Jun 26, 2007

Happiness trumps pay for S.D. women who own businessesBy Michelle RydellArgusLeader.com

Cheryl Cressman hasn’t made much money as owner of a doll museum, but she doesn’t measure success in profits.

When Cressman opened Cheryl’s Doll House in 2005, she knew she never would make a living on it, but that didn’t stop her.

Her definition of success is similar to that of many rural women entrepreneurs, according to a study conducted by a South Dakota State University economics professor.

The study found women are more likely to prioritize personal satisfaction and helping others over profit.

“I’m not in the business to make a (living), which I could never do,” Cressman said. “I just enjoy it so much.”

Carol Cumber, who surveyed 110 rural women entrepreneurs with the help of graduate student Abbigail Meeder, said although success is traditionally linked with income, South Dakota women challenge that stereotype.

“They saw it in different terms,” she said. “They were helping others and were able to provide a service that was not just profit-motivated.”

Cumber said women are at least half owners in 54.5 percent of all privately held firms in South Dakota. Not only that, but entrepreneurial growth for women is five or six times higher than for men, she said.

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