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/

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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Isalene Johnson Baptiste, founder of Izzily Waisted and business owner in The West Philadelphia Container Village joins us for a fascinating conversation. Isalene shares her journey of transitioning from selling jewelry to exploring the world of kiosks and heat press printing. She discusses the importance of finding the right location for her business, the challenges she faced, and her 'aha' moment that led her to create her own waist beads. Throughout the episode, Isalene shares the lessons learned, the exhaustion that comes from physical labor, and the importance of pursuing entrepreneurship education. Join us as we delve into Isalene's entrepreneurial journey and learn how she scaled up her business successfully. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation on Scale Up Your Business!"

Erica shares her journey of starting her business Subian by selling items on Instagram, meeting up with customers in designated spots, selling items next to her mothers home and even selling out of her trunk. She emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment for success, and encourages listeners to be patient and have faith in the process. Erica discusses the challenges she faces with shipping time and fluctuating business, but stresses the importance of staying motivated and not getting discouraged. Subian is in the West Philadelphia Container Village and online, tune in to this inspiring episode of Scale Up Your Business to learn how Erica scaled up her clothing line and found success in the world of fashion.

Erica Martinez started her journey with crochet almost 17 years ago when her son was in a neonatal intensive care unit. Wanting to find solace from her sadness, she took a bus ride to Walmart and stumbled upon a crochet magazine with needles. Intrigued, she picked up a ball of yarn and taught herself how to crochet. By 2010, Erica had honed her craft and began selling layette sets while working at Cooper Hospital. Doctors bought various crocheted items from her, including blankets, teddy bears, hats, scarves, and booties, which she considered legacy items. In 2017, Erica, now a registered nurse and program director, informed her students that she would not be continuing with the next class as she had a bigger plan. Determined to spend more time with her family, she launched Princess Crochet Boutique on her 40th birthday.

Scott is not only a renowned transit activist, but also a passionate historian dedicated to preserving Philadelphia's rich past. In this episode, Scott takes us on a captivating journey through the layers of history that make Philadelphia truly unique. We'll delve into the stories of influential figures like Benjamin Franklin, whose impact on the city goes far beyond his famous inventions. We'll also explore the fascinating evolution of transportation in Philadelphia, particularly along historic Lancaster Avenue, which played a pivotal role in the development of America's transportation system.

The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov If you are a business owner in Philadelphia you want to listen in to this episode because we have Liam Kelly Fleming from the Philadelphia Commerce department sharing a wealth of resources available for small business owners, including grants, loans, and technical assistance programs. Whether you need funding for storefront improvements, security cameras, or commercial real estate acquisition, this episode has all the information you need to scale up your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an expert and discover how the commerce department can support your business's growth and success.

In today's episode, we sit down with Nija Wiggins, the owner of Corneeys, a Philadelphia-based food cart specializing in gourmet corn on the cob and popcorn. Nija shares her journey of turning her childhood dream into a reality and discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling her business. She also touches upon her experience with the ScaleUp Your Business program and offers valuable advice to aspiring business owners. Tune in to learn how Nija's passion for food and determination have led to her success and how she plans to take Corneeys to the next level.