Virginia Hicks

Challenges nothing new to Virginia HicksThe Times-Journal | Fort Payne, Alabama

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Challenges nothing new to Virginia Hicks

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Virginia Hicks is quite a lady ­ and she's more than a survivor, she is a thriver.

She has overcome many obstacles and challenges as the owner and operator of Jinni's, her downtown Fort Payne clothing and accessory store for women.

We could all learn some lessons from Virginia Hicks.

After 25 years selling clothes for Ratliff's, Hicks learned the store ­ which was providing her income, living, and stability ­ was closing.

Worse, that news came following a divorce and at a time when both her mother and brother-in-law were ill.

The year was 1983, and the challenges were great.Interest rates for borrowing money were sky high, she'd never run her own business, and she was in her early 40s at the time.Some told her she would never make it.

"I give God all the credit," she says now."I knew the Lord wasn't finished with me.I had to have a job, and I was determined to make a living.That's all I have ever asked for or needed."

Those who know Virginia are familiar with her "I am going to make it" spirit and attitude, but there have been discouraging days.

"I've had some tough days," she says, "and there were times when the bills piled up.But I've never doubted this is where I should be, and it has all worked out."

Certainly the biggest challenge might have been last April 15, when a fire completely gutted her store.

"I never considered not coming back," she says.

Soon after the fire, she set about the business of rebuilding, refurbishing and refinishing the building she bought in 1990.

Last week, Jinni's officially reopened with a ribbon cutting, new lines of clothing, and the same determined spirit Virginia Hicks has always had.

The Rainsville native and Fort Payne resident has many to thank.

"There are so many people I need to thank," she says, "I couldn't begin to name just one or make a list.I have some of the greatest friends anyone could have.

At a time when all of America is still dazed over the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, it's comforting and encouraging to see Virginia Hicks' determination to succeed.I don't doubt for a minute Jinni's will continue to be a cornerstone of business in downtown Fort Payne.