The hottest new Detroit businesses and those in the next wave of openings have used TechTown Detroit to propel their businesses forward. Learn from three alumni how TechTown is supporting their journey to open a storefront.
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Want to hear from our alumni LIVE? Save the date for Thursday, May 19 at 1 p.m. – Tiffany Cartwright, Jessica Blair Kwalli and Ken Walker will be joining us for an Instagram Live Conversation.
Jessica Blair Kwalli, Jessica Blair Beauty
Jessica Blair Kwalli is the owner of Jessica Blair Beauty and has taken full advantage of TechTown’s programming through both Small Business Services and Entrepreneurial Education. She was a Retail Boot Camp (RBC) participant and Kickstart Award winner in spring 2021 and found assistance through Strategy Sessions for six months after RBC graduation to tighten up her business financials. She also virtually connected with Christina Devlin, TechTown retail strategist, on a regular basis to talk through available pop-up opportunities. Through RBC, Jessica had the opportunity to meet Erin Bonahoom of Canvas Legal, who has helped her work through the legal aspects of opening her own brick-and-mortar. Kwalli also participated in Break Room, a space where TechTown program alumni meet virtually to discuss successes and failures they may be having in their businesses.
Most valuable takeaway from TechTown
Kwalli said that the most valuable thing she’s gained from her experience at TechTown has been the opportunity to connect with community professionals. “As a young entrepreneur, I didn’t come from a family of business owners who could give me guidance. Connecting with people like Erin has saved me from a lot of heartaches as I navigate looking for a space to open shop.”
Advice for new small business owners
When it comes to advice for up-and-coming small business owners, Kwalli believes you just need to start from square one. “It might sound cliché, but when I came up with my idea in early 2020, all I had was a journal. Even if it seems small, it’s just a matter of getting started. The progress can feel slow at times, but when I reflect back on those days when all I had was a journal, I can see how much I’ve truly accomplished.”
Tiffany Cartwright, Amarra Naturals
Tiffany Cartwright is the owner of Amarra Naturals and was a Retail Boot Camp participant and Kickstart Award winner in spring 2021. She started her relationship with TechTown as a regular vendor at The SHOP where she’s worked on expanding her clientele and built relationships with other small business owners. Cartwright told us that she always enjoyed networking and meeting other business owners during the retail pop-up events. “It was wonderful! The SHOP was great exposure and got me ready for Retail Boot Camp.”
Today, Cartwright continues to stay in touch with Christina Devlin and Carrie Vestrand, both retail strategists at TechTown, and considers them mentors. “I stay in touch so that they can see the progress I’ve made; I want them to know that the contributions they made helped my brand succeed.”
Most valuable takeaway from TechTown
Cartwright shared that the relationships she continues to have with TechTown and other business owners she’s met through TechTown are extremely valuable. “It’s been important for me to meet fellow entrepreneurs. TechTown has given me the ability to maintain these relationships well.”
Advice for new small business owners
For those who are interested in starting their own small business, Cartwright offers some advice: do your homework on the resources available to you. “Oftentimes small business owners think that if they don’t have the money they can’t be successful, but it just isn’t true. Do your research, because there is so much you can tap into when it comes to free and low-cost information. Places like TechTown can give you a serious advantage as you start your journey.”
Ken Walker, K. Walker Collective
Ken Walker is the owner of K. Walker Collective, a high street, lifestyle clothing company set to open in spring/summer 2022 in Midtown Detroit. Walker is a graduate and Kickstart Award winner of TechTown’s Retail Boot Camp, and has found his way back to the program as a lecturer, connecting with current students on topics like marketing and branding. When finding his brick-and-mortar space in Midtown, Carrie Vestrand, TechTown retail strategist, was the first call he made. “Even two years after the RBC program, Carrie has been an invaluable resource. She connected me to a legal expert, gave me guidance on hiring resources and HR practices… she’s been a great ongoing support system.”
Most valuable takeaway from TechTown
The most valuable thing Walker learned from his experience at TechTown was learning how accessible resources are in the city. “There’s always so much to do, but I learned that you don’t have to do it alone.”
Advice for new small business owners
As for advice for up-and-coming-small business owners, Walker believes entrepreneurs should “have a good understanding of what makes you different and what you’re contributing to your community. People want to see what you’re adding to their neighborhood and what you’re representing – it’s about more than just you.”
Walker also shared that it’s important to consider all aspects when choosing where to open your space.
“Don’t be afraid to look at the data. Choose a space where you can grow your business; what’s the foot traffic like, does it benefit the area? Be thoughtful on how you can focus on your purpose, your brand and your community.”
