SPRING 2020 LAUNCHcha.org
LAUNCH and COVID-19 Hi Friends, I know each of us is struggling through this time in our own way, both personally and professionally and the world is not the same place it was a few weeks ago. I reach out to you to offer my sincere hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and that business can return to the new normal soon. The LAUNCH team is dedicated to our mission of empowering underserved communities and individuals through entrepreneurship as we pivot and adjust to the new situation. A few ways we are doing just that are listed below: •
We are prioritizing support for the entrepreneurs who have been sorely impacted by the social and economic consequences of COVID-19. We started weekly calls to check-in and provide updates on the various financial resources available from the local, state and federal government. In addition, the calls allow us to learn about their unique challenges to better support individual needs as much as possible.
• We are working to conduct on-line classes, so that those with a dream to start a business, can work towards achieving that dream even during the quarantine. • We are working with businesses individually to strengthen their online presence. Our vision remains the same; a community that builds hope and equity for all individuals through entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, this is a very difficult season for many small business owners, so we continue to offer hope and encouragement to you and to them.
HOW CAN YOU HELP LAUNCH
ENTREPRENEURS? ORDER TAKEOUT/DELIVERY Many restaurants and catering businesses are offering curbside pickup and delivery.
SHOP ONLINE Many small businesses have a website or Etsy store. BUY GIFT CARDS Buy gift cards now to help businesses get through this time and enjoy using them when you can return in person. LEAVE POSITIVE REVIEWS If you’ve ever had a positive experience with a small business, visit their Facebook page and leave a good review! BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH See inside for a list of LAUNCH businesses you can support!
Hal Bowling, Co-Founder and Executive Director, LAUNCH 100 CHEROKEE BLVD, SUITE 2101 | CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405 | (423) 523-9307 | info@launchcha.org
+'3$C@K<LHZlx.G!PFsqna The LAUNCH Provisions Project Providing Income for Small Businesses
This exciting new venture serves our community by helping underserved entrepreneurs and senior citizens!
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Relief for Senior Citizens from Food Insecurity Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become clear that older citizens are more at risk for serious health complications related to the virus. This has resulted in fear among the senior community to leave their homes. This population is less connected with technology and more likely to live on a fixed income, leaving many without access to online resources such as grocery and food delivery. After two years of exploring a kitchen incubator for Chattanooga, the LAUNCH team was working to open
the doors in 2021. However, in light of the abundance of food insecurity due to COVID-19, we are putting this kitchen space to use now. In partnership with many in our community, we will be delivering food provided by local entrepreneurs to those in need. Due to the generosity of Urban Story Ventures and Footprint Foundation, we are able to put local food entrepreneurs to work during this difficult time to provide meals for seniors in our community who are struggling to get the food they need right now. Community partners and
churches in the Chattanooga area have helped identify those who could benefit most from The LAUNCH Provisions Project and will work handin-hand with us to deliver each meal. Initially, a total of 8 LAUNCH entrepreneurs will benefit directly from this initiative and thousands of seniors will receive prepared meals, delivered sanitized and safely to their homes.
The LAUNCH Games
Sponsored by
A wet and dreary winter day‌what to do? Why, the LAUNCH Games, of course! On Monday, February 24, we held another LAUNCH Games Fundraiser at the Southside Social. Nothing like a fun night filled with friendly competition, door prizes, and event prizes to lift the spirits during rainy, winter weather. Two entrepreneurs, Mahogany Hudgins and Kandyce Hudson, represented the LAUNCH entrepreneurs by answering questions about their business victories and challenges, as well as their journey with LAUNCH. A shout out to EPB Fiber Optics for being our Awards Sponsor! Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison ran away with 3 prizes for Best in Games, Best Bowling and Best Cornhole. That was a first! The Best Darts award went to Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel. Most Spirit was awarded to Liberty Homes. The Best Team Name went to LBMC accounting firm with the name, LIFO the Party. LAUNCH is so grateful for the support of all those who came out to The LAUNCH Games. Mark your calendar for August 24, 2020 and make plans to support LAUNCH in this fun way!
