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Urban Mosaics: Being Natural = Being Empowered

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As I sit here in my new salmon-colored t-shirt, sporting the word “honey” across the front (a term of endearment used for fly girls) I realize this is exactly the feeling Stacy Edey was trying to achieve when she set out to start her own innovative t-shirt company: I feel beautiful; I feel comfortable; I feel like me. According to Edey, her clothing line, Urban Mosaics “promotes the indefinable beauty of natural textured hair signified by abstract works of wearable art, and instills a paradigm shift in the conscious mind.”

What does all of that mean? It means that Stacy figured out a way to encourage African-American women to be comfortable with who they are at their roots – literally.

“I would say that the majority of black women’s hair is not naturally straight. The process of relaxing hair involves a harsh chemical called lye, which changes the chemical compound in hair and straightens it,” says Edey. Stacy explained that the process of straightening dates back hundreds of years to when it was widely believed that it was more acceptable for black women to have straight hair rather than kinky hair because it made them look more like everyone else. But Edey references a favorite quote from Marcus Garvey that she believes says it all: “Take the kinks out of your mind instead of your hair.”

With a professional background in Human Resources and a graduate degree in Management, in 2011 Stacy felt it was time for a change. She went back to her roots by making the Big Chop- cutting off all chemically-straightened hair. “It was a very liberating experience; I had about “that much” hair,” Stacy says as she pinches her thumb and index finger together. “I had what’s called a TWA- a teeny weeny Afro.” In addition to feeling liberated, Stacy explained that it was a struggle not knowing how people would react to her new shorter haircut, and as it grew out, her natural, textured hair. “There were a lot of pressures compounded on me. I didn’t know how to care for my natural hair. I didn’t even remember what my real hair texture was like- I was probably about 8 years old when my hair was introduced to chemical relaxers. I had no idea what to expect.”

As Stacy’s journey continued, she found a t-shirt online that simply said, “Love your roots.” The artwork on the shirt depicted a tree trunk in the shape of a woman’s face and leaves and branches that symbolized her hair. Edey adds sentimentally, “I thought it was so profound, and I realized how it made me feel when I wore it out in public. When I wore that shirt I felt a sense of empowerment. This is my hair. This is who I am. I love my roots-my heritage.”

Edey began to have an affinity for t-shirts with statements such as “Same Girl, Different Hair.” Edey explained, “I liked the way the shirts changed my disposition,” and claimed she wants to be able to share her perspective of natural beauty with the world while offering shirts that portray a unique type of artistry as well. To this end, Edey has enlisted the help of Cleveland, Ohio sneaker artist Van Monroe to create most of the designs, has them printed on 100% organic cotton shirts, and sells them on her website: Urban-Mosaics.com. A portion of the proceeds is then donated to Stivers School for the Arts, as Edey encourages women of all ages to believe in themselves and believe that they can impact positive change in the world through their passions and views.

Through Urban Mosaics, Edey strives to be a catalyst for change; she endeavors to change the way people feel and think about their hair, their heritage and ultimately themselves. Edey believes that despite initially appealing primarily to African-American women, her shirts will transcend nationalities- that anyone will be able to wear them, regardless of ethnicity or heritage because believing in who you are- at your roots- is a universal concept.

Edey recalled an anonymous quote she once read, “Being natural is not a statement. It’s the closest to being who I am,” and added, “I found a way to create a business that surrounds my passions. I know it’s a cliche to believe in your dreams, but if you have passion and surround yourself with the right people, you can make your dreams come true.”

 

New Businesses Popping Up Downtown

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Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Three businesses will be up and running by May 4, the next First Friday art hop downtown, as part of the second phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown Dayton storefronts called Activated Spaces. The businesses selected for the second phase of the project are:

• American π, 37 S. St. Clair St.: This gift and accessories boutique will carry items made in the United States, including handbags, greeting cards, candles and food items. The store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St.: Shop owner and jewelry designer Brooke Medlin will collaborate with Dayton artists and other creatives to showcase beautifully designed goods for self and home, along with Medlin’s line of jewelry that includes rings, earrings, personalized necklaces and more. Visitors will be able to watch the creation process in action in Arin’s on-site studio. Rotating guest artists will set up mini-studios in the store and spend two weeks working on a collection of products to be launched at every month’s First Friday art hop. The store will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 937-640-0117.

• Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.: This old-school, classic barbershop will offer haircuts, hot steam towel shaves, facials and more. Haircuts will be $12 and shaves and facials will be $16, with special pricing for seniors. “Our goal is open a classy, professional barbershop while doing our part to make downtown a better place and trying to influence other businesses to follow suit,” owner Ron West said. The barbershop will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 937-321-6165.

The women who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project.

The entrepreneurs who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Lisa Scott (far right) of Beaute Box extended her lease, as did London Coe (second from right) of Peace on Fifth.

These businesses have three- or six-month leases, although the hope is the business owners will extend those leases ― as happened in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Indeed, the second phase of the project builds on the success of its pilot, launched in November 2011 for the holiday shopping season. Two of the three business owners in the pilot extended their leases: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. In addition, Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., which opened at the same time as the Pop-Up pilots, plans to remain open on a long-term basis, and Basho Screen Printing and Apparel, 521-523 E. Fifth St., opened in a space occupied by a Pop-Up retailer after becoming interested in the location due to the buzz surrounding the project.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 2,300 square feet of retail space during its pilot phase, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and the Vintage Barbershop. Razauskas and other participating downtown property owners have supported the project by providing reduced rental rates. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

A kickoff event for the Pop-Up Shops will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. It will start at Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and end at Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., with stops at all the Pop-Up Shops in between.  Raffle tickets will be sold that night $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting Activated Spaces, and prizes will be drawn at each stop. Additional details will be available soon at www.activatedspaces.org.

