August 26, 2020 | Business Spotlight: Black Entrepreneurs in Downtown Florence |
Top row (left to right): Katrina Judge-Wood, Charlene Lowery, and Starlee Alexander. Bottom row (left to right): Thomas Mitchell, Winter Moore, and Damian Burris. Photo credit: Downtown Florence
In celebration of Black Business Month, we are spotlighting Black-owned businesses around the Main Street America Network. Today, we are catching up with a few Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Downtown Florence, South Carolina. Meet the owners and learn a little bit about their businesses:
Katrina Judge-Woods is the owner of k.Niccole...the SALON&SPA, a salon and wellness spa that serves a diverse clientele with natural and holistic treatments. K.Niccole has been in business for two years, and Judge-Woods has been working hard to make her guests feel comfortable in choosing her salon and spa as a safe place to land.
Charlene Lowery is one of three co-owners of MiLadies 182, a Ladies Boutique offering apparel and accessories. MiLadies 182 has been in business for over five years. Because of their efforts to revitalize Downtown Florence, MiLadies was chosen by the Chamber of Commerce and the City as Business of the Quarter.
Starlee Alexander is one of the three co-owners of MiLadies 182, and now owns a State Farm Insurance just outside Downtown Florence. Alexander has been in business for over 35 years and advises those about to start their own business to, “research the area, have a business plan, and be prepared to do hard work.”
Thomas Mitchell owns Jazz on Dargan, a restaurant and jazz bar in Downtown Florence. Jazz on Dargan has been in business for two years. In that short period of time, they have been awarded Business of the Quarter as well as first and second place for the Best Entertainment Venue and Bar by the morning news.
Winter Moore is the owner of Addie’s Baby Studio, a paint-and-sip studio offering step-by-step art lessons for adults and kids. Addie's Baby Studio also offers mentorship opportunities for students in high school and college interested in the creative field. Named after Moore's mother, Addie’s Baby Studio has been in business for six years. To those who are about to start their own business, Moore advises, “Do what you love.”
Damian Burris is the co-owner of Burris & Pressley Realty, a full-service company focused on real estate and investment. Their slogan is "Knowledgeable, Professional, Trustworthy," and they are committed to providing "unparalleled, ethical service in the residential real estate industry." Burris & Pressley Realty have been in business for a year.
Read more about these six Downtown Florence business owners and their businesses in the interviews below.
What drew you to owning your own small business? Why did you become a small business owner?
Judge-Woods: I didn't choose it, it chose me... I’ve been an entrepreneur since I can remember. Knowing the fact that I can build legacy that can be handed down throughout my generation is my biggest why: being able to change the dynamics of my family and give my children a new story.
Alexander: Owning another business was always a desire [for when I] retire, or do something different when I retire that I liked doing.
Lowery: I owned a children's boutique and closed it two years ago after 17 years. I wanted to do something different. I retired after working for two members of the U.S. Congress and wanted to continue to stay in the retail industry.
Mitchell: It was a challenge. I wanted to be a part of downtown Florence and to show that a small Black-owned minority business could be successful.
Moore: I wanted to create a life that I wanted.
Burris: I saw there was a need for knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy agents who could assist with home-ownership in the surrounding communities.
What do you like most about owning and running your own business?
Judge-Woods: I love the freedom of ownership, being able to see my vision come to life, living life by design and inspiring others to do the same.
Alexander: I like being my own boss, the liberty to come and go. I enjoy my job and having loyal and dedicated team members to help with my business: I like the team effort.
Lowery: I enjoy the experience as a buyer and the satisfaction that I see on our customers' faces. Miladies was chosen by The Florence Chamber of Commerce and the City of Florence as Business of the Quarter. When I owned my children's boutique, I was awarded Small Business of the Year.
Mitchell: It's a great feeling to own and operate a business that's going well. I have a great staff and great customer support. Jazz on Dargan has been awarded for our great accomplishments during a short period. We were awarded Quarter 1 Business of the Quarter and first and second place Best Entertainment Venue and Bar by the morning news.
Moore: Freedom.
Burris: Being able to affect the most important investment in people's lives in the area of buying and selling property feels amazing. Just knowing that we assist them in the process from beginning to closing brings an extreme sense of pride and accomplishment.
Why did you choose to locate your business where you did?
Judge-Woods: Location played a big role in deciding where I wanted to plant my flag. Downtown has everything that I need to serve the first [plan] that I envisioned; it had the diversity and culture, and it gave opportunity for—and new team members to serve—a diverse clientele as well.
Lowery: I wanted to be a part of the economic development downtown and even more proud as a Black Business.
Mitchell: Downtown Florence was growing, and I wanted to be a part of the revitalization.
Burris: Florence is a growing community and the downtown area is being developed and expanded. Being in downtown helps us to stay in the loop of being familiar with people who are looking to buy in the area and keeping our name on their minds.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
Alexander: Advertising and keeping loyal customers.
Lowery: The main challenge is capital. It is not as accessible for minority businesses.
Mitchell: We are a small bar which is a challenge.
Moore: Forced closure due to COVID-19.
Burris: Economy swings that alter the abilities of the buyer, and also lack of support from certain sectors to support underprivileged potential customers who are often under represented.
How has COVID-19 affected your business and what resources would be most helpful to you?
Alexander: Our business has slowed down, and we don't have as many calls or walk-in traffic. We are hoping launching our website will help.
Lowery: We were forced to close the business and are still open fewer hours and days. People are staying home as advised by the health experts. Help with marketing, grants, and financial resources would be helpful.
Judge-Woods: We just opened our business on Evans Street, and weeks later, we had to shut down [because of COVID-19]. We were in the process of marketing and hiring, so a lot of our resources went into that. Our return on our marketing dollars for hiring and marketing took a hit. Resources for marketing and building our momentum and making sure our guest feel as safe as possible will help out tremendously.
How has your Main Street program supported you over the years?
Lowery: Main Street has supported us with information that is always beneficial to helping us to find resources.
Alexander: Some of the downtown activities helped but slower now since COVID-19.
Moore: By giving great information of what’s going on around our area.
What advice would you give others about how to start a business?
Judge-Woods: Don't give up on your dreams and what god has commissioned you to do!!! Prepare for the vision with a business plan and prepare to work the plan... Have a team of like-minded individuals to help fuel the mission...
Alexander: Research the area, have a business plan, and be prepared to do hard work.
Lowery: Have a business plan and take advantage of SCORE and other marketing resources.
Mitchell: Do the research on the location of other similar bars in the area and cost.
Moore: Do what you love.
Burris: Three things: Find your passion, monetize what you are gifted do, and have a business plan.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Lowery: I am grateful that I was able to have two business partners that were interested in being a part of Miladies 182.
Judge-Woods: Grateful for the opportunity to have a voice in this platform.
Mitchell: Proud to be one of few Black-own businesses downtown with great community support.
Burris: Always go after your goals and be passionate in your pursuit of success.
A big thank you to these six business owners in Downtown Florence, South Carolina, for sharing their story with us! Join us this month (and all year long!) in highlighting Black businesses in your Main Street.