Architessa

Daily Record Staff//September 23, 2024//

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Betty Sullivan is the head of Architessa, a comprehensive tile and stone company serving homeowners, designers and architects for nearly 40 years. As a woman-owned business, Architessa has faced numerous challenges in a male-dominated industry. Under Sullivan’s leadership, the company has grown sustainably, weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained a commitment to supporting women in management roles.

Architessa proudly holds a women-owned certification and actively participates in charitable housing projects with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. With 85 employees and a diverse leadership team, Architessa continues to thrive as it approaches its 40th year in business.

What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?

It means a lot. It’s hard to make it in business, especially as women. We have to navigate more hurdles to get ahead. I’m excited to know other colleagues with women-owned businesses. Having our women-owned certification is a badge of honor. Clients respond to it.

What challenges have you faced as a women-owned business?

So many. Next year is our 40th year in business, but it has been a hard road. Selling and getting vendors on board was difficult. In a male-dominated field, vendors dismissed Architessa as a viable company. Once a purchasing agent told me he buys from married men with kids. When I told him I was a single mother, he asked if I was wearing stockings!

How do you support women in your business and community?

Supporting women means hiring women in management and other roles. The majority of our leadership diverse team are women.

This article was assisted by an AI engine and reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses in Maryland list for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.