By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – In a room brimming with inspiration and camaraderie, the Eastern Arizona College (EAC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted its annual Small Business Woman of the Year Award ceremony on Thursday night, honoring the trailblazing women who form the backbone of Graham and Greenlee Counties’ economies.
Royce Hunt-Bell of Roycycyled Treasures was the selection for Graham County, and Jacquelyn Natal of Delicious Desserts won for Greenlee County. Hunt-Bell told those in attendance that she didn’t do her work for recognition or just personal fulfillment, but to fill a need.
“I do it because my grandmother taught me a long time ago, you see a need, fill it,” Hunt-Bell said. “And that’s how I live my life.”
Held at EAC’s Gherald L. Hoopes Activities Center, the event drew community leaders, families, and fellow entrepreneurs to celebrate not just business acumen but the unyielding spirit of perseverance, creativity, and community service that these women embody.
Torey Cranford, the business analyst for the EAC’s SBDC, opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome that set a tone of gratitude and unity. “What a privilege to stand before you, before such an inspiring group of individuals who bring so much heart, innovation, and resilience to our community,” Cranford said. She emphasized the SBDC’s role beyond mere financial guidance: “Our mission goes far beyond business plans and balance sheets. It’s about people. We are here to walk beside entrepreneurs as they take their first courageous steps, face challenges head-on, and turn their dreams into lasting legacies.”
Cranford framed the night as a tribute to “the spirit of perseverance, creativity, and community that defines small business ownership,” noting that each nominee represents “courage, determination, and the drive to make a difference.” Highlighting October as National Women’s Small Business Month, Cranford announced proclamations signed by the Graham and Greenlee County Boards of Supervisors, the City of Safford, and the Towns of Thatcher and Pima. She then invited Graham County Supervisor Paul David to read the proclamation.
David, a self-proclaimed sports fan and University of Arizona alumnus, delivered a personal and passionate address. Reflecting on his family’s legacy in business — his father as a funeral director and his mother as the behind-the-scenes force who “wrote the bills” and managed reports — David celebrated the rising tide of women entrepreneurs.
“Now we have a proportion of more women in Graham County who are businesswomen than men,” he said. “All of you who follow us, thank you so much.”
He underscored the proclamation’s key statistics: Women constitute 57.5% of the nation’s workforce, own 39.1% of U.S. businesses that generate $2.2 trillion annually, and have become the primary breadwinners amid economic challenges. The document resolved to recognize October 2025 as National Women’s Small Business Month, commending Graham County’s 62.7% female labor force participation as a model of “innovation, resident resilience, and economic impact.” “And not just another piece of paper. We really do support it,” David said, earning enthusiastic applause.
Representing Congressman Juan Ciscomani, community liaison Fiona De Young brought a federal perspective to the local triumphs. Drawing on her own family’s small-business roots in Sierra Vista — where her mother juggled emails, bookkeeping, and outreach — Young praised the role models in the room.
“I saw from seeing her do that that I could do that too, as you are showing women in your own community and likely your daughters, sisters, and neighbors through being a role model as a business owner or as someone with community,” she said. Thanking the SBDC team, including Cranford and Robinson, for their statewide program blueprint, Young shared SBA data: 99.5% of Arizona businesses are small, with nearly half led by women — a statistic exceeded in Graham and Greenlee Counties.
“These are more than storefronts. They are places where people listen, build community, and foster a deep sense of belonging,” De Young said.
Highlighting small businesses’ role in adding 42,000 jobs from 2019 to 2020 and 44% employment growth from 1994 to 2018, Young affirmed Congressman Ciscomani’s commitment to supportive policies. She presented Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to the nominees, concluding, “Dare to dream. We all need to. The Congressman is proud to honor you all tonight.”
The evening’s key sponsor, Freeport-McMoRan, was represented by Social Performance Manager Sean Wenham, who brought humor and depth to his remarks. Jokingly dubbing himself the “third string quarterback” in an oversized coat and vacant stare, Wenham affirmed the company’s decade-plus support since 2013. He tied the event to Freeport’s goals of increasing women in leadership, from the first female general manager to CEO Kathleen Quirk.
“Diversity is not a bad thing. It’s how the best ideas and the best solutions find their way to address the real-world opportunities and challenges,” he said. “Diversity makes stronger communities. Diversity makes stronger businesses. And I believe as a result of that, diversity means we have stronger nations.”
Wenham shared a poignant reflection on a late colleague, a single mother and HR manager who passed at 45 after a battle with illness, just weeks before completing a marathon training. Amid stories of her drive, he urged self-care.
