Kim McKoy considers herself an early adopter of technology, and has been keeping up with new trends for 30 years. Building websites since 1994, she can do a little bit of everything — from making mobile applications and creating video to helping other professionals self-publish ebooks.

“I’m such a huge fan of technology. I believe it can help you be productive but a lot of people are afraid to use it because they think it will take a lot of their time,” she said.

McKoy recently relaunched her 6-year-old business read more »

The positive effects of laughter on a person’s health have long been documented, but finding a reason to laugh out loud is not always an easy task for many people. No matter, says Belfair resident Sharon MacIntyre — it’s perfectly fine to laugh for no reason, and the health benefits are just as great.

MacIntyre, who retired last year as the longtime director for the nonprofit Resident Councils of Washington, is a certified laughter leader. Not quite ready to spend all her free time skiing, volunteering or socializing, MacIntyre decided to ease into real retirement by starting her own business called Laughter Enrichment. Even before she was ready to go full-swing last summer, she was already getting requests from retirement facilities and other groups for laughter yoga. read more »

It’s been said that women working behind the scenes in certain jobs are the glue that holds an office or organization together. It takes a certain personality to be able to juggle the many tasks — and do it well. These are some of the local women who are not usually in the spotlight but are always there to make someone else’s job go smoothly.

Jonikka Mollinet has worked as the office manager at the Stafford Suites assisted living center in Port Orchard for 13 years. Her hats include payroll and human resources. Rental agreements for residents, background checks for employees and serving as the receptionist twice a week and the backup for the executive director are among her duties. Her favorite part is giving facility tours. read more »

Jeanneé Reneé Brown has been a hairstylist and aesthetician for more than four decades, living and breathing her Jeanneé Reneé Salon business since 1971. And while she’s changed some things through the years, she is just as passionate about beauty as she was in those early days. And now, Brown hopes to rekindle that passion in new ways, not only expanding her style makeover service but also doing more education and inspiring other women.

“I went through some personal challenges the last two years and that’s probably one of the best things that happened to me,” she said. “I found myself again; 2012 is the year for me of getting back in the saddle and getting a hold of why I do what I know best.” read more »

At 67 years old, Chico Towing is one of Kitsap’s oldest businesses and for third-generation owner Stacey Tucker, that brings both pride and responsibility. She said each generation has added a different personality, but the values such as customer service have remained consistent.

“The day-to-day business has changed dramatically but the underlying principles have not changed,” she said. “I feel responsible for honoring the values and respecting the legacy.” read more »

Many local women love making sure nobody leaves their business grumpy. Who would, when presented with all the tempting choices like chocolate, cookies or other goodies?

Lisa Dunlap grew up with an entrepreneur father and started working in retail when she was 14. In her heart, she knew she wanted her own shop — and when she came to Bainbridge Island 11 years ago and couldn’t find a candy store, she knew her time had come. For several years, Dunlap planned her candy shop, which she later called Bon Bon. She talked to candy store owners in other areas, researched products, and waited for her youngest child, then a kindergartener, to grow a little older. read more »

Buying a retail shop in the middle of a recession would seem like a risky move, but for Erin Whitson, lack of guarantees was nothing unusual. Whitson and her husband, Dick, have been self-employed nearly their entire careers.

After 24 years as a Realtor on Bainbridge Island, Whitson wanted a change of scenery. read more »

Wendy Allred has owned a business with her husband, Rick, since 1998 under the name Sparrow Portrait Photography Inc. The two started the Bremerton-based business at the same time as they started a family, and the move has worked out well.

“Back in those days, there were not as many photographers compared to how many there are now,” Allred said. “It was a good way to make money and care for your kids.”

She said the business took off more than they had anticipated, and it was a good combination of Rick’s technical skills and her art school training. read more »

Dr. Laura Day of Harbor Audiology & Hearing Services in Gig Harbor is now offering SoundCure Serenade for sufferers of tinnitus. Originally developed at University of California Irvine, S-Tones are the foundation of the SoundCure Serenade technology.

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person perceives sound that is not actually present in the environment. It is often described as “ringing in the ears” but can include virtually any type of sound including whooshing, hissing, or whistling. There are many possible causes for tinnitus but most cases are related to damage to the auditory system. read more »