October is National Women’s Small Business Month, and last Thursday that recognition was reflected locally with the award for 2024 Gila County Small Businesswoman of the Year.
In a ceremony at Globe’s Cobre Valley Recreation Center, that honor – and a $2,000 prize – went to Jordan Johnson, owner/operator of Vida e Caffé and Vida e Catering in Globe. Johnson has managed Vida e Caffé since 2006, initially alongside her father Dezi Baker, and launched a second location at the Cobre Valley Recreation Center in 2019. Aside from supporting her staff and remaining dedicated to customers even through such challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic, she caters numerous events, actively hosts events and volunteers in local schools.
Johnson’s fellow nominees for Small Businesswoman of the Year were Emily Brice, LovEm’s Bikery (Payson); Esther Careaga, Rim Clear Path Center (Payson); Renee Lynch, Kaloka Kare (Payson); Patsy Martinez, Hi-Tyme Home Center (Globe); Leslie Petty, The Serenity Room (Globe); Alma Smith, Consign Your Design (Payson); Dr. Peggy Sorensen, Main Animal Hospital (Payson); Adrianne Villalobos, La Casita Downtown (Globe); and Jill Wilson, Jill Wilson Agency (Globe).