Basho Apparel

Basho Apparel was attracted to open a downtown location in part due to the buzz surrounding the Pop-Up Project. (Photo courtesy of Carly Short)

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com for more information about Activated Spaces.

Mike-Sell’s: A Case For Success

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Countdown to the 2012 updayton Summit! updayton is committed to lighting the entrepreneurial fire of young talent. Over the next three months leading up to the 2012 Summit, updayton will present stories of emerging entrepreneurs and family legacies in business, and why they call Dayton the best place to do business.

Daniel W. Mikesell started a successful business selling dried beef and sausage but when he decided to expand and answered an ad to purchase a potato-cutting machine, he had no idea it would turn into a multi-million dollar enterprise that would span 100 years and counting. Today, Mike-Sell’s, a locally based, privately owned company, has maintained a strong local presence and national distribution in the snack industry. Despite the efforts of large snack companies to dominate the market through buyouts and price slashing, Mike-Sell’s has remained true to its commitment of producing the highest-quality products, allowing it to continue to be a competitive player in the industry.

In the true spirit of a Dayton original, Mikesell maintained his company’s headquarters in Dayton, Ohio as it grew. His legacy has continued with great grandson, Luke Mapp, grandson of Mikesell’s daughter, Mary Mikesell, and her husband Les Mapp, who ran the company until his death in 2005.

The family’s potato chip legacy is now in the hands of a team of industry professionals including President and CEO, David R. Ray and Mapp, who serves as the company’s Director of Marketing.

In a recent interview with Luke Mapp he shares his take on why the family business has survived the recession, the company’s plans for the future, and what today’s entrepreneurs should do to be successful—particularly those wishing to enter the snack industry.

Mapp has been part of the family business for more than a decade. He knows the entire operation from top to bottom. He is also acutely aware of the tremendous competition Mike-Sell’s is up against as one of the few regional potato chip companies that is independent from larger snack suppliers.

“The locals are very loyal to Mike-Sell’s and have been a big part of our success…”

“For many years, every little city across America had it’s own independently owned potato chip companies. Today, we remain with fewer than probably 50 others.” Mapp continued, “Giants like Frito Lay and Wal-Mart have affected how we do business. Frito Lay can offer lower prices that push margins to almost nothing, and Wal-Mart has changed how grocery chains buy product with its centralized buying method. The local retail manager used to have control over what his or her store carried, but now all of those decisions are made at the corporate level. Our relationships have changed tremendously and we’ve had to change our approach.”

The disconnect between local grocery stores and the supplier has made it difficult for Mike-Sell’s to expand at their desired level. On the flip side, it has moved Mike-Sell’s to alter the way it does business and distribute its products. Currently, the company sells two-dozen different chip and snack products. It has distribution centers in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana. The Dayton location is the company’s only manufacturing plant. Along with some cost-cutting measures, this is how Mike-Sell’s has survived through the current and past recessions.

“We have had to cut expenses like everyone else. Fortunately, we have a family-like atmosphere here. Everyone here is very supportive of decisions that have to be made.” As Mapp led a guided behind-the-scenes tour, he stopped along the way to chat with staff and to sample freshly made chips that had rolled off the line into the collection area to be seasoned and packaged.

At the end of the tour, Mapp talked about the company’s plans for the future. Over the years, the company has maintained its foothold in the industry by introducing new products like Honey Barbecue, its highest selling flavor and Groovy Chips, its highest selling non-flavored chip. They also added Kettle Chips to their line and are always considering new products to test with their loyal fans.

“The locals are very loyal to Mike-Sell’s and have been a big part of our success. Going forward the company will look to expand its distribution base nationally and increase its marketing efforts,” Mapp said, speaking optimistically about the future despite the sluggish economy. For example, Mike-Sell’s has begun implementing a new web-based strategy with a Super Bowl promotion offering 15% off online orders.

Luke Mapp

As the conversation came to an end, Mapp offered advice for entrepreneurs entering the snack foods market. “Do your homework. Know your audience. And think niche. Penetrating the snack market on a large scale will be nearly impossible. Instead, build a strong local following and let the retailers come to you. Be prepared to work hard. It takes dedication and perseverance to run any business. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

In a follow-up correspondence, this is what Mapp had to say about Dayton:  “Like, Mike-sell’s, Dayton has a rich history that has made it a successful and nurturing environment for businesses to grow. Dayton is full of reliable and talented people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and work hard—that’s important to any business. In addition, the Dayton area chamber of commerce and various other business friendly organizations work very hard to attract and retain local businesses and talented people to live, work and stay in Dayton, OH.”

Interesting facts about Mike-Sell’s:

A potato by another name is still a potato, sorta. It takes a lot of potatoes to make those tasty chips—but not just any potato. Mike-Sell’s uses chipping potatoes. These organically grown potatoes are purchased from Florida to Michigan. (Yes, Michigan! Not Idaho, which specializes in baking potatoes.) Most potato chip manufacturers use chipping potatoes because of their round shape and density, which withstands the cutting process.

Waste not; want not. “Recycle, reuse and repurpose” has been the standard at Mike-Sell’s for decades. They do everything from giving potato peels to pig farmers for feed to selling the potato starch to paper mills for paper coating. Mike-Sell’s uses every opportunity to be an environmentally friendly company.

Hands off. The potato’s journey from the truck to the bag is, for the most part, a hands-off venture. Modern technology and machinery allow potatoes to be cleaned, peeled, cut, fried, seasoned, bagged and boxed with little human intervention. This method decreases food contamination and safety issues with workers.

The Big Give Back. Mike-Sell’s has given millions of dollars to support women’s causes, education, and community arts. Mike-Sell’s giving program is overseen by Mikesell’s granddaughter,  Martha Mapp.  Some of those organizations include Clothes That Work, a clothing resource for job seekers, and the Linda Vista Project, a transitional housing program for homeless women and their children.

