Episodes

  • Scale Up Interview with Philly Small Business Owner of Balloons Boutique Baskets & More

    Scale Up Interview with Philly Small Business Owner of Balloons Boutique Baskets & More
    Feb 28 2023
    On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, our guest speaker Tommika Hunter shares her journey starting a business in the retail industry. She discusses her inspiration for starting the business Balloons, Boutique, Baskets and More after a frustrating encounter at a retail store, as well as the challenges she faced with delivery and obtaining items. Tommika also discusses valuable advice she received, including the importance of networking and staying true to her company's values. To learn more about the Scale Up program visit: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/
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    7 mins
  • On-Demand Self-Care: How One Beauty Bar Found Success in Philly's Appointment Culture

    On-Demand Self-Care: How One Beauty Bar Found Success in Philly's Appointment Culture
    Apr 20 2023
    On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, we talk with Towanda Curtis a beauty bar owner from Southwest Philly who identified a market opportunity and made her services more accessible to customers by allowing walk-ins without requiring appointments or deposits. She shares her personal experience with scaling up her business and creating structure in her approach, and provides advice for new business owners. She also discusses how transformative the LA21 ScaleUp program has been for her business and encourages new business owners to participate to eliminate some of the guesswork. To learn more about the Scale Up program visit: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/
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    10 mins
  • Family, Faith, and Four T's: A Successful Entrepreneur's Story

    Family, Faith, and Four T's: A Successful Entrepreneur's Story
    May 1 2023
    On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, Tamika, a graduate of the La21 Scale Up program, shares her journey in becoming a successful business owner. Tamika shares her experiences and gives sage advice to new business owners, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step towards success even when unsure of the answers. Tamika also discusses the challenges of juggling both parenting and business operations while creating physical and mental space for both. The business, named 4 Tees Custom Designs, is family-operated, unique, and offers customizable items beyond T-shirts. Learn more about the Scale Up Program at: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/
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    14 mins
  • The Stamp of Approval Notary Business: Scaling Up with Purpose and Passion

    The Stamp of Approval Notary Business: Scaling Up with Purpose and Passion
    Jul 14 2023
    Listen in to learn how Dawn Collins turned an accident into a thriving Notary business with The Stamp of Approval along with lessons learned along the way. Don't miss this episode and get inspired by her story.
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    11 mins
  • Building Relationships and Growing Businesses: Insights from Jackie Williams of LA21

    Building Relationships and Growing Businesses: Insights from Jackie Williams of LA21
    Jul 14 2023
    Tune in to hear from Jackie Williams, a founding member of LA21-CDC. She shares how LA21 was formed, its mission to help small business and the power of planting a seed and watching it grow.
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    20 mins
  • Healing Through Holistic Treatments: Interview with Marina of Bolingo Dimension

    Healing Through Holistic Treatments: Interview with Marina of Bolingo Dimension
    Jul 19 2023
    Join us as Marina shares her journey, from learning from influential figures like Dr. Sebi to opening a shop in The West Philadelphia Container Village in Philadelphia. She'll also provide valuable insights for new business owners and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to healing. So, get ready to scale up your business with Marina on today's episode of Scale Up Your Business.
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    27 mins
  • How The Kreative Lab is Revolutionizing Wearable Art | Interview with Lakia Brown

    How The Kreative Lab is Revolutionizing Wearable Art | Interview with Lakia Brown
    Jul 20 2023
    Lakia Brown, the owner and sole designer of The Kreative Lab, is a talented creator of wearable art. Growing up in a large household with limited options, Lakia began her journey by customizing and repurposing clothing. Her passion for textiles and fashion deepened during her time living in the Middle East, where she discovered unique handmade garments and developed relationships with local vendors. After returning to the United States and completing her studies in communications, Lakia merged her graphic design skills with her love for fashion, transitioning from Kia's Creations to The Kreative Lab in 2014. Her brand focuses on providing options for individuals of all sizes and genders, with a particular emphasis on catering to the needs of plus-size individuals who often face limited choices in the fashion industry. Hip hop has greatly influenced Lakia's designs, with Jay Z and other iconic rappers serving as inspiration for her graphic t-shirts and apparel. Her love for music is evident in her designs and even extends to her personal life, with a music note tattoo on her hand. Despite initially operating her business unofficially, Lakia's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to ensure proper registration and paperwork from the start. She learned the importance of proper documentation the hard way but has since rectified the situation. Lakia's journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and a dedication to providing unique and inclusive fashion options through The Kreative Lab.
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    15 mins
  • Folami's Journey: From Folklore Healing Artist to CEO of Precious Jewels Prevention Program

    Folami's Journey: From Folklore Healing Artist to CEO of Precious Jewels Prevention Program
    Jul 21 2023
    Folami Irvine is the CEO of the Precious Jewels Prevention Program and a fifth-generation folklore healing artist. She developed a passion for herbs at a young age when her grandmother introduced her to sassafras tea. As she grew older, other family members shared their knowledge of different herbs, fueling her interest further. Taking her passion seriously, Folami embarked on a journey to expand her knowledge by enrolling in classes and studying under her cousin, Dr. Wyatt. Folami's path led her to the Container Village. She continues to conduct workshops to create sustainable impact on the community. To achieve this, she established sister circles and a store where students and at-risk youth, could participate in internships and learn about herbalism. Through her work at the Precious Jewels Prevention Program, Folami aims to empower individuals and promote the use of herbs as a healing and preventative practice.
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    19 mins