news-record.com

Emma Blackwell Money has been an entrepreneur for most of her adult life. She had her own business when her children were small simply because her son, Donnie, a little person, had health problems and she didn't want to leave him with anyone.

In those early days, she sometimes had help from her mother-in-law and her husband, Raymond.

Money had a route for Vanda Beauty products. She started with a small route in 1957 that grew steadily. Usually 80 percent of her customers would buy items.

Money would go out to take orders as soon as her mother-in-law got home from work. Almost every day, she worked from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Her office was the living room, and she would have bags and bags of products lined up on the table to deliver on Saturdays when her husband could help.

Money did so well that Vanda Products promoted her to district manager, a role she held from 1961 until 1978. Every Monday, she would hold a sales meeting for 123 women.

In 1978, she became regional manager for North Carolina and South Carolina. She hired representatives for the company and trained new employees. The company furnished her with a new station wagon every other year to use in the business.

As regional manager Money found herself traveling to conduct workshops.

Tired of travel, she decided it was time to make a change. She set up shop in a small building on Old Winston Road behind the former Gordy's Restaurant.

"The building was so small, you could stand on one side of the room and hang all your blouses and slacks on the other side," she laughs.

She primarily sold polyester pants and blouses, the cosmetic line she had previously carried and also the Cameo bra line she had been selling.

In those days, the company sponsored "bra parties" (similar to today's' Pampered Chef or Tupperware parties). The bras were designed for women who had trouble getting a proper fit in regular stores.

Money did so well with the bras she won a trip from the company for her husband and herself to Bermuda and to several other places.

"I have always enjoyed selling 'things' that I really like. I won't sell anything that I don't like myself," she said.

After six years in that store, Money moved to 711 N. Main, where she opened Blackwell's Cameo Boutique, named for the Cameo bras.

Money worked on the floor as a full-time salesperson, ordered, and dressed the windows. She loved working on the floor with customers. She was their support. If they came to the store and she wasn't there, they would come back later for her help.

Blackwell's Cameo Boutique was one of the few places in the area where a woman could go for a bra fitting. The Boutique catered to the hard to fit.

The Cameo Co. made custom fitted bras and prosthetics for mastectomy patients. She sells Jodie Nulife and Amoena also for patients who have had cancer surgery.

When she closed the store, Money continued to sell the bras from her home and would visit doctors offices to do fittings.

Two High Point doctors asked her to continue to fit their patients because of her extensive training in proper fitting techniques.

Most of her clients came to her because of recommendations from doctors or other clients.

She has a personal interest in cancer patients because two of her sisters have had cancer surgery.

She fitted one of her sisters with a bra designed by doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital. It has Velcro straps that fasten in the front and also a front zipper. It adjusts so it can be worn regardless of swelling.

Money felt so strongly about the bra she recommended it to local doctors at High Point Regional Health System. Patients usually begin wearing the bra in the hospital while they're recovering.

Money has visited other hospitals to show the bra because she feels strongly about the comfort it provides.

Today, Money makes appointments to fit clients in her home.

"I have slowed down a bit, and usually do only one or two appointments a day," she said.

Once a doctor writes a prescription for a bra, the patient comes to see Money for a fitting and to discuss insurance.

"It is really important to be fitted properly because it affects a person's posture and balance," she said. "I have been fitting so long that it just comes naturally. Of course, I still do all the measuring and adjusting."

During the first appointment, she tries to get to know the client and make her comfortable. "People know if you care," she said. "I love people. It's a privilege to be able to help people."

Money also works with non- cancer clients of all ages who require special sizes or have fitting problems.

"Every year, I am amazed at the progress that is being made in these products for women. Many women who haven't looked lately would be amazed," she said.

Money credits her success in these different businesses to God.

"God is my partner," she said. "Sometimes we have not because we ask not."

To schedule an appointment at Blackwell's Cameo Boutique in High Point, call 883-9658.

If you have news of High Point, please contact me at mjohnson2@triad.rr.com.