The Trick To Being Lucky

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Photo Credit: Christina M. Dyer

(The following was submitted by Christina M. Dyer as part of the updayton Entrepreneurship Team)

Drew Trick had a vision: A comfortable place where people can enjoy a wide variety of draught beer and eat fresh food with their friends and family, as well as see couple-hundred model cars. On October 23, 2010, Trick made this dream a reality, purchasing what is now known as Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, located in the Oregon Arts District.

When he walked in the building for the first time, Drew Trick knew he had to remodel a restaurant that had been established by many other owners before. Trick considered how he wanted people to describe his restaurant/bar. He did not want to have the typical loud bar filled with neon signs and cluttered space. It was not his intention to open a bar and grill or sports bar. He wanted to create a place for people to come casually and feel comfortable. Using his initial vision, he decided the floors, bar ceiling, display units, and draught systems had to be updated, or added, before completion.

While hunting for the name, Trick first started with “Lucky’s,” because it was his late father’s nickname. Trick then searched dictionaries and thesauruses looking for descriptive words that were generational in nature. Trick chose “taproom” because of the large supply of draught beers that would be rotating all year long. He chose “eatery” simply because people could come and enjoy a good meal.

Photo Credit: Christina M. Dyer

If you have been in Lucky’s Eatery and Taproom since it has opened, you may have noticed shadow boxes filled with over 226 model cars above the bar and on the walls. These cars belonged to Trick’s father who was a proud collector of hundreds of model cars. Trick explained, whether you were a family friend or the mailman, his father would take you to see his collection. “We’d always talked about me putting up the car collection in a bar,” Trick explained. Since the passing of Trick’s father a short time ago, the cars have been loaned to his nieces and nephews, as well as his five siblings. Some of the tools Trick’s father made as toolmaker for GM are also displayed.

A large mirror with the Lucky’s emblem is behind the bar. In front of that mirror is a multi-beer tap system with plastic lines full of draught beer running through the ceiling. These beers continuously change on a regular basis. Because there is a wide variety of beer to choose from, servers give patrons books describing what’s on tap. “Since we have to learn the beers, we put something together for the customers to learn with us,” said Trick. The bartenders also offer patrons small samples of beers before ordering the whole pint. The array of beers also allows customers to select the beer batter for their chicken tenders.

The thoughtfulness Trick has demonstrated transcends to the menu. He wanted to provide quality food for patrons while allowing for short check times, offering people the opportunity to stop in on their lunch break and enjoy a made-to-order meal with enough time to get back to the office. Lucky’s doesn’t serve your typical bar food. The restaurant receives a shipment of food and produce almost every day in order to serve fresh food to customers. “Our freezer is smaller than the one you have at your house,” Trick explained.

In the small kitchen, Trick and his employees cut the chicken tenders, create the fish patties, and make the vegan (gluten-free) and soy patties.

Trick emphasized the vegan and vegetarian items on the menu. On a trip to Kauai with his sister, who is a vegetarian, Trick adopted a meat-free lifestyle. He wanted to incorporate this idea in his bar, understanding that many other people have adopted this lifestyle too. Trick has several options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. He has purchased separate grills for meat and vegetarian cooking, and has several vegan/vegetarian items that are rarely offered in other eating establishments. “You can sit next to someone eating a chili dog, and you can eat one too but its vegetarian. You should see the people’s faces that haven’t had a chili dog since they were a kid!” Trick explains.

Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, located at 520 Fifth Street, is now open for business seven days a week, serving vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal options, along with options for meat eaters. It appeals to a crowd of all ages and demographics. It also offers a laid-back place for young adults to patronize on Friday and Saturday nights. Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery is not just a bar. It’s also not just a job for Trick; it’s where you can find him living out his vision.

The Power of Once

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Photo credit: Anna Skinner

(The following was submitted by Anna Ritchie from updayton)

Starting your own business can be a terrifying thought. In 2004, Christian Prince set aside those fears and went full speed ahead with his dream. He started Acclimate Technologies, a supply chain software design company that allows data transmission between businesses with no human interaction. The software Prince has created with his colleagues enables other corporations such as Walmart and Honda to move data efficiently and cheaply, using fewer resources with the lowest number of human errors. Since starting his company, Price has proven his software data and materials can get from one place to another more efficiently without human interaction. He wants to do data the right way, the first way—coining the phrase, “The Power of Once.”

Prince has developed two pieces of software since his beginning. A devoted and loyal Ohio State football fan, his Simplic IT Software Suite, which works as a translator, is code named “Brutus” after Ohio State’s mascot. Additionally, his shipping software is code named “Tressel” after the (former) Ohio State football coach, Jim Tressel. These two software systems are vital to the existence of his company and how well it functions on a daily basis.

Although Prince can build a software application with ease, the financial aspects of starting Acclimate were challenging to understand. Prince jokingly stated, “I am a geek, not a businessman.” Unfortunately, he was rejected from The Entrepreneur Center (TEC) five times before they allowed him to set up his company within the firm, which teaches entrepreneurs the values and skills they need to succeed. With continuous hard work, he learned what he needed to begin his business and turned his technology expertise into a revolution in software data systems.

A leader at heart, Prince believes he wouldn’t do well working for other people. Fortunately, he does have a board of advisors to keep him from running into the ground. Although he enjoys running his own business, with all of the responsibility on his shoulders, he doted that he’s married to Acclimate. Prince, who calls himself a “workaholic,” begins his typical workday at 8:30 a.m. and doesn’t quit until he picks up his children at 6:00 p.m. Once he is home, he takes time to be a husband and father, cooking dinner and assisting his wife, Shannon, with putting the children to sleep. After spending time with his wife, he works from home, troubleshooting systems, answering phone calls and developing new software. Some days end as late as midnight. Although his workday can be as long as 18 hours, he has a passion for what he does and truly enjoys his job. He feels privileged to do something he loves.

