Sheila Hazemi-Jimenez always wanted to own her own pizza place, even from the time she was a child. Since taking ownership of Tippy’s in Pulaski County in 2016, she has been able to make that dream come true, and even expand to a bigger and newer facility.
Hazemi-Jimenez graduated from Winamac High School, then attended college in Chicago. After completing college and starting a family, Hazemi-Jimenez and her family returned to her roots in Northwest Indiana to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.
“The community has been awesome and very supportive through this business venture,” Hazemi-Jimenez said.
When she’s isn’t pursuing her dreams, you can find the Winamac native giving back to the town that made her the woman she is today. Once a month, she reads to first graders at a local elementary school.
“I love seeing the kids’ excitement when I walk into the room,” she said. “It’s a nice break from the rest of my day, and you can tell it’s a highlight in their day, too.”
“Sheila has shown herself to be a true civic leader with a real passion for the place she calls home,” said Nathan Origer, Executive Director of Pulaski County Community Development Commission (CDC). “Winamac and all of Pulaski County are lucky to have her as an entrepreneur and volunteer.”
Hazemi-Jimenez also serves as Secretary of Pulaski Co. CDC and is an active member of Wander Our Winamac, an organization dedicated to promoting economic development and vitality in the community’s downtown area.
“I love to help the community in any way I can,” Hazemi-Jimenez said. “Trying to build economic development in rural Indiana can be challenging, and I love a challenge.”
