Here is the presentation for Hartis Collins at Saturday’s chamber banquet:
“In 1975, Hartis and her eldest daughter, Jessie, left secure jobs and went into debt to start a new business. It was a huge step for both of them. Neither had retail experience, and neither would take this leap of faith without the other. With nervous excitement, belief in themselves and each other, they took the plunge. While Jessie did much of the purchasing and bookkeeping, Hartis was more than just a salesperson, though she exceeded at that. Each customer was met with a genuine smile, friendly conversation, a cup of coffee and an empathetic ear.
“Her many friends and customers left feeling better and often carrying a dress or suit with them. Her sisters later reminded Hartis that as a child she had promised that one day she would have all the clothes she wanted. She kept that promise as she and Jessie owned and operated Fashion Corner for over 20 years. In her 96 years, Hartis has seen many changes, and she has adapted to meet these changes while staying true to her early values. Yes, Hartis has had challenges to overcome. She has trice struggled with cancer. She battles osteoarthritis daily, but let us emulate her as she thanks God for each day she wakes to do her work, befriend the people whose lives she crosses, and continues to embrace, with joy, the simple pleasures of life. Thank you, Hartis, for being a role model for living a fully successful, yet simple life.”