(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Ann’s Embroidery owner Ann Sanders.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born October 26, 1951, in Bogalusa, La.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended Bogalusa, then we moved to the country and I went to Varnado (La.).
Q: Where all have you lived?
A: I’ve lived in Massachusetts, Mount Hermon (La.), Bogalusa, Varnado and here since 1994.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I am the owner of Ann’s Embroidery. We digitize company logos, embroider caps, shirts — if I can get it under the machine I’ll do it. I don’t turn a lot down. I don’t send it out to anywhere; I do it myself.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I’ve been sewing since I was 15. I got tired of working for somebody else. I asked my husband, “What am I going to do?” He said, “Do what you do best, sew.” So I researched it for two years and was very particular about the equipment I got. I wanted it to be the best it could be. I worked at the job I was at then came home at night to build the business. I started in 2001 and came to town in 2003.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The people and I love to create. My husband says I paint with stitches. I love to paint, but I don’t have the time.
Q: If you could say anything to your customers, what would you say?
A: Thank you and I love them all dearly. I’m still here and not going anywhere.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at a hamburger place, the Big R drive-in in Bogalusa.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: My parents, Aline and Emile Sprehe, taught us your word is your bond and when you work for somebody you give them 150 percent. You treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s just honesty. They raised us to work, to be independent and I couldn’t ask for better parents. They were awesome.
Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does he do for a living?
A: Jeffery Sanders. He has Jeff’s Electrical and does heating/air and electrical. He also does some beautiful woodwork. That’s his pastime.
Q: Do you have children?
A: We don’t have any together, but he has two and I have two. My two are Tim, 45, and Aaron Freeman, 40. His two are Tosha Crowell, 39, and Shawn Sanders.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: One of my husband’s ribeye steaks. He cooks the best.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: To see the kids in Texas and South Carolina.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to paint but don’t have a lot of spare time. But usually when I do have spare time I’m trying to catch up on housework.
Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in Columbia and Marion County?
A: Columbia has been my home since 1994, and I love the people. I’ve had someone wanting to buy me out, but if I did it I would miss all the people who come in here. The kids who come in here have become my kids in a way. I’ve watched them grow up and graduate. It makes me feel old, but it’s pretty neat.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: John Wayne. He has the mentality like my father did. He was just a good, straightforward and honest person. He treated people like they weren’t different. He had pride, respect and was just a good man.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: I’d rather watch a good movie. I’ve watched John Wayne several hundred times over. I do love to read Brandi Perry’s books that she writes. I really get into those. But it’s mostly movies; I love movies.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A: My grandchildren being born. I love them, but they live everywhere else so I don’t get to see them much. I actually make cookies for them and send them. They’re Mississippi mawmaw’s cookies. I send them love in a lot of different ways.
Q: What would be the No. 1 thing on your Bucket List?
A: I want to go white water rafting, but I don’t think I’ll ever get to. It’s got to be fun.
Q: If you could describe your morals in three words, what would they be?
A: Honest, straightforward and genuine. I try to treat people like a human being and not a dollar bill when they walk through the door.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: For the way I’ve treated people. I hope I’ve done it right. I believe in God, and if anyone comes in and wants to talk about Him, I’ll talk about Him.
— Joshua Campbell
Pictured Above: Ann’s Embroidery owner Ann Sanders has been a mainstay on Main Street since 2003 and wants her customers to know she loves them all and has no plans to leave any time soon. “I’ve had someone wanting to buy me out, but if I did it I would miss all the people who come in here,” she said. | Photo by Joshua Campbell