Kandyce Hudson, Mahogany Hudgins, and DeJuan Jordan
Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. was the overall winning team
Best team name was awarded to LBMC.
Most Company Spirit Award went to Liberty Homes.
ENTREPRENEUR
Spotlight
We all have our end-of-day rituals – the things that provide us comfort when we round out our day. For busy mother of four, Stephanie Steiman, this comfort has always been enjoying a cup of her homemade chai blend after all of the kids were in bed. Fast forward to 2018, Stephanie saw an Urban League Instagram post announcing LAUNCH CHA’s upcoming entrepreneurship course. “It was an affordable class, and it was just once a week so the time investment was reasonable.” The decision was easy to register for the course and start her entrepreneurship journey. The result? Cheiman Tea, a special blend chai latte mix that is made by hand in small batches. Just add hot water, stir and enjoy! After graduating, Stephanie was encouraged to set up a booth at the Chattanooga Farmers Market. Here, she instantly proved how outstanding Cheiman Tea is, “We set up a tent, handed out free samples and sold out the very first time. Then from there we grew to two weekends a month, and then to multiple markets every weekend!” As to her experience in the entrepreneurship course, Stephanie reveals, “LAUNCH was an integral part of getting me started. I thought it was a very positive experience, and a great community was created out of the class. All of the entrepreneurs really got to know each other and support each other’s businesses, we became cheerleaders for each other. Almost two years after our class graduated, I still see many of my classmates. We check in with each other and are still cheering each other on! Their continued support means so much to me as a new business owner.” Three months following her graduation, Stephanie was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. While challenges arose, her teenage daughter, Erika, jumped
Cheiman Tea Stephanie Steiman
(L–R) Erika & Stephanie Steiman pictured with the LAUNCH CHA Micro-Business of the Year award
The new Cheiman Tea production space
“LAUNCH was an integral part of getting me started. I thought it was a very positive experience, and a great community was created out of the class.” – Stephanie Steiman
in to keep the business running. “My daughter was always happy to work quietly behind the scenes, mixing and packaging chai with me,” Stephanie explains, “But with Bell’s Palsy, I was unable to speak clearly. Erika had to step out of her comfort zone and become the lead salesperson at the markets.” “Initially, I just wanted to make enough money to provide for my kids...but it evolved into me wanting to show them that the challenges in my life were not going to keep me from succeeding and that I could rise above.” Despite the personal challenges that Stephanie has faced, Cheiman Tea has continued to grow over the past year and a half, and has even found a new, larger production space! In addition to the Chattanooga Market, you can now find Cheiman Tea in many local gift stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Following this expansion, Cheiman Tea won a Chattanooga Startup Award for LAUNCH’s Micro-business of the Year this past fall.
With the current climate, Stephanie now faces another challenge; local and regional markets are being canceled around the fear of COVID-19. She is having to pivot quickly to create a full online storefront. While she works through this, Stephanie hopes that “Cheiman Tea can provide a few moments of comfort during such a stressful time for everyone.”
Order Cheiman Tea at www.cheimantea.com For larger or wholesale orders, email Stephanie at: Cheimantea@gmail.com Facebook: @cheimantea Instagram: @cheimantea
BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH FOOD AND BEVERAGE Chef Express | Terence Locke
(423) 355-2045 | chefexpress4.com chefexpress4.0@gmail.com | Facebook: @Chefexpress4 Instagram: @chefexpress Chef Express is a food and bartending catering company. We specialize in customer service and quality food.
Cloud 9 Cafe & Cakery | Debb Fager
(423) 888-1785 | debbfager@yahoo.com Facebook: @cloudninecafeandcakery Cafe and Cakery at East Gate Mall Food Court. Open Monday through Friday, 8am - 3pm.
