So as you all know, I am very big on supporting black businesses. I will repost, buy from them, spread by word of mouth whatever else you can think of I do it! So here are a few businesses that reached out to my post about this blog. So check out their pages and DON'T for get to checkout your local black businesses!
Name: Dyne’esha Bradley Business Name: NeeshaValore Designs
I’ve been a fashion designer for about 8 years now, but I’ve started taking my business serious, about a year ago.
I’m a fashion designer and owner of NeeshaValore Designs. I’m a Ready to Wear and custom designer who specializes in custom garments for any occasion. I’ve always had a love for fashion and being creative. I loved revamping old clothes. I’d often times go to the thrift stores and buy old clothes and recreate them into brand new pieces. There were so many struggles that I was faced with when I first started. First off, I didn’t know how to properly execute my ideas. I would sketch our designs, but could never actually make the garments I sketched. Then once I learned how to sew, I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to make. I was constantly all over the place, I wanted to do and make everything, instead of finding that 1 thing and focus on that. Eventually, I got myself and my business together where now, I have a much better understanding of my brand.
My current struggle is finding the right clients. Often times as a business owner, you always find people who want to support, but don’t have the coins to support. My business is definitely on the pricey side of the spectrum, but when I meet the right clients who are willing to pay, the struggle goes away. I tend to offer discounts and coupons. Since I have an online store, I have a lot of inventory, so repeat customers will get special incentives to shop again. And often times, they come back. During the holiday seasons, I’ll offer perks and incentives, but I’m very wary about how many of those I’ll offer. The one thing I say to myself is this, “Chanel doesn’t have coupons, why should I?” With Chanel being such a high end luxury brand, people know the prices and are willing to pay. I may not have the brand recognition, but I know the worth of my brand, and I refuse to undercharge myself. What makes my business different is that I actually provide a hands on experience with my clients. I make custom garments for clients for any occasion. So when they come to me, they are treated like royalty. I give the clients whatever they need. I actually make my garments in house. I don’t have a manufacturer that makes my designs for me, I actually sit behind a sewing machine and create the desired pieces. I try to create one of a kind Ready to Wear garments that look good on any and everybody. Here’s some additional information: neeshavaloredesigns.com IG: @neeshavalore FB: NeeshaValore Designs Twitter: @neeshavalore
My name is Joma Shelby, a native of Gulfport, MS, but a resident of Hattiesburg, MS. I am the owner of Pablo’s Canvas Photography, located here in Hattiesburg. I’ve been in business for a little over three years now, and I love it.
When I first started doing photography, it was to fill a need and save money. My brother & I opened a country genre record label and wanted to have professional pictures of our artists, so instead of paying a photographer, I decided to invest in a camera. I began playing with my camera outside of work and just fell in love with what I could capture, what it could do, what I could create; I fell in love with this form of art. It opened my eyes to so many different forms of beauty; it opened my mind and challenged my perception on a lot of issues. Today my business is all about creativity and pushing the envelope on a lot of issues. I want to go against the status quo, shine light on social issues, while still being respectful the the art form that is humanity.When I first begin on this journey, it was constant struggles; my first year in business I worked for free, I was an assistant for my mentor of today, and the competition was fierce. I had to establish my presence and my skill set to be seen as a valuable option for photography needs. I honestly think that’s how it is no matter what business venture you’re attempting; it’s all a part of getting your feet wet and making a name for yourself. Today my struggles are a little different and a lot more tougher. I wanted to have a business, not a hobby, not a side hustle, but a legit legal entity. I established myself in the eyes of my target audience, but now I’m attempting to establish myself in the eyes of corporate America. I’m rebranding my business, shifting my focus to a new target audience, and preparing for expansion (new location and bringing new photographers on board). The struggles today seem long and exhausting but provides such peace when they’re conquered.When it comes to my customers, I pull out all the stops. I believe customer service is only second to customer satisfaction. I implement customer loyalty incentives, giving discounts for referrals and return customers, I treat my customers with the upmost respect and be sure to make them laugh, I check on my customers after they have their product just to make sure they are completely satisfied. I send a customer satisfaction survey to hear what they have to say because I value their feedback greatly. Majority of my business comes from word of mouth; I understand the theory that if you take care of your customers, they’ll take care of you.There are times where I have offers for my return customers, there are months where I offer discounts to new customers, it all depends on what’s happening, what does my team advise that I do, and where my company is financially. I’m a very generous person, if I’m not giving back to my customers, I’m usually giving back to the community through numerous charities. This Christmas season, myself and a few of my entrepreneurial friends are donating gifts to a few families in our local community.I think what makes my business different and unique, is that you’re working with a server, someone who is selfless, who puts you first even when you don’t think to. I have a heart to serve; my 9-5 job is being a business counselor for the USM SBDC, where I help others get their business off the ground and running. I stand out because of my customer first mentality, and because of my artistic vision; at times I let my imagination run wild in order to create something so beautiful and it just blows the mind of my customers. I believe customer service and creativity are my competitive advantages.
