NATCHEZ &045;

A successful business owner at age 24, Danielle Eubanks said the work ethic she learned at home has helped her to make the right decisions as she has expanded a business purchased only a year ago.

&uot;I always wanted to have my own business,&uot; she said, showing a visitor around the spacious showroom filled with uniforms, scrubs, dance clothes and shoes and other products she sells at Uniform Supply Co., 31 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive. &uot;I worked at this business for a month and then had the chance to buy it. My dad works overseas; so when he came home I discussed it with him, and he told me it was a good opportunity and that he knew I could do it.&uot;

Her approach has been simple. Work hard. Be an aggressive salesman. Provide the best customer service. Always do what you say you will do and be where you say you will be. And look for ways to expand the customer base.

With all her hectic schedule of visiting hospitals, doctors offices and other places where she hopes to provides uniforms and other items, Eubanks leaves plenty of time to be on hand in the store.

&uot;I like to have a hand in everything at the store. I want to know everything is done right, that people are treated with the right respect and in a professional manner,&uot; she said.

Eubanks has increased business at her store by making those personal calls on clients and also by organizing shows to which potential clients may come to place orders.

&uot;I do all of my own deliveries. I do it myself, and it’s free,&uot; she said. &uot;I offer group discounts. I call on directors of human resources, make appointments and go and sell myself,&uot; she said. &uot;I have learned to deal with all kinds of people and to go above and beyond the normal to make sure everyone is happy.&uot;

For shows, which might take her to Ferriday, La., or to Woodville or Centreville or Fayette, she rents a 35-foot truck and loads all her goods into it with racks that will hold the clothes once she arrives at the destination and rents a room at a facility. &uot;It is just like coming into the store. Everything is well organized,&uot; she said.

For everyone who gives her a hand, she sends a written thank-you for the help. &uot;I tell them please just give us a chance. I know they will be satisfied. And I always thank them for giving me the chance when they do.&uot;

A small business owner must be patient, Eubanks said. &uot;And you have to work well with people. You have to step back and look at the big picture. And you have to be aggressive.&uot;

Her customers know they can call on her whenever they have needs, she said. &uot;Once anyone agrees to do business with me, they can call me anytime, anywhere. I’ll help them. I’ll fix what needs fixing.&uot;

What advice does she have for others who might dream of owning a small business? &uot;Be persistent. If someone tells you no, keep going back. Give discounts. I’m not trying to be rich, just to live comfortably. Even when you’re tired, keep going. When the fate of a business lies on your shoulders, that’s enough motivation,&uot; she said.

She continues to be excited by new accounts. &uot;I love to meet new people and see how their offices are set up, see how they’re run, how the employees interact.&uot;

She appreciates her customers and tries to let them know that, Eubanks said. &uot;This place really means a lot to me, more than anyone can know,&uot; she said. &uot;I’ve learned a lot from my family. My parents are so hard working and so selfless. I hope to live up to what they have stood for all these years.&uot;

Many ideas about expanding the business have come to her, and she will experiment carefully with each one, Eubanks said. &uot;If things go well, we’ll add to the inventory.&uot;

For now, the uniforms, dance clothes, nursing shoes, dance shoes, cheerleader shoes, usher dresses, nurse graduation dresses, kids scrubs, Crocs, medical supplies such as stethoscopes and some small gifts make up the inventory.

Three employees help her at the store, including her brother, Bobby Eubanks, Crystal Warren and Reshond Davis.

A Web site is in the works but she will not open it to the public until everything is in place to operate it successfully.

&uot;My ultimate goal is to do well enough to help my family. I’d like my mom to work here but only when she wants to,&uot; Eubanks said.

Small businesses are &uot;the backbone of a community,&uot; she said. &uot;I take pride in this being a locally owned and operated business.&uot;