center, Noxen; and Heidi Secord, Josie Porter Farm, Stroudsburg.
The luncheon was co-sponsored by Community Bank & Trust Co. and the Northeast Business Pennsylvania Journal, which is owned by Times-Shamrock Communications, publisher of The Times-Tribune.
Danielle and Company, Inc.
831 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
www.DanielleandCompany.com
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