El Quijote Catering | Raquel Hidalgo
(423) 598-3353 | Elquijotecatering@gmail.com elquijotecatering.com | Facebook:@ ElQuijoteCatering We specialize in authentic food from Spain such as tapas and paella to help you make your next event deliciously memorable!
High Haute Foods | Shane Stone
(423) 883-0295 | shane@highhautefoods.com Facebook: @Highhautefoods A full service specialty caterer bringing “haute cuisine” to your table. Whether that table is in your kitchen or in an elegant event space, we’re ready to elevate your dining experience.
Jinan’s Kitchen | Wahab Alabib
(423) 771-1116 | jinan.kitchen@gmail com Facebook: @jinans.kitchen | Instagram: @jinanskitchen Authentic ARABIC cuisine. A piece of heaven from the bottom of our hearts.
LoAdebar | Norma Maloney
(281) 685-2068 | Info@loadebar.com Facebook: @loadebar | Instagram: @loadebar We specialize in handmade certified organic energy bars that are specifically formulated for endurance athletes and those seeking a more healthy alternative to processed snack foods. Our bars are vegan, gluten-free and free from any preservatives or additives and are excellent in taste. Mo Lemonade | Lakissia Ervin Molemonade19@yahoo.com Facebook: @Mo Lemonade | Instagram: @MoLemonade Mo Lemonade is a variety of flavored lemonade that also pairs well with alcohol.
Not Your Mama’s Greens | Amanda Greenidge and Rasean Hewitt
(857) 265-9116 | notyourmamasgreens.com notyourmamasgreens@yahoo.com Facebook: @notyourmamasgreenz Instagram: @notyourmamasgreenz We are a plant-based food company offering cooking classes, catering services, and plates for pickup.
Rowe Catering | Pat Rowe
(423) 504-4071 | www.bbqrowe.com | Facebook: @bbqrowe Rowe Catering is a catering company based out of Chattanooga. We take pride in providing quality food and exceptional customer service. We want customers to walk away with an outstanding and memorable experience saying, “It’s the love you’re tasting!”
The Bitter Bottle | Kaleena Goldsworthy (315) 657-1753 | www.thebitterbottle.com kaleena@thebitterbottle.com
Facebook: @thebitterbottle | Instagram: @thebitterbottle Created for the food/beverage industry and crafted using modern herbalism techniques, The Bitter Bottle is a modern American apothecary that focuses on community, sustainability, and promoting healthy lifestyles sourced from just outside your door.
The Local Juicery | Luis and Gisela Contreras
(423) 521-5389 | TheLocalJuicery.com | info@thelocaljuicery A family-owned business established by immigrants with a dream to own a juice bar. This dream became a reality with The Local Juicery which serves cold press juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy foods. Come visit at the following 3 locations: Main Street, Erlanger Medical Mall, and Gunbarrel Road.
TrailDrops | Meg Brasel
(423) 402-0871 | TrailDrops.com | meg@traildrops.com TrailDrops is an outdoor nutrition company focused on hikers who are taking overnight trips or long day excursions. Delicious meals ready within minutes!
Wings Top Tots Food Truck | Mahogany Hudgins
(423) 298-3252 | wingstoptotfoodtru.wixsite.com/mysite-1 With her food truck, Mahogany provides delicious, never frozen chicken wings tossed in different homemade sauces and rubs. She also has tater tots that come with a variety of toppings like chili, cheese, bacon and more.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Chosens’ Pressure Washing and Mobile Auto Detailing | Marcus Price
(423) 314-4774 | chosenspressurewashing@gmail.com Facebook: @chosenspressurewashing Instagram: @chosens_pressure_washing Specializing in commercial and residential pressure washing as well as ALL auto detailing needs!
eXclusive Cleaning Professionals | JaMaal Macon
(423) 313-9013 | exclusivecleaningpros@gmail.com Facebook: @exclusivecleaningpros Exclusive Cleaning Professionals strives to offer excellent, affordable cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
Freedom from Laundry | April and Shane Ashley
(423) 463.5709 | FreedomFromLaundryLLC.com info@freedomfromlaundryllc.com Facebook: @Freedomfromlaundry We are Chattanooga’s laundry delivery service with FREE pick up & delivery; serving both households and businesses alike. We also supply 5-Star linens for medical offices, spas and short-term rentals while providing all of our customers with dependable, affordable, time saving laundry service which can be scheduled online or with our downloadable app.