Continuing to explain, Prince said 70% of becoming a young entrepreneur was passion and having his values intact. Mr. Prince believes that skills will only get you so far, bringing the entrepreneur to a brick wall. He explained that passion gets you past that brick wall. He created his value system in the form of a pyramid, putting God first with wife and family coming in second and third. With this pyramid he is able to achieve his goals without losing his morals and obligations.

Along with his devotion to his family, Prince is passionate about what he can do for future entrepreneurs in Dayton. With the rich history of entrepreneurship in Dayton, such as the Wright Brothers, Patterson, and Paul L. Dunbar, Prince feels we have an obligation to keep the reputation of intense entrepreneurs afloat. He wants to inspire young individuals to start their businesses in Dayton. For potential young entrepreneurs who are striving to start their own business, he has several tips for taking the initial leap. First, he explained, digging deep into your contacts is crucial to starting up and being successful. Prince had several contacts from working as a consultant for other data systems before he began Acclimate. These contacts became his potential customers. This taught him that reflecting upon and relying on prior experience is vital to beginning a new business venture.

After looking to the past, he emphasized the importance of identifying a target market of potential customers in order to adapt your product or service to that person’s wants and needs. Prince used this principle, basing his concept on potential customers’ user stories, developing software that suited everyone. Lastly, he said, “Do something you love for now, don’t let other side pockets get in the way where you think you can make some extra money.” Princes shares that their were several times when colleagues would seek him to start other ventures but he learned to decline to continue his primary focus on Acclimate.

In addition to personal tips, Prince thinks local leaders should focus on supporting and promoting young entrepreneurs in the Dayton region. Dayton could be a city of confidence, encouraging young entrepreneurs to chase their dream, he explained. The city of Dayton is filled with simple people with great ideas, but he thinks we fail miserably in inspiring entrepreneurs to take that next step. Prince suggested a solution could be offering young individuals a place where entrepreneurial resources can be found, instead of sending them away with false hope. To do his part, he is creating a radio spot that provides young entrepreneurs the leads and contacts needed to start their dream. With Prince’s devotion to Dayton’s young, talented citizens, the groundwork is being laid for a community of youthful, bright entrepreneurs to bring our city back to the top.

Showdown Visual to Open Downtown Location

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Showdown Visual will join a growing community of creative services firms when it opens a downtown office in April.

The Showdown Visual team is comprised of PJ Perretta, Kenny Mosher, Rachel Mosher and Chip James.

Visual media production company Showdown Visual, which recently won 11 prestigious Hermes Awards, will join a growing community of creative services firms located in downtown Dayton when it opens an office in a renovated space at 124 E. Third St. in mid-April.

“We are excited to move downtown to be around so many of our clients, as well as other design firms,” said Kenny Mosher, co-founder of Showdown Visual. “Also, our new space provides the exact creative environment we need.”

Indeed, the move will put Showdown Visual in the company of a dozen creative services firms located in the center city, including Jon Morton Photography, which also will open this spring in the same building. Showdown Visual’s new space will be approximately 2,000 square feet, and it will share a 500-square-foot video and photography studio with Jon Morton Photography.

“The concentration of creative services firms, such as Showdown Visual, in downtown Dayton creates an environment where these firms, located within a walkable distance of each other, can easily network and collaborate,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Downtown also continues to attract these firms because it offers a variety of nontraditional, architecturally interesting office space that’s well suited ― and even inspiring ― to creative services firms.”

Showdown Visual, founded in spring 2009 by Kenny and Rachel Mosher, won a coveted gold Hermes Award in cinematography as an element of advertising on Feb. 26. The company also won eight silver awards and two bronze. The Hermes Awards, conducted by the American Advertising Federation, recognizes and rewards creative excellence in the art of advertising. Showdown Visual now will advance to one of 14 district competitions and, if it wins at this level, will go on to compete in the national ADDY Awards.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBTUeRmfqE’]

In addition, Showdown Visual created a video for the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan that has been widely distributed among the dozens of public and private sector partners involved in the Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown Dayton. Thousands of people have viewed the video, which continues to receive lots of glowing feedback.

“In an era when visual media is impacting every area of our lives, Showdown Visual produces videos that combine creativity, storytelling, cinematography and top-notch editing techniques to separate our clients from their competition,” Kenny Mosher said. “Visual media is the fastest growing and most effective form of marketing in the world today. We believe our locally owned company is changing the game for clients on the local and national levels.”

[yframe url=’http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/videos/9188506′]

Showdown Visual already has garnered national attention. The company created a music video shot entirely on an iPhone 3GS titled “Play” that has more than 200,000 online views to date. In addition, Showdown Visual and Real Art Design Group, a Dayton-based firm with a client list that includes Fortune 500 companies, have partnered on several projects. They were a national Top 5 finalist in The Story Beyond the Still for a webisode chapter titled Alderwood, a mystery-thriller short film for a national Lexis Nexis marketing campaign. The two companies also partnered on a documentary for Mead introducing its new Builder Research Paper Software.

Showdown Visual already has compiled an impressive client list. Clients include Lexis Nexis, the University of Dayton, Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Antioch Midwest, Five Rivers MetroParks, Mead, CIN Legal Data, Atomic Interactive, Health Partners Clinic, Miami Valley Research Park, Productive Parenting, Children’s Medical Center Dayton, the Dayton Development Coalition and more.

Also making up Showdown Visual’s creative team are Rachel Mosher, creative director; PJ Perretta, who records audio, writes and produces music, and works with post-production sound design and web programming; and Chip James, who manages project production and client relations.