If you or others would like to see my work, you can visit my InstaGram: DSLRPicasso or my website www.pabloscanvas.com
What’s your name?
Terence Miller Jr
What’s your business name?
Millz Lawn Care
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
Since October 2018
What’s your business?
Lawncare
What made you want to start this type of business?
I've been cutting grass since I was young. So because of the skill I have in that area, I decided to start a business with it.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
The struggles starting out we’re finding clients and initial funds
Are their any struggles that you have currently?
Currently the struggles are the same but are getting easier
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
I get the to come back with great customer service, excellent communication, and fair prices
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
I offer $5 off their first cut if they like the business page on Facebook
What makes your business different and unique from others?
We provide “Green” Excellence to our customers by going above and beyond and making sure they are thoroughly satisfied with the work done
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business? Instagram: Millzlawncare , Facebook: Millzlawncare
What’s your business name?
Southern Twist
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
We’ve been in business for almost 2 years
What’s your business?
catering
What made you want to start this type of business?
I’ve always enjoyed food and it’s always been a big part of my family and gatherings we’ve had. I recall such great times being in the kitchen with my grandparents, parents and aunts and uncles learning how to do so many different things. Food has always been synonymous with family for me.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
There were many struggles when I first started. Money is always an issue so pretty much everything came out of pocket until the company was able kind of stand on its on. In addition to that, filling out paperwork and understanding what all I needed. After that, networking and building a clientele.
Are their any struggles that you have currently?
Being more organized, growing my clientele base and trying to remain relevant.
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
I find that being professional and polite to customers and rendering exceptional customer service is number one. After that cooking the food as they’ve asked and requested. Lastly going above and beyond what they expect.
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
We’re currently working on getting shirts, for our repeated customers. In addition to that we’re about to start a promotion for those seeking catering for the Zulu Ball.
What makes your business different and unique from others?
Here at southern Twist we put our Customers first and look to satisfy them and exceed their expectations. We don’t recognize the words “No” or “We Can’t Do It” we make things happen.
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business?
IG: Southern_Twist_
Email: SouthernTwistLLC@yahoo.com
What’s your name?
Alexis K . Britten
What’s your business name?
Bella’s Pralines and Pastries
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
I have been in business for about a year and a half , doing treats and I have an event planning business ( specialty in kids parties ) in the works expected to officially open around March of 2019.
What’s your business?
Bella’s first started off only selling Pralines ( Pecan Candy ) and has now expand to sell a variety of different things such as home made sugar cookies , gourmet popcorn , party favors , decor , etc .
What made you want to start this type of business?
One thing that made me start this business is seeing how big of a need it is in today’s society, I live by identifying the problem and being the solution.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
My biggest struggle I’ve encountered is building my clientele. Being that I am in school and apart of different organizations on campus I don’t have as much time in the day to market my business. I’m not where I want to be just yet but as Judy would say I’m “ Praying through the process “ . Gods timing is always perfect!
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
I produce the best products possible so they can get know, like and trust me to bring their vision to life.
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
I recently started a Customer Loyalty Program . This program is designed to give my customers a token of appreciation from my business by their continuous support. When they spend $20 or more they will receive a stamp after so many stamps they will receive $25 off any order of $100 or more! I also have different coupons that I give out during my Pop Up Shop raffle drawings!
What makes your business different and unique from others?
One thing that makes my business unique from others is the fact I add my own touch to any order I’m completing . I am my only competition!
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business?
Instagram- bellas_pralinesandpastries
Facebook- Bellas Pralines and Pastries
What’s your name?
Chanel
What’s your business name?
Shopchrischanel
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
2 years
What’s your business?
Shopchrischanel is a business geared towards hood culture and black culture. We carry things such as shirts, cellphone cases, with prints and phrases that reflect things from urban culture.
What made you want to start this type of business?
I started this business because I was broke working at a call center. I felt as if I could do a lot better with my life so I was like hey why not start a business.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
At first I only carried chokers and accessories. I had to start somewhere so I started with what was trendy at the moment. It wasn’t going too well for me so I thought of my I hood niggas shirt and things have been going up from there. It was also hard to gain a following at first but now I have a nice little audience of 24k.
Are their any struggles that you have currently?
Marketing is always a struggle. People get bored so quickly and finding new ways to grasp people’s attention can be hard.