Squeaky Clean | Luis and Gisela Contreras
(423) 444-0698 | Info@besqueakyclean.com besqueakyclean.com | Facebook: @BeSqueakyClean Our company focuses on floor maintenance: carpet care, floor waxing, floor rejuvenation, buffing and any floor care needs.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY Jehoshuah Production | Jehoshuah Johnson
Jehoshuahljohnson@gmail.com | Facebook: @JeHoshuah Jehoshuah Production media and film specializes in event videography for weddings, church functions, festivals, birthday parties and more.
BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH JTookEm Photography | JaMichael Jordan
(423) 322 9421 | Jtookem@gmail.com We don’t just take photos, we capture MOMENTS.
r.porter films | Rachael Porter (803) 467-7760 | r.porterfilms@gmail.com Instagram: @r.eporter I specialize in story-centered filmmaking, but offer videography services of all kind. From marketing, to to event coverage, to educational and teaching formats, I’m able scale productions to fit your budget and needs! Ryn Loren Photography | Ryn Loren Rynloren.com | rynloren@gmail.com | Instagram: @rynloren Ryn is a Tennessee-based destination wedding and elopement photographer. She specializes in providing an incredible experience for adventures and reckless kinda loves!
SERVICES Academic Solutions | Ron Lowe
(423) 822-5985 | ron-lowe@academicsolutions123.com Academic Solutions helps students of all ages get ahead by offering individualized tutoring in math, language arts, and all of the traditional K-12 subjects (including foreign languages). We also provide test clinics for the ACT and SAT college admissions tests—individual tutoring for these tests and others like the GMAT, GRE, and GED.
Bella Marie | Tiffany Willingham
(423) 207-2822 | bella.marie.3518@gmail.com Facebook: @BellaMarie3518 | Instagram: @bellamariedesign Bella Marie offers beautiful floral arrangements, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and corsages, providing all your floral needs. We also specialize in hand-lettered calligraphy to customize your gift.
DSJ Coaching | DeJuan S. Jordan
(423) 375-9090 | www.dejuansjordan.com info@dejuansjordan.com | Facebook: @dejuansjordan Instagram: @dejuansjordan linkedin.com/in/dejuansjordan/ DeJuan Jordan is a heart-centered life-defining coach who empowers women, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and nonprofit leaders to define their life and business before it defines them. Through coaching, workshops, content creation and speaking, DeJuan will help you to create and grow a successful business, while living a life of balance, passion and purpose.
Earth & Soul Integrative Practice | Valerie Radu
(423) 503-2318 | earthandsoulintegrativepractice.com valerie.radu@gmail.com | Facebook: @chattearthandsoul Private practice offering women-focused individual/group counseling.
Educational Access Serving Young, LLC (EASY, LLC) | Stephanie Young
(423) 250-3279 | www.passiontoprofession.org drstephyoung@passiontoprofession.org Facebook: @EASYLLC2019/ Instagram: @educationalaccess_youth Educational groups and training that builds youth confidence, increases skill-set and empowers them to pursue their passion and purpose. Also providing support and coaching for parents in how to help their students.
Kickstand Bicycles | Jacobo Salazar Jr.
(503) 804.6399 | kickstandbicyclefixes.com jacobosalazarjr@gmail.com | Facebook: @kickstandstelmo We buy, sell, trade, and fix bicycles. I have an overall deep passion for cycling!
