In the heart of Anderson, South Carolina, The Electric City News, a shining example of female entrepreneurship, has been a beacon of positive local news for over 15 years. Founded in 2009 by Julie Bailes Johnson, the newspaper was born out of a challenging period in her life. Shortly after its inception, Julie’s sister Ginny Bailes joined her, bringing a fresh perspective and shared passion for community journalism. Together, they have shaped The Electric City News into a vital part of the community, providing insightful reporting and uplifting stories that celebrate the spirit of Anderson. Their dedication and commitment embody the spirit of Women’s History Month, celebrating the achievements of women in business and inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In 2020, Julie also founded Town Bride, a local bridal magazine in Anderson, SC.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
In an insightful interview with Julie and Ginny, co-founders of The Electric City News, the story of their journey unfolds. Julie’s journey began during the economic downturn of 2009 when she transitioned from a real-estate magazine in Greenwood to founding a newspaper in Anderson. She shared, “I was a single mom at the time, and the market had just taken an enormous dip. I had to find something to increase my income. I had a good friend who published a community newspaper down in Beaufort, and we had previously talked about starting one in Anderson. So, I spent a weekend with her, learning the ropes. After visiting some printers and creating a business plan, I jumped in and started the paper at a small desk in my laundry room. Shortly after that, Ginny retired from teaching, and I convinced her to become my business partner. That was 15 years ago.”
Focusing on the Positive, Uplifting the Community
The newspaper’s motivation stems from a desire to highlight the positive aspects of the community. Julie expressed, “I wanted to focus on uplifting things, highlighting business and people.” The Electric City News strives to fill the void left by the absence of a small hometown paper and brings attention to those who might need more press coverage.
A Platform for Women and Marginalized Voices
Being a female-owned newspaper has deeply influenced the way The Electric City News approaches its storytelling. Julie and Ginny are keenly attuned to the stories of female entrepreneurs, often featuring female-owned businesses in their coverage. They are committed to shining a light on individuals and voices that may otherwise go unnoticed, amplifying the stories of those who are often underrepresented in mainstream media. This commitment to inclusivity and representation has not only shaped the content of The Electric City News but also its impact on the community, fostering a sense of empowerment and visibility for all.
In response to the question, “What impact do you hope The Electric City News has on the community, particularly for women and marginalized voices?” Ginny shared, “You always feel like there’s more area and people you can cover, more you can do. There’s so much that needs to be done.” They hope that The Electric City News serves as a platform for amplifying the voices of women and marginalized communities, shedding light on their stories, struggles, and triumphs. They aim to foster a sense of inclusivity and empowerment, inspiring positive change and unity within our community.
Celebrating Women’s History Month Every Day
In honor of Women’s History Month, Julie and Ginny shared stories of remarkable women in Anderson’s history. The first woman that came to Ginny’s mind was Rasheda Robinson. She emphasized Robinson’s remarkable story and her passion for helping others. She talked about Robinson’s dedication to her work at Pracht Injury Lawyers and her impact on the community. Julie echoed Ginny’s sentiments, emphasizing that celebrating women is not limited to a specific month; at The Electric City News, every day is a celebration of the strength and achievements of women.
Together, they are committed to shining a spotlight on the incredible women who have made and continue to make a difference in Anderson and beyond, including Dr. Gabrielle Cannick, owner of Grand Oaks Dental; Pearlie Harris, the namesake of the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health – a state-of-the-art center with advanced breast imaging technology; Tracie Starr, owner of Tracie Starr Home; Nitra Pressley, owner of Charli’s Enhancements and Nitra’s Sweet Treats; Melissa Moore, owner of Indigo Custom Framing & Artisan Market; Shelby Clardy, owner/operator of the beloved Bleckley Inn; and many more.
Challenges, Successes, and Empathy in Entrepreneurship
Reflecting on their journey as female entrepreneurs in the media industry, Julie and Ginny acknowledge the empathy shown towards them. They believe that being women allows them to approach people with more compassion. Despite challenges, they stand firm, with Julie emphasizing, “If we changed every time someone told us we were doing something wrong, we wouldn’t be here. We get a lot of advice on what we should do, and you just have to stick to what you know and what you believe.” The Electric City News stays true to its mission, focusing on its beliefs rather than succumbing to external pressures.
Goals and Aspirations for the Future
Looking ahead, The Electric City News has clear aspirations. Julie and Ginny emphasized that their goal is to remain true to themselves and to the community they serve. They appreciate their dedicated staff, recognizing them as the backbone of their success. Julie shared, “We are only successful when the people who use our paper are successful.”
A Powerful Reminder
Ginny shared a powerful insight, “Women have to work twice as hard to prove themselves in our world.” This sentiment resonates deeply during Women’s History Month as we reflect on the challenges women have faced and the progress that has been made. The Electric City News stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and dedication of women in media, making a lasting impact on Anderson, SC.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us not only honor the achievements of the past but also recognize the ongoing efforts of women who continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. The Electric City News is a shining example of the power of women in journalism, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.
