Ozarks Profile: Hallie Sale

Tell us about your company.

CornerStone Fine Jewelry was started in 1986 by owners Lynn and Linda Baldwin. CornerStone was founded with the simple philosophy to serve our customers in such a way as to form lifetime relationships based on trust. Sixteen years later, our philosophy hasn't changed. We still offer premium jewelry backed by the highest quality service.

What do you do?

I started with CornerStone Fine Jewelry in 1990. In the 12 years I have been with the company I have worked my way from doing repairs and custom design to managing the shop and representing the store to the community through different organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Springfield Business Connection. Recently, I was nominated to the board of the Missouri Jewelers and Watchmakers Association. This organizations' goal is to advocate professionalism and high ethical standards, and to assist all of its members in improving their business skills through educational programs and services.

What has contributed to your company's success as a small business?

Here at CornerStone Fine Jewelry, we pride ourselves in our high quality of craftsmanship and our friendly, family-like atmosphere. The people who come through our doors are not only customers, but also our friends. We take great pride in the fact that most of our customers have been referred to us.

What are some of the challenges you deal with in your industry?

We make every effort to keep informed and up to date as trends and fashions change in an evolving retail climate. Advances are always being made in the technology used in the custom design, and the watch and jewelry repair areas of our business. We constantly work to educate our staff and improve our skills in these areas.

What is the best part of your job?

I like to say that we help people mark the special milestones in their lives. I love the fact that we create lasting memories. My favorite part of my job is to be able to sit down with a customer and take their idea for a piece of jewelry ... from a concept to the final creation.

Tell us about your family.

My husband is Jeff Sale. Jeff is the Missouri territory manager with Dixon Industries. We do not have any children, but we do have three cats, three dogs and two horses.