Finding Freedom
Career Change Takes the Cake — and Sells It
By Margaret Briller
Not everyone can imagine what’s beyond the horizon and make it a reality. Liz Rowan did and now enjoys the freedom and challenges of owning a business.
For much of her career, Rowan, 54, worked with a school system’s employees and students, helping manage their tech needs — database and equipment training for the staff, computer program lessons for the students.
In the back of her mind, Rowan knew she wanted to do something different — really different.
Rowan and her husband had talked for years about owning their own business, but the circumstances weren’t right for a change.
“Now, the timing seems to be right because our children are in their early 20s and moving into their own lives and getting less dependent on us,” Rowan says.
Hard Work, Sweet Success
“I wanted to do something that could use the skills I’ve accumulated through the years of working, being a parent, community member, etc.,” Rowan says. “Being my own boss and making the decisions for my business are important to me. I like having the freedom to be myself and to work as hard as I like and to see the results of that.”
In April, after months of planning and training, Rowan opened her store — a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise — in Strongsville and never looked back.
She took a chance and embraced the freedom to make a change as an entrepreneur.
Assisting Rowan in growing her business is Dee Sweetnich, her bakery manager. Sweetnich helps her focus her energy on what’s most important at that moment when Rowan has 50 thoughts going through her mind.
“Dee has a different perspective on how things work, and that helps when I am looking at operational issues or how to handle guest service situations,” Rowan says.
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