Detroit entrepreneurs have utilized TechTown Detroit to sustain their businesses and learn long-term strategies to help them be successful. We spoke with three alumni on how TechTown supported their journey to open their brick-and-mortar business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mark Knox from Crummy’s Cake Supply and Studio and Katrina Wilson from Crème Brûlée Salon joined us for an IG Live Conversation – watch it here.

James McKissic, Mac Galleries

James McKissic is the owner of Mac Galleries, a custom art framing and installation service that elevates local and national artists, and is set to open his storefront in June 2022. McKissic is a graduate of the fall 2021 Retail Boot Camp and continues to regularly meet with Heather Levine, TechTown’s food and business strategist, post-graduation. Levine has worked with McKissic on a variety of items and has helped him strategize when legal and funding questions come up as he prepares his space for its grand opening.  

Most valuable takeaway from TechTown

While the family business started in 1991, McKissic credits TechTown for helping him maintain his father’s legacy by keeping their business model up to date and helping him get to a place where he could open a brick-and-mortar. “TechTown taught me how to publicly speak about Mac Galleries. We had to do a pitch and from the get-go, they helped me alter my mindset on how to personally market my business.” 

Advice for new small business owners

When it comes to advice for up-and-coming business owners, McKissic says that you just have to be persistent. “My motto is patience and persistence. You need to have some long-term perspective on where you want your business to end up and tie yourself to that vision, and don’t get lost along the way.”

Mark Knox, Crummy’s Cake Supply and Studio

Mark and Charlita Knox own Crummy’s Cake Supply and Studio, Detroit’s first Black-owned baking and cake decorating supply store. As a 2019 Retail Boot Camp awardee, Mark and Charlita stayed in close contact with TechTown strategists while leading up to their shop’s grand opening in March 2022. “From touring spaces and introductions with Detroit landlords all the way to what to expect the week of our opening, TechTown was there.” And their location choice has been a great fit. “We just had someone today come in and tell us how thankful they are that we chose to move into this neighborhood. It feels good to be appreciated” 

Most valuable takeaway from TechTown 

Mark says that the most valuable thing he’s taken from his experience at TechTown has been the education, which still remains applicable to much of what he does as an owner of a new brick-and-mortar. “I’m one of those people who reads everything, takes notes on everything,” says Mark, “I still have all of my Retail Boot Camp notes. Having all of this information, even now, is beyond valuable.” 

Advice for new small business owners

Mark shared that it’s important for small business owners to move at their own pace. “Take your time. A lot of people are looking for that instant gratification, but just take your time with it and be sure to cover all of your bases. Plan for everything. It’s ok to move slow.” He recommends programs like Retail Boot Camp for young entrepreneurs. “They gave honest feedback and helped us make the connections we needed to get to where we’re at.”

Katrina Wilson, Crème Brûlèe

Katrina Wilson is the founder of Crème Brûlèe, a multicultural luxury beauty salon in Detroit that caters to all hair textures and ethnicities. As a spring 2019 Retail Boot Camp graduate, Wilson sees her relationships and involvement with TechTown post-graduation as an essential aspect of the growth and maturation of her small business. “I went to Strategy Sessions, Ask an Expert, Break Room…if TechTown offered it, I was there.” 

Most valuable takeaway from TechTown 

Wilson shared that the connections she made with internal team leaders and other small businesses in her RBC cohort were her favorite takeaway from the program. She said, “We’re all looking for help, but RBC highlighted the impact I was making through my business. When you know you’re impacting people who are also trying to open a small business, it’s fuel.”  

Advice for new small business owners

Wilson believes that confidence is key for small business owners. “The money is out there. Programs like RBC teach you how to advocate for yourself, and how to share your business idea in a way that gets attention from funders. When you’re confident in what you believe in and know how to show that, the money will come.” In closing thoughts, Wilson shared, “Never give up. I promise you, for every no, there is a yes.”