Aaron Kim and the Xenia China Inn

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Xenia China Inn

The following was submitted by Juliette Rocheleau of the updayton Entrepreneurship Team, and is the second in a series of  articles about Dayton-area entrepreneurs.

Xenia China Inn was a Chinese restaurant found on Main Street in Xenia, Ohio for twenty years. In early 2008, the family business shut its doors and left many with sad hearts and growling stomachs. At the end of 2010, Aaron Kim re-opened Xenia China Inn at a new location (417 W. Second Street, Xenia, OH 45385). The surrounding parts of Dayton perked up at the prospect of once again enjoying the Inn’s cuisine.

Kim committed several months of hard work in order to re-open his business. He used a variety of different sources for the start-up cash, including funds saved in the bank and profit from selling personal items. “Whatever it takes,” said Kim. “I scraped as much as I could to get it open.” Working over a year on the project, the citizens of Xenia anticipated the restaurant opening eagerly. Kim explained, “I didn’t really have to advertise it. People missed my old restaurant, so they kept their eyes open.”

Kim was born in South Korea and in 1981 moved to Los Angeles. It wasn’t until Kim was seventeen that he moved to Dayton. Kim attended school and helped his parents with their business. When Kim’s mother, Buk Sil Park, bought Xenia China Inn, she asked her son to join the business venture. Kim explained, “I told her, ‘Sure, family business sounds good.’ So, we opened up the restaurant in Xenia.”

Kim currently works alongside his wife, Mary. With the restaurant opening the fall of 2010, Kim’s average workweek is sixty hours or more. Kim said, “That’s what it takes—a lot of dedication.” He has learned that owning your own business has its hardships, but an entrepreneur has no choice. “You’ve got to have the drive to get it done. We spend a lot of hours, but we do what it takes,” said Kim. Together, Aaron and Mary have two young girls. He admits how difficult it is, spending so much time away from his daughters. He explained, “It’s tough, because I have my two little girls who I spent a lot of time with when I was off. But somebody’s got to make the egg rolls.”

Even though he spends much of his time working, Kim explain that the restaurant business is a group effort. According to Kim, “It’s more like teamwork. Everybody has to do their own part. Otherwise, it doesn’t work.” Kim strives to keep up a happy, “paradise” atmosphere for his employees. Kim re-hired a handful of employees when Xenia China re-opened and brought new faces into the mix as well. “If you get the right crew, the atmosphere is right and everybody gets along. Then it should be a fun job,” said Kim. He stressed it was important to have a welcoming environment, especially in the winter. He explained, “You arrive and food’s around and the place is warm—you can’t get anything to go wrong.”

With this attitude, it isn’t surprising that Kim’s favorite part of the job is his customers. He explained their gratitude for his perseverance in re-opening the restaurant is what makes the job worth it. He said, “That gives me strength. It gives me energy.”

The Kim family is looking to expand Xenia China Inn’s menu this summer. Having friends who are farmers, Kim hopes to use fresh, local food in the dishes he serves. He said, “I’d like to do more fruits and such, maybe some salads, some other fresh food.” Japanese ginger dressings and Asian style salads might appear in the kitchen soon. He said, “It depends on how it goes. I can’t predict it all—day by day, you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

A resident of the Dayton area for thirty years, Kim admits that Dayton has qualities that may be both negative and positive. “Life goes at a slower pace here than in any other big city. I like that,” said Kim. He also views the people of Dayton as one of the area’s positive aspects, explaining, “The people here are nice. I grew up in the big city, and I think that living here has made me more laid-back.”

Kim likes the measured rhythm of the city, which makes him appreciate life more. “It seems like the big cities rush, rush, rush—and then your life goes by in the blink of an eye,” said Kim. “Dayton is not really in the fast-paced track, but that’s the advantage that we have.”

Working as a small business owner in the Dayton area, Kim’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple and straightforward: “Don’t do it unless you’re willing to deal with all the obstacles.” According to Kim, in the dog-eat-dog world of business, an aspiring business owner needs to know the venture is a roller coaster. “It always goes up and then it’ll come right back down. You have to stay in there.”

Along with courage to experience the ride, Kim believes a future entrepreneur needs to be happy.  He said, “Just think of it as another day in paradise.” Once you’ve mastered those two necessary traits, Kim stresses the importance of focusing on what you can control. Simply, he says, “Go with your heart, and that’s it.”

Owning and running your own business is a tough, full-time job. Along with hard work and constant drive, Kim says it’s necessary to be thankful, too. “I’m happy that I’m here.” He said, “Thank God that we are healthy, because that’s really all that matters.” In the end, Kim stresses the importance of “hanging in there.” He said, “Just when you think you’ve done it all, think again.” According to Kim, entrepreneurship is a constant learning experience, stating, “You’ve got your goal and your dream, and you can’t give up. Even when you finally get there—keep going.”

Bizually Stimulating and YP Friendly. Dayton. That. Is.

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This is the first in a series of articles geared towards promoting that young people start thinking out of the “help me” box.  Help yourself by believing in your ideas and moving forward with your venture.  I’m not flipping the bird on your desire to keep existing businesses here in Dayton as well as young professionals in the area, but waiting on some big government push is not the answer. Take a realistic approach and social responsibility for what’s happening in YOUR region. Be the force that drives attention our way and a catalyst for growth our innovative city.

In the midst of being involved with several organizations that are trying to either keep or bring businesses (or both) to the Dayton region, it dawned on me that with all this talent in this region how about a young professional push to START more businesses in Dayton?  Event after event, committee meeting after committee meeting a common gripe I hear is often related to what the government is doing to help rebuild Dayton. My point is, why are we waiting on big gov to save the day and is there a slight possibility that with a little belief in our own ideas and concepts along with a little entrepreneurial spirit, resources and creative funding, can we (we the people) make Dayton even more bizually stimulating to the eyes, mind and wallet. Organizations are working aggressively to bring and keep, who’s starting?

