Mary Dougherty: Owner, Nicole Miller Manayunk & Nicole Miller at the Bellevue
“I’ve been delighted to witness the city’s growth over the past 20 years. We’ve watched the city thrive, not only in retail, but across the board. It’s a reflection of great leadership and how each successful business inspires others, giving them the confidence to bring their visions to life and contribute to our thriving city—plus, we can’t forget the contribution of Mayor Ed Rendell, who brought all of us together to be ambassadors for the entrepreneurial spirit. When I ventured out to open the Manayunk location in 1994, the neighborhood wasn’t what it is today. At the time, there were very few restaurants and stores. Everyone told me I was nuts for opening a store in Manayunk, but, by 1999, Manayunk became one of the hottest destinations in Philadelphia to shop, dine and play. We didn’t let the negativity get in the way of our success. I believed in my vision for Nicole Miller, and this allowed me to manifest something truly fabulous. Over the years, we’ve continued to survive and thrive while reinventing ourselves along the way. This is no small feat—and it’s something that we take great pride in here.”