Swan Pharmacy

48 N. Main Street, Wadley, GA 30477  -  478-252-5252

Swan Pharmacy is a full service pharmacy and gift shop in Wadley, Ga.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a pharmacist. During my internships and all throughout my career, I have worked for some of the best independent pharmacists who were dedicated to giving back to their communities, and their dedication inspired me to want to do the same.  My son has chosen pharmacy as a career path and has just recently graduated from pharmacy school, and my daughter plans to do the same.  What better reason to start my own business than to share my passion for my career with my children and my community?

What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else? 

1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I truly believe that I was called to be a vessel of God’s grace by being a pharmacist right here in Wadley, Georgia.  Every customer who walks in our door is in need of something.  It could be a prescription, an over-the-counter medication, a gift for a loved one, an answer to a question or just a shoulder to cry on. Everyone here at Swan Pharmacy is dedicated to giving each and every customer who walks in our door the very best service possible.  Our customers are like family to us, and we care about each and every one of them. 

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business? 

While in pharmacy school at the University of Georgia, I was required to rotate through several different areas of pharmacy, including independent pharmacies.  I knew early on that this was where my heart was and that I would eventually own my own pharmacy.  After graduation, I worked for independent pharmacists who were devoted to serving their communities.  Their wisdom, along with trusted advice from financial advisors, guided me to have the knowledge base necessary to start my own business.  

What has been your biggest success to date?

My biggest success to date would have to be having my son come back to work at the pharmacy with me.  It is truly an honor to be able to share a career with him.  We have always had a family atmosphere at Swan Pharmacy, but it is just solidified with my son working here every day now. 

My second biggest success to date would have to be my new drive-thru window!  It has been a lifesaver during this pandemic! 

What has been your biggest challenge?

My strengths lie in working with my customers and employees and knowing how to meet their needs.  My biggest challenge lies in focusing on the business details that might seem mundane but are oh, so necessary and demand my attention as well.  A well-ordered to-do list has solved this problem for me. 

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

I am carrying on the tradition of Gunn Drug Company, so I am definitely inspired by their 63 years of dedicated service to the Jefferson County area.  But I would have to say that my major inspiration comes from my father, Wayne Battle, who began Battle Lumber Company as a small business back in 1962 as a single mill with eight employees.  His work ethic and determination enabled the company to grow into the major international company that it is today.  He did not live to see my dream of owning my own pharmacy, but I know that he would be proud to see my children and me working in a business together doing what we love and were called to do. 

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?

I have surrounded myself with wonderfully supportive family, employees, and mentors, and that is critical.  Give yourself grace when something doesn’t work out exactly as you planned it.  Maybe there is something better on the horizon.  Learn from your mistakes and try again. 

Laura & Bob Swan, owners