Homemades by Suzanne has been an Ashland landmark for 37 years. The successful business we know today was the inspiration of local entrepreneur, Suzanne Wolstenholme. Recently, Downtown Ashland Association talked with Suzanne and one of her partners, Kimberly Mills, to learn more.
Homemades appears to be a quaint sandwich shop tucked between Randolph-Macon College and Route 54. While it fits that bill, the shop is also the hub for takeout, catering, and a satellite location in downtown Richmond’s John Marshall Ballroom. The kitchen hums with activity from early until late, while the partners manage a complex schedule.
Suzanne has lived in the Ashland area most of her life. After realizing the corporate nine-to-five secretary life was not for her, the entrepreneur had an idea.
“Around the time I started Homemades by Suzanne, there were a lot of women going back into the workplace. The problem was, if you were tired or you wanted to do something after work, there was not a place to stop-in and pick-up something wholesome to take home for dinner. If you did not want to cook at home, the food choices were very limited.”
Homemades by Suzanne began by preparing homestyle takeaway meals, meeting the demands of working women and their families. “I have a degree in business administration and management,” Suzanne explains. “When I graduated as a 30-year-old, I wanted to do something meaningful with my degree. I love to cook and entertain, and I wanted to use that to help make women more successful and their lives easier.” That idea evolved into one of the most well-known businesses in the region.
Even though Suzanne, Kimberly, and third partner, Sheila Clarke, work hard managing the business, they credit their success to the individuals who work beside them every day in the kitchen. Some of the staff members have even been with the business from the start.
“I do not think our company would be as successful, if we did not have such dedicated workers,” says Kimberly. “We have an incredible team—they are like family. They get behind us and rally when we are busy. Restaurants typically have a very high turnover rate with employees, but we have people who have been here for 30-plus years which makes for a tight knit family.”
Owning and operating a successful business has its own challenges, but Suzanne’s story of entrepreneurial excellence makes her business even more impressive. In Ashland during the 1980s, entrepreneurship was not thriving, especially not for women. This former-secretary, went back to school, took the business knowledge she acquired, and turned it into something cherished by many. The story of Homemades by Suzanne is truly remarkable, and Suzanne and Kimberly shared some advice for any aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Find something you really enjoy and want to do. As an entrepreneur, you have to make money, but do not make that your main goal,” says Suzanne. “Think about giving a service and just do the best you possibly can. Treat people the right way, and the success will build from there.”
“If you are passionate about something, then the hard work comes a little easier,” says Kimberly. “You have to be dedicated and you have to sacrifice your personal time to make your dream successful. If the work is a passion, it is a lot easier.”
You can find Homemades By Suzanne at 102 North Railroad Avenue, and learn more about them on their website and their Facebook page.