LSMB Business Solutions | Linda Murray Bullard
(423) 752-0673 | getthebusiness.org Linda@lsmbbusiness.solutions Facebook: @lsmbbusinesssolutions Instagram: @lsmbbusinesssolutions LSMB Business Solutions provides global support for startup and existing small businesses through workshops, keynotes, seminars and online training. R2 delivery service | Eric Sizemore (423) 637-8062 | r2deliveries@gmail.com Local delivery service specializing in time management moves.
Susan M. Freeman Enterprise | Susan Freeman
(423) 503-7350 | www.smf-enterprise.com susanmfreeman@att.net | Facebook: @susan.freeman.94 Instagram: @freeman6384 Susan M. Freeman Enterprise provides a full range of Health, Prescription Drugs, Dental, and limited Life Insurance products to individuals, Small and Large Businesses.
The Chattery | Jennifer Holder
info@thechattery.org | thechattery.org As a nonprofit, The Chattery brings an unlimited variety of educational classes to our community, from mixology to flower arranging to financial planning. We not only serve as ambassadors who bring awesome classes and workshops to Chattanooga, but we also help cultivate and encourage your passions.
The Referrals Group | Ginger Terrell
(423) 355-1921 | thereferralsgroup.com ginger@thereferralsgroup.com | linkedin.com/in/gingerterrell Facebook: @TheReferralsGroup Instagram: @thereferralsgroup Referral networking organization which conducts networking sessions - one seat per profession.
HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS Kory Russell Art | Kory Russell
(423) 243-0279 | koryrussellart@gmail.com KoryRussellart.com | Facebook: @koryrussellart Kory started working for himself in 2016 as an artist, following a 12-year hiatus after graduating from the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd art program. Kory now works in various media and styles and is always open to commissions, especially portraits... one of his most revered skills.
Lucent Gift | Missy Luce
www.lucentgift.com | Missy@lucentgift.com Lucent Gift was founded in 2016 by a two-time cancer survivor. We provide gift boxes filled with items that directly address and alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment, and each box is sent with a personalized letter. Many of the items are made locally by women-owned businesses. This gift box is perfect for people who want to be there for their loved one facing treatment, but are forced to stay away during the COVID-19 crisis. Shipping worldwide.
Meet Some of Chattanooga’s Future Business Owners!
Brainerd High School Future Ready Institute of Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition LAUNCH completed its LAUNCHing Bright Ideas Entrepreneurship Program at Brainerd High School. On March 11, 2020, this culminated in many groups of students pitching their business ideas to an audience filled with classmates, faculty, and supporters. Using the LAUNCHing Bright Ideas curriculum, students formed groups, brainstormed viable business ideas, and developed a basic business plan including marketing and financial components. In addition, each group developed a presentation for the Pitch Competition. Facilitators Charlie Walker and Susan Freeman guided and empowered the students each week. Innovative business ideas were presented to three judges (Terence Locke, Amber Woodruff, Marvin Davis) of which all are current business owners and previous graduates from Brainerd High School! Many creative ideas were presented but the judges selected the following winners:
1ST PLACE Seliyah Burnette, Elisabet Mendez each received a Lenovo Idea Pad 15” Laptop
LAUNCHING BRIGHT IDEAS powered by
1st place
DEWS Project - a non-profit organization with a mission to decrease the teenage crime rate by providing a job program for teens that benefits homeowners, contractors, and teens. 2ND PLACE Tina Moore, Shania McConnell, Jonté Williams - each received an HP 14” Chromebook
2nd place
Crumb Snatchers - This protective covering for the backseat of a car is a waterproof, washable, double layered mat that catches crumbs and spills. 3RD PLACE Nakeyla Byrdsong, Iyana Cartwright each received a Samsung Galaxy 10” Tablet
3rd place
Karz Service - a car diagnostic tool that alerts owners of older-model cars when there is a drop in tire pressure, and immediately translates all codes when the check engine light comes on.