Before I continue with the reason on why starting a business in Dayton is great idea, I will first address some of the reservations a younger generation of entrepreneurial minds may have.  What are some of the most difficult challenges faced in entrepreneurship? Let’s go with the obvious.

“How in the world will I fund this?” It’s a valid question, guess what? Funds are available.

If you want to ask the government for anything; How about taking advantage of some of what they’re already offering to help with? Funding programs for business startup are becoming more readily available in an effort by the government to boost job creation. Grants aside, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a variety of loan programs designed for different tiers of entrepreneurship. In Dayton specifically there are several programs available to assist new business ventures. Our region is on the brink of becoming one of the nation’s leaders in technology and if your idea or concept is “techlike” right here in Dayton, The Entrepreneur Center or TEC Dayton has been helping technology based concepts at all levels of development. In fact, 38 out of 51 businesses fostered by this  initiative are still in existence today. That’s positive news, eh?  Also here in Dayton, The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helping people start, sustain and grow their businesses right here in our region. The SBDC, with more than 40 partnerships that contribute over $10 million in cash to small business initiatives obviously has your financial back.

Questionable Concept. Why does Dayton need your idea?

One of the most common things people face is lack of confidence in their concept, product or service. There is no guarantee that anything we create will be a huge success, but does that mean we shouldn’t give it a shot? I would never suggest going in blind. Believe in your idea but also do the research required prior to unveiling. What do I mean when I say research? Well, ask the important questions:

Is there a need for what I’m cooking up? Always remember that your strategy should be market driven. Do your homework and don’t be unrealistic. You’ll have a better chance at success if your idea provides a solution or serves some need.

What’s my differentiator? You should identify early on “who you are” in the marketplace and focus on the key differentiators especially when your idea or concept is not overly unique. Don’t let the fact that you are doing something that has been done stop you however, there are no new ideas only ideas done better…can you do it better?

So you have a great idea and money, now what? Listen, nothing in life happens over night and while I am encouraging that you take a chance and do something remarkable, you have to be ready to put your all in. Taking advantage of all the groups and associations that will allow you to network and grow your business is imperative. There is no neutral in entrepreneurship, only drive.


Get Involved.

Young professional groups  like Generation Dayton are a great place to start. Not only will you have a chance to meet new people but you also open the door to what every YP needs on occasion needs and that is support. I know there are great companies in the region but when faced with a lack of new job opportunities within them, sometimes taking the road less traveled proves to be more fruitful…why wait for an opportunity when you can create one? Within YP groups you will meet others who have started their own businesses and have been successful in doing so.

If you still want to search for that dream job, more power to you, because I fully support such ambitions. This article is merely to point out that there are other options, there are people doing it, successfully; and if you wanted to, you could do it to.  As young professionals in the region, I believe that part of the region’s initiative to keep business alive in Dayton relies on us. Those looking afar will find us more bizually stimulating with a growth in startups, and successful ones at that. With affordable living and a slew of other key factors, this city is prime for attaining that “American Dream”. Redesign your thinking and take control of your future. Hey and if you’re looking for a location for your venture, start with downtown.

Donerik Black and the Dayton Weekly News

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Photo Credit: Jason Eckley

The following was submitted by Juliette Rocheleau of the updayton Entrepreneurship Team, and is their first of several future feature articles about Dayton-area entrepreneurs.

Co-owner of the Dayton Weekly News, Donerik Black knows that being an entrepreneur is no easy task. The Dayton Weekly News celebrated its seventeenth year in circulation this November, with Black juggling the duties of project manager salesman, designer and more. While the different tasks of entrepreneurship can be demanding, Black admitted in most other professions he would, “be bored to death.”

A native of the Dayton Region, Black chose to stay in the area after he finished college.  Post-graduation Black realized, “Unless I won the lottery, I was going to work for somebody. What better person to work for than my dad?” Black and his business partner father, Don Black, first owned and operated a public relations and consulting business. Additionally, both knew the Dayton area well, having been born and raised in and around the city.

In the early nineties, the perception of Dayton was extremely negative. Despite its reputation, Black knew there was a better story to tell. “We felt that there was a need for Dayton’s urban community to have a voice,” said Black.  He and his father set out to create a newspaper. Originally they used a publisher in the Columbus area. Due to simple geographical complications, the paper was labeled as “a Columbus paper with a Dayton masthead.” Consequently, the two businessmen severed ties with the Columbus branch. From there the Dayton Weekly News was born.

“…even if we have to give them away, we still want people to see the paper.”

The early days were tough. However, thanks to their public relations and consulting business, the Blacks had already created many good relationships with social organizations and churches in the area. Using, “guerilla marketing,” as Black puts it, the business, “hired young kids to go door to door and [gave] away a lot of complimentary copies of the paper.” The Blacks followed up each give-away with another paper, turning recipients into potential readers.

After years of successful business, the Blacks are still trying new and inventive ways to raise awareness of the Dayton Weekly News. Black explained, “We’ll have subscription drives. We’ve even had young kids who have used it as fundraising projects—even if we have to give them away, we still want people to see the paper.”

Black serves on the board of the United Health Solutions, an organization focused on enriching the lives of those who are less fortunate in the Dayton community. The cause is important to Black, explaining, “They’re a great organization. And, we try to get as involved with them as possible.” Black also encourages the Dayton Weekly News to get involved with the American Heart Association. For Black, the organization hits close to home. A heart patient himself, he advocates the importance of health.

Each year in April, which is Minority Health Month, the Dayton Weekly News covers important medical details. “Minority Health Month is something that we’ve really tried to put our hands around. We let our readership know what’s going on within the community so they can get tested for ailments that really plague African Americans, like diabetes and high blood pressure, that are preventable and controllable.” Black added, “We really like to get involved with those organizations that are putting out information that help our readers make healthier choices.”

