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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article will be updated continuously as more businesses are highlighted. Did you start a new business this year during the pandemic? Click here to learn how you can be featured and share your story with us!
It’s true- COVID-19 has put a dent in our 2020 for more reasons than one, especially for Black Wall Street. According to an August report from the Federal Reserve of New York, nearly half of Black small businesses had been wiped out, due to the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on minority communities and are twice as likely to shut down than white businesses. But for many others, the pandemic has been a season of prosperity and opportunities for young, Black business owners. Below is a highlight of Royal men and women who have started a pandemic business and creating opportunities in their communities.
Tara Brown, 31
CEO/Founder of Health Skills Academy
LOCATION:
Ohio, but classes are available around the world via the internet
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
“Health Skills Academy is an accredited global online video learning academy in personal development education- helping people to become certified professional trainers, coaches & instructors in the fields of mental health, fitness, yoga/meditation, and more!”
APPEAL:
Local and national
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
“I previously worked in healthcare for 11 years and after seeing how the world has changed in work, academics, and education- I decided to change how busy working get their education. I became a certified holistic life coach and worked for a whole year doing that. But it hit me that I could do more so I turned my coaching business and years of experience in healthcare into a global online video learning academy for anyone who needs to advance and learn on their time!”
2021/FUTURE PLANS?
“Introducing my school to more countries and traveling to teach about the importance of online education!”
ONE WORD OF ADVICE TO PANDEMIC BUSINESS OWNERS?
“Don’t live in fear BLOCK IT OUT, on the other side of fear are your wildest dreams coming true!”
Follow Tara and Health Skills Academy on Instagram.
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SHANAE SIMON, 29
OWNER OF CLOSET OF CLASSE
LOCATION:
Tampa, FL
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
“Closet of Classe is a fashion resale store that focuses on providing the best prices for quality, trendy, and stylish fashion. We buy and sell women’s fashion, shoes, and accessories.”
APPEAL:
Local
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
• To provide women with a resale store that offers a comfortable and fun environment • To offer a variety of beautiful and afforable fashion designs • To showcase quality, trendy and stylish fashion • To help women learn what clothing and styles go best with their unique personalities • To generate buzz and sales through top-notch services.
2021/FUTURE PLANS?
“To generate buzz and increase traffic.”
ONE WORD OF ADVICE TO PANDEMIC BUSINESS OWNERS?
“Be monetarily prepared to pay every bill and do not expect the company to be profitable for at least a year.”
Washington native Tonya Buford created Singles Pop Up in 2019, after dealing with the difficulties of finding “quality singles” and dating apps
.Tonya Buford, 51
Owner of Single Pop Up
Tampa, FL
” I host events to initiate intimate connections face to face for singles.”
” It was very difficult as a single person to find a quality suitor using technology and apps. You find that you have to dig through a plethora of scammers just to find a quality mate so I infused my event planning skills with hosting events in various places in Tampa Bay for singles to meet face-to-face.”
Focus
ERNEST FLYTHE, 47
LOCATION:
Tampa, FL
APPEAL:
Local
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
” To create social events for mature working people in a safe grown and sexy environment while bringing my visions to life.”
WHO OR WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
“Success and all its stages.”
2021/FUTURE PLANS?
“Continue to grow our brand and make new followers and business connections. Also to gain sponsors and investors to buy into the vision of expansion.”
ONE WORD OF ADVICE TO PANDEMIC BUSINESS OWNERS?
“Plan and execute all of the legalities. Reach out to other business owners and make connections. Pitch your vision; that way when you hit the ground you do so running. ”
Learn more about Pastyl Productions on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
