Women of Main Street: Jennie Lee

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Jennie Lee, owner of Merle Norman, is one of nearly 100 local businesswomen who will be recognized Sept. 23 during Main Street Manning’s annual meeting. The Manning Times will be featuring a few of these women each week throughout September in The Manning Times, and posting stories daily on manninglive.com. Though Jennie Lee grew up in Clarendon County, she went to Cartersville, Ga., after obtaining her degree in business management from the University of South Carolina. While there, she worked for a tank trailer repair facility for 10 years, but was ready to move back to her friends and family. “I especially wanted to share time with my grandmother, Josie McLeod,” Lee said. “She is the one who introduced me to Merle Norman Cosmetics as we share the same skin sensitivities.” With few employment opportunities in the Clarendon area, Lee asked her family about opening a Merle Norman franchise. A store had been open here until about 2002, Lee noted. “ I knew there were customers that would support a new studio,” she said. “’Merle Girls’ are a very loyal bunch. They love the quality of the product and that they are supporting American jobs, as Merle Norman is made here, Los Angeles, Calif., to be exaxt.” “The ladies of Clarendon County have been wonderful to me,” Lee said. “They have been willing to work with me and try the products. I am very glad that they enjoy them as much as I do.” She said her dad still has some ideas for her to expand her business. “My dad is still concerned about the viability of a ‘lipstick store,’ and thinks I should add a section for rods and reels or other fishing gear!” Lee said.