As an entrepreneur, Black admitted it would be easier to calculate how many hours a week he doesn’t work. “When I’m sleeping, I’m typically not working,” he said, “From the entrepreneurial standpoint, you’re always working.” Long hours aren’t the only necessity for starting and owning your own business. According to Black, “Everybody’s a salesman. Everybody sells something to someone everyday. Period. Pointblank.” Black believes the need to sell drives all jobs. “If you don’t like selling,” he said, “you’re going to have a hard time doing anything.” Passion for what you do should fuel your desire to sell. Black knows, “You need to love what you do.”

“For lack of a better term, I enjoy the ‘smallness’ of Dayton”

He also emphasized both the need to “be a people person” and “be ready to close when you get the opportunity.”  Black explained, the “kiss of death” for small business owners is when an opportunity is lost and the potential client moves on to the next company. “A lot of times as a small business person, you many only get one shot to make a good impression.” He continued, “When you get an opportunity, you have to seize it by any means necessary.”

As a resident and business owner in the Dayton area, Black most appreciates the city’s size. “For lack of a better term, I enjoy the ‘smallness’ of Dayton, “ describing Dayton as an accessible city and a “ninety-minute market.” Black likes that Dayton’s not far from larger cities such as Chicago and Atlanta, both a few hours away via car or plane. As for the city itself, Black said, “From a business perspective it’s a good place to work, because if you have innovative ideas, you can really cut your teeth in a town like Dayton.” The key to Dayton, or to any big city, is to be aggressive.

Black admits that Dayton has the tendency to slip into complacency. However, he does not consider it to be negative. “If everyone’s going to sleep,” said Black, “I’m just going to tiptoe right through it—chomp it all up.” Dayton is a “reactionary city,” with events happening in and around Dayton. “Policy is passed, things are done, and we have to take control of it,” he said. Black added, “As a whole, the smallness could be Dayton’s best attribute and its worst.” And yet, there are many opportunities. “Dayton would be a wonderful place to come and test the waters,” said Black, “I hope more people look at it as a hub for technology.”

The Dayton Weekly News is looking to expand digitally and offer a version of the paper online. Currently the website is geared toward advertising.  “Baby steps” is Black’s answer to expanding. The team is working to both offer the paper online and maintain subscription numbers. Black isn’t too concerned about adding a digital version of the paper. With a loyal readership, Black trusts the Dayton citizens.  “We’re going to get that support,” he explained. “The larger number of supporters will subscribe because they want to see this paper survive.” Black thinks in the end, “People will always want that hard copy.”

The Dayton Weekly News is working hard to bring the people of Dayton an efficient, cost-effective, timely newspaper. “That’s always my mission,” Black proudly declared. “Every week I enjoy opening it up, looking through it, and selling that paper.”

Full CirKle Media: The Business Of Internet Radio

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As a 15-year veteran of broadcasting and media production, Darryl Williams is uniquely qualified to provide small business owners, colleges and corporations with the tools and expertise needed to reach new markets through the ever-growing landscape of Internet radio.

Darryl Williams, founder of Full CirKle Media Group, an online media convergence company, seeks to help local companies expand their reach through Internet technologies.

Williams’ Full CirKle Media Group provides web hosting solutions and audio and video streaming services to a slew of clients throughout the country, but he’s most passionate about helping local business leaders reach new markets through the “true media convergence” potential that online media provides.

“After starting my own station, WDKK, about a year and a half ago, I began to offer my services to other individuals who wanted to do the same thing.”

Williams’ currently host 11 radio streams, including Wright State University’s 106.9 FM, which began streaming its student-run radio station through Full CirKle this fall. The Philadelphia native believes that businesses are beginning to see the value of a strong online presence.

“You can have the print component online, the live component…but then you also have an ‘on-demand’ component available through podcasting. Users can register and contribute to the site. If you want to have music, you can add that. Internet radio is a great option for churches to reach their sick members or people who are traveling. This technology is poised to make a tremendous impact on the way we communicate. The possibilities are endless.”

Williams offers packages for both ‘for-profit’ and non-profit entities, as well as for individuals who may want to have their own personal web portals for entertainment, inspirational or informational messaging through the 24-hour streams the company provides.

“What I really want to do is to help local companies maximize Internet technology. I would like to help put Dayton back on the map as innovators.”

D.A. Williams
Full Cirkle Media Group
www.wdkkradio.com
(937) 412-1177 – Bus
(937) 545-3280 – Mobile

WDKK is an independently owned Internet radio station that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of broadcast media and music.  The format of the show is soul, funk and rhythm and blues – with an emphasis on the voices that mainstream radio has forgotten, but whose innovative sounds has inspired generations of subsequent vocalists and musicians today.


Lifetime’s Remarkable Women Series honors Isus Founder

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To shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman, and to inspire and empower
others to make a difference
in their communities and world

Here is the write up featured on Lifetime’s Remarkable Women:

Ann Higdon created Improved Solutions for Urban Systems (ISUS) in 1992 to develop approaches to keep high-school-age youth in school and to reclaim school dropouts. In Dayton, over 60 percent of the urban youth dropped out of high school, and according to an Annie E. Casey Foundation study, an additional 6 to 8 percent drop out in middle school and are, therefore, never counted as high school dropouts. The effects in the city were deteriorating neighborhoods and escalating crime. Montgomery County, where Dayton is the main city, used two-thirds of its budget for criminal justice and indigent-family-related expenditures. Author James Conant, in his book “Slums and Suburbs: A Commentary on Schools in Metropolitan Areas” called these kinds of issues “social dynamite.”