“Business takes a lot… if you don’t prioritize your health and your wellness, your mental health, your physical health, if you don’t prioritize matters of your spirit and your emotional health, no one else can do it for you.” He closed with a resonant metaphor from a senior leader. Imagine life as juggling five balls — work (rubber, bounces back), and family, health, friends, spirit (glass, easily shattered). “We all must understand that and strive for it,” Wenham said, honoring the nominees’ daily trenches. “Thank you for the more resilient and vibrant community… and the stronger and more diverse economy that you build with it.”
Cranford then introduced the 2025 finalists, each a testament to grit and generosity. These women, owners or co-owners of businesses with 50 or fewer employees operating for at least three years, were selected for their active involvement and engagement in the community.
“These women represent the heartbeat of our communities, the dreamers, the doers, the difference makers who pour everything they have into their business and the people they serve,” Cranford said.
Finalists
Trinity and Mariyah Bejarano, Revive Innovation: A mother-daughter duo who bootstrapped a $2,000 home-visit IV therapy service into a complete wellness center in Safford, offering Botox, facials, and more. They volunteer with Honor Flight and support low-income clients.
Jenna Ferrin, Country Financial: A 21-year veteran and 13-year agency owner, known for client advocacy and sponsorships like the Christmas Light Parade. She hosts youth volleyball camps and leads church programs.
Kym Gifford, Keyhole Properties: Brokerage owner managing 200+ rentals and housing developments; funds EAC business scholarships and Samaritan House donations; Rotarian and school volunteer.
Royce Hunt-Bell, Roycycled Treasures: From living-room hobby to international decoupage sales in nine countries; DreamBuilder graduate mentoring via Chamber board and senior center classes.
Karen Martin, Quality H2O & Ice: Hands-on operator of Ice House locations, overcoming ADOT hurdles; former Jo-Bi’s Market owner donating products and mentorship.
Elsa Seballos, Mi Casa Tortilla: 13-year purveyor of preservative-free Mexican staples; DreamBuilder alumna expanding to a second location, volunteering with church yoga sessions.
Maylean Taylor, Gigi’s Treasures: Home-based crafter funding an animal sanctuary; sponsors Salsa Fest and Safe House despite post-surgery recovery.
And the finalists for Greenlee County
Neva Corbell, Cactus Rose Aesthetics: Pandemic-era launch into a historic Chase Creek studio; sponsors county fairs, cancer foundations, and youth rodeo.
Jacquelyn Natal, Delicious Desserts: 11-year custom baker adapting heritage recipes to cottage laws; DreamBuilder graduate donating to churches, eyeing expansion.
The presentations followed, blending emotion and encouragement. For Graham County, 2024 recipient Taylor Banks shared her “full circle moment,” reflecting on the lessons of burnout.
“What I’ve learned this past year is that burnout doesn’t mean the end of your story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter,” Banks said. “Rest is not a reward. It’s fuel… Resilience isn’t built in the easy times. It’s built when you’re tired, when you’re unsure, when you have to decide to keep showing up anyway.” She passed the torch to Royce Hunt-Bell, praising her as a monthly, weekly, and daily inspiration.
Hunt-Bell, visibly moved, accepted with humility.
“I have nothing to share. I just thought I’d come and help celebrate some other ladies, entrepreneurs, and have a good dinner tonight,” she began. “Somebody asked me a long time ago how do you end up being in front so much? What people don’t understand is every time you see somebody in the front being recognized, there’s probably hundreds of hours (of work).
“So much of what we do we do in silence at 2 a.m. when our minds wake us up… But to Sean, take care of yourself because it is through those moments where you give yourself permission to rest that you do discover the why, and it’s that that keeps moving forward, even when you’re in pain.”
For Greenlee County, Marina Morales — Workforce Center coordinator, Chamber board member, and event maven — presented Jacquelyn Natal with the Greenlee County award.
Natal, caught off-guard, responded with tearful grace.
“This was truly not expected. I am not prepared,” Natal said. “I’m just thankful, I’ve been very blessed… Thank you so much, everyone. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for backing me up, believing in what I do, and pushing me always, even if it’s a small victory. I’ve learned so much, especially from her; she’s been a big mentor… Our own community creates so much. Again, thank you very, very much. And congratulations to each and every one of you as well.”
In closing, Joel Robinson lauded the collective victory. Thanking sponsors, staff, and attendees — from Fiona’s personal touch to Wenham’s “scoring drive” and Banks’ renewal message — Robinson invoked Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Regarding the entrepreneurs, he said, “They’ve chosen to enrich the community… And as a result of their efforts, our lives are made better, enriched in all kinds of ways.”
The event was catered by EAC and featured a taco station with lemonade and strawberry-infused water, with desserts such as brownies.