We did it! We Met Our Goal of 20 Partners by 2020! When connections are made and people from other cities hear about the entrepreneurship training and support initiative of LAUNCH, many see a similar need in their cities. This is how StartSpark began. A connection in Grand Rapids led to a desire to start the same initiative there to support underserved entrepreneurs. We quickly realized this could be a way to share our mission around the country and create a learning community at the same time. As the network has grown, everyone benefits by sharing ideas, processes, and challenges with the goal of impacting more and more entrepreneurs.
Why do we call our national network StartSpark?
It was chosen because a spark is small but required for ignition. It grows, spreads and becomes its own force. It is all about potential and so is StartSpark as we and our partners impact cities across the country!
Welcome, LAUNCH Central Valley! Not only did we meet our goal, but LAUNCH Central Valley is our first partner on the west coast! In fact, it is located all the way in Fresno, California! Anthony Watkins from LAUNCH met Dr. Randy White at a CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) conference. After learning about our entrepreneurship initiative, Dr. White knew when the time was right, it would be the perfect addition to the robust programming at the Center for Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific University. Well, the time is right and they just became our 20th StartSpark partner with training expected to take place this spring.
LAUNCH Alumni Highlights DeJuan S. Jordan
DeJuan has joined the LAUNCH team as Director of Business Support Services.
LAUNCH is thrilled to have DeJuan Jordan join our team as the Director of Business Support Services. After more than 15 years of working in the criminal justice system, nonprofit, and youth and family service industry, DeJuan began to see the correlation of how perspective, choices, unidentified purpose and life experiences all work together to create a person’s story and determine their destination. As a result, in 2017 DeJuan made the decision to transition from her position as CEO of a national nonprofit organization and start her entrepreneurial journey as founder and business owner of DSJ Coaching and Consulting; which teaches and supports individuals, executives, businesses, and nonprofits to “define their life or business, before life defines it for them.” With all her experience, DeJuan knows very well what an entrepreneur needs, making her the perfect person to lead the support services area for LAUNCH! She has already made a difference and we are thankful to have her on the team.
Kory Russell
Kory Russell is a local artist who is being recognized in many ways. The Dwell Hotel commissioned several pieces of art for the hotel. His work has also been displayed in the Reflections Gallery on the Southside. In addition, a piece of his artwork was featured in the Hunter Museum’s annual silent auction and fundraiser, Hunter Underground. Check out his artwork at www.koryrussellart.com.
Kory Russell with Evi Rum Runners
Fountain for Dwell Hotel
Kandyce Hudson COVID-19 Pivot Kandyce Hudson
Like many entrepreneurs and small businesses right now, Kandyce Hudson, owner of Made by Me Academy is having to pivot for the time being.
Masks designed and sewn by Kandyce
As a beginner to advanced sewing studio, classes are on hold due to the pandemic. But, as suggested by both her boyfriend and LAUNCH team member Sandy Berry, Kandyce is now making masks to help meet our community’s demand. Kandyce says she is often asked what does it really mean to be a designer? She says, “No matter what you’re designing, you’re always solving a problem through your design.” The most recent problem is a shortage of elastic for masks, to which she has begun using ribbon and toggles on the masks to make them adjustable. If you’re looking for masks, please email Kandyce at inkandycence@gmail.com for timing and pricing information.
TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
May 5, 2020 #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020. It was developed as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRODUCT SPONSORS
At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. It’s a day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are.
Chattanooga is a generous community and known for helping in times of need. As you choose your partners, we humbly ask you to consider donating to LAUNCH. We are faithfully serving our entrepreneurs who have been hit hard by the loss of work! We have many COVID-19 initiatives designed to impact underserved individuals and communities and ask that you come alongside us to make a difference. Enclosed is an envelope or you can donate at LAUNCHcha.org/donate or text @LAUNCH to 50214. Thank you.