In the early nineties, Ann Higdon talked to anyone who would listen about what she believed could be done, but few people believed that these young people would respond to an idea that required more of them than anyone dared believe they could do before. Few believed that it was an appropriate use of funds to support an idea fostered by a person who had no nonprofit, teaching or housing-development experience. But, as Ann listened to the stories of the young people who left school without completing, their stories resonated. She had been a poor student, had a difficult childhood and was first homeless when she was four. She was afraid of being bullied and got in trouble for fighting back. Ann was able to make a better life for herself because one person had confidence in her, and with that encouragement, she began to work her family out of poverty.

In 1992 she borrowed $100,000 from National City Bank in Dayton to start the first ISUS organization, working with National City to replace food stamps with an electronic benefits system in Ohio. During the early years, Dayton Rotary, a nearby hospital and other benefactors also supported the project. In 1995 they received the first public money through a federal grant, and in 1999 Ohio passed enabling laws for charter schools. That year, ISUS created the first of three charter high schools for returning dropouts; until recently, Dayton had more students in charter schools per capita than any other city.

The ISUS organizations uniquely accomplish their mission by recruiting disengaged youth back into an educational experience that is competency-based and career-oriented, and that engages students as volunteers who practice their newly acquired skills in the context of community service.

Upon entry, ISUS youth are on average 17 years old and function in math and reading at the seventh grade level. Roughly 85 percent are low-income, seven in 10 are known to juvenile court and three in 10 are youth with learning disabilities, which is about twice the percentage in the system. At ISUS, students attend a longer day and year — totaling about 300 additional hours per year. Students alternate between academics, technical coursework and hands-on practice of skills. Technical instructors are hired from business and industry and assisted to obtain teaching certifications at Wright State University.

Since 2001, ISUS has graduated more than 700 returning dropouts with high school diplomas, industry credentials or some college coursework. Recently, ISUS was written into House Bill 562 as a Demonstration Project to collect data and inform the legislature on issues and accountability measures for dropout-recovery schools.

Other measures of success are the competencies students exhibit — for example, the redevelopment of the Fairgrounds neighborhood, where students gutted and rebuilt 12 homes and an eight-unit apartment building. The project was reported by the Dayton Daily News as “The Miracle on Frank Street.” Now there are homes built by developers, and bustling businesses. ISUS students are credited with sparking the resurgence of the neighborhood.

Ann Higdon personifies the entrepreneurial spirit by crafting the pursuits of her organizations to contribute impact and return on investment. She demonstrates commitment and takes risks in the pursuit of better solutions to social problems, and targets a population that researchers agree is the hardest to serve — youth offenders.

Ann and her organization, ISUS, are recipients of numerous honors, including the Purpose Prize, the Dayton Business Journal’s Regional Leadership Award, the Dayton Daily News’ Top Ten Women Award, the YMCA’s Woman of Influence Award, the HUD’s Secretary Award for Excellence, the Points of Light Award and the Dayton Business Journal’s Not for Profit Organization of the Year Award.

Smart Car Raffle Drawing to be held Mon, Sept 13th

On Monday, Sept 13th, ISUS will be hosting a VIP reception in Wright-Dunbar Historic District, where they will be giving tours of their Replica Homes Green Building Project.  As part of the festivities ISUS and the Dayton Rotary are hosting a Smart Car Raffle to raise money to continue to fund future building projects.  Rafle tickets run $100 and are available through Dayton Rotary members, or call the Rotary office to charge by phone at 228-3331.  Three winning tickets will be pulled with the 1st getting a handcrafted dragonfly bench, the 2nd will receive a $250 Home Depot gift card and the 3rd ticket pulled will win the brand new, fully loaded Smart Car!

South Park Tavern – An Entrepreneur Success Story

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Previously, I wrote an article about starting a business with little capital and smart business plan.  Here is a great case study:

Bill Daniels has been in the pizza business for a number of years.  He has a degree from Wright State University and the business savvy and technical knowledge of the food (pizza) industry.  This is a great combination for an entrepreneur.

After starting the successful Pizza Factory years earlier, Bill acquired a building a few blocks away on Wayne Avenue in the South Park neighborhood and began to lease the space on the top floor to tenants.  Then slowly he built the success of South Park Tavern.  At first, he found Shane, who is a sharp bar manager who had experience in the industry.  He gambled on Shane and Shane gambled on him.  He opened only on weekends and served no food.  The neighbors were thrilled to have a place and so they supported the tavern.  Service was terrible and there was no food.  But each weekend, the place got better.  Bill invested everything earned from those early days back into the business.  He began to offer pizza by transporting it from the Pizza Factory store down the street.  He extended the hours each time business picked up.  The neighbors relentlessly promoted the tavern.  If there was a special event, Shane would open the tavern.

Next, the great marketing promotion and understanding of the customer took off.  Shane opened through the week.   They had open mic nights to bring in bands.  They had half price pizza nights on Monday.  Bill built a patio outside and remodeled the tavern, installing 12 micro brew taps in the process.  Instead of offering the same beers and pizza that most other chains offer, the South Park Tavern offered exotic seasonal beers with unique and flavorful pizzas.

The South Park tavern offers only beer and wine.  By not offering hard liquor the establishment identifies itself as family friendly tavern.  Many would be tempted to increase revenue by offering hard liquor, but Bill and Shane understood the importance of their market positioning.

So, Bill used a formula that involved several trends in the industry.

  • Popularity of micro brew beers
  • Different pizzas
  • A hang out for the people of the neighborhood
  • Bands and music
  • No hard liquor

As a result, the South Park Tavern has become a popular and successful  business.  It did not start with a million dollars of capital.  The business stretched the capital and grew in small increments.  The business tried to differentiate itself and it created loyal customers.  Bill and Shane are not done.  They plan to carefully expand the business further.

There are some lessons for entrepreneurs in the growth of the South Park Tavern…