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
I try to provide bomb ass customer service and I always talk to my audience which I think gives my business that authentic feel which helps people want to buy from me.
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
No
What makes your business different and unique from others?
I think everyone has a t shirt brand these days but I haven’t seen too many people actually make anything for the more ghetto girls and that’s where I stepped up to the plate.
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business?
Instagram: shopchrischanel
website: www.shopchrischanel.com
What’s your name?
Raven Ross
What’s your business name?
Top Shelf Essentials
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
Expected opening date: January 3rd
What’s your business?
skin care for now, but I hope to expand to hair care and other things later
What made you want to start this type of business?
I’m an allied health major, but it’s always been my dream to open my own business. I wanted to open my own physical therapy practice at one point but as graduation started growing closer I lost my drive for medicine. My passion has always been cooking and diy stuff so I thought why not open my own business since I don’t want to work for anyone long term. Upon research I found that this would be a great start up for what I hope will turn into more than just a hobby. I hope to one day open my own food truck as well as maybe other business as my life progresses.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
Money is a constant road block for me. I’m still in college and I’m a student employee so I only make minimum wage and I barely hit 25 hours a week. I’ve been saving up, but hopefully I can find a better job so that I will be able to fully invest in myself. The biggest issue I’m having besides money is finding people who know about the business to help me. So I’m pretty much shooting in the dark right now and hoping that i hit the target. It’s a lot of trial and error.
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
Great customer service is always key to get customers coming back. I take pride in the quality of all of my products. Everything is hand made and designed by me. I hope to give my customers the best products and present the products to them as such. I want my packaging to look like something that belongs in the “top shelf” and the product to be top quality.
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
At this time I don’t have any perks going on, but I hope once I do launch I will be able to give samples of other products along with the products that the customers buy.
What makes your business different and unique from others?
What makes my business different is the fact that I use only natural ingredients in my products. Nothing artificial, no chemicals. Everything is 100% natural and from the earth.
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business?
As of now I only have an Instagram account @_topshelfessentials . My page is still developing however so there are no posts as of now
What’s your name?
De’Ja Murray
What’s your business name?
FluffedNStuff
How long have you been in business? If you haven’t opened yet what’s your expected open date?
This September made two years
What’s your business?
I specialize in making custom clothing and accessories along with a host of other things. I make kids and adult clothing, satin lined hair bonnets, birthday pins, letter blocks, tutus, hair bows, and pretty much anything I’m asked to make. I try to fulfill all my customers wants and needs, so the list of things I make is constantly expanding.
What made you want to start this type of business?
My business honestly came out of nowhere. My older sister randomly asked me to make her a tutu for her maternity photo shoot and I did it and it came out beautiful, so a few years later for my niece’s birthday she asked me to make her one and that’s when all the magic happened. Everyone wanted to know where she got it from, and I ended up getting 3 orders that same day. Once I began to really start receiving orders I realized I how passionate I was about using my creativity in making outfits and trying new things I decided I would make a business out of it.
Where there any struggles that you encountered when getting started?
When I first started my biggest struggle was making a profit. I wanted my prices to be reasonble, but I didn’t realize I was selling myself short. I would feel like I was working but making no money. I had to realize that custom and handmade items have to not only include the cost of the material but the cost of my time as well.
Are their any struggles that you have currently?
I wouldn’t really consider it a struggle because I’m learning new things everyday, but my biggest challenge right now is marketing and branding. I have a very nice customer base right now, but I really want to expand my audience even more. I’m currently working on ways to reach different audiences.
How do you get your customers coming back or plan to come back?
The way I get my customers coming back is by making their vision come true. I make sure that I eat a clear understanding of what they want, and I make it my goal to deliver exactly that. I also have sales, contest, and giveaways often. That’s my way of showing my customers that I appreciate them for supporting me.
Are their any special perks that you offer? For example, if a person buys anything from you a certain amount of time.
I’m currently working on getting some customer loyalty cards in which customer will receive a stamp for every purchase they make from me and once they’ve received 9 stamps they get $5 off of their next purchase.
What makes your business different and unique from others?
What make my business unique and different from others is that I let the customers make all the decisions. I make custom and handmade items that are made specifically from the wants and needs of the customer. I take risks when it comes to fulfilling my customers desires because they are depending on me to make their visions come to life. Although I do have my own style, I put that aside to focus on the customer’s style. The types, styles, and designs of the things I make are limitless and accommodating to all wants/needs, and I think that’s what makes my business special.
Do you have a website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, so my subscribers can check out your business?
Instagram: Fluffednstuff
Facebook: Fluffed&Stuff