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The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Atorya Blow’s new business, Mrs. Blow’s Mentorship, took place Friday morning, Nov. 1, at the business’ brick-and-mortar location of 217 North College Drive, Suite C, in the city of Franklin.

Attending the event with Blow were Franklin Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins, representatives from both the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc., and Blow’s family and friends.

Blow summarized, during the ceremony, the services her business is offering.

“I’m offering work development, I’m helping people find jobs, helping them to create resumés, submit resumés,” she said. “If they need transportation to and from jobs, I’m available to do that, to interviews.”

“Any person who’s just having a hard time with their life, I’m the person to come talk to, to try to help get their life on track,” she said. “There’s a variety of things (Mrs. Blow’s Mentorship offers) just trying to help people get their lives on track.”

She noted that she has been wanting to do this kind of work ever since she was a teenager.

“This is something I always wanted to do, and then I would try to do other jobs in between and tried to do other things, but none of that ever worked out,” she said. But she noted that once she decided to focus on this work and committed to the path she is currently on to create and open Mrs. Blow’s Mentorship, “everything fell into place.”

In a Facebook post, she noted that on Oct. 10, she received the keys to her office at 217-C North College Drive, along with some more business credentials needed. On Oct. 17, she received her business license. On Nov. 1, the mayor presided over her business’ ribbon cutting.

 

“On Nov. 4 doors will open at 9 a.m. for sessions,” she stated in the post. “I give all the glory to God, because I know what He is about to do.”

She indicated that the office hours at 217-C North College Drive will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.

However, she noted that the true hours for the business “are 24 hours because you never know when someone might need me.”

She stated that her phone is available all the time, with a number of 757-304-5005.

A flyer attached to her Facebook post noted that she offers group and one-on-one sessions with people of all ages.

In her Facebook post, she stated, “If you’re not in need of services, please support by sponsoring a person who is in need and is not financially capable. Spread the word…”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cutchins said to Blow, “I’d just like to say on behalf of the city of Franklin, City Council, city manager and staff, we appreciate you doing this and being here in our city.

“One thing I’ve learned throughout life on mentoring and so forth is you’ve got to have collaboration, you’ve got to have communication, and you’ve got to have connection, so best wishes,” he added.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Teresa B. Beale said, “And we’re glad to have you as a part of the chamber and want to work with you and help your business to grow.”

FSEDI President and CEO Karl T. Heck added, “Same here, absolutely. We work with clients, we look forward to seeing yours too.”

Blow thanked them all for their support.