2023 Semi Annual Success Stories!

SEMI ANNUAL

S U C C E S S S T O R I E S

CRAFTED COFFEE OWNER:SARAHMANDL

Sarah Mandl first approached the TSBDC in Dyersburg in January 2022 with her longstanding dream of opening a Coffee Shop. After 20 years of envisioning her dream, Sarah selected the historical section of Covington as the ideal location for her venture, and thus Crafted Coffee came to life. Located in the heart of downtown, Crafted Coffee serves as a welcoming space for individuals to gather, engage in group discussions, work in a conducive environment, or simply relax with a wide selection of gourmet coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, teas, pastries, and snacks.

Seeking assistance from the TSBDC-Dyersburg, Sarah sought guidance in developing a comprehensive business plan, creating financial projections, and obtaining support for the renovations necessary to establish Crafted Coffee. With the necessary funding secured, Sarah purchased and revamped the space, leading to the limited opening of Crafted Coffee in June 2022.

After experiencing success in her first year of business, Sarah's current focus is on attracting new clientele, increasing revenue, enhancing the online presence of Crafted Coffee, and expanding her workforce. In Sarah's own words, "I am grateful for the exceptional business counseling provided by the TSBDC, as it has undoubtedly contributed to our progress. "

RUSTICRIDGE KENNELS

OWNER:TAMMIFRALICK

Tammi reached out to the TSBDC at Austin Peay State University in July 2022 with a desire to open a dog kennel, but she had no idea where to start. Our APSU center assisted Tammi with building a business plan including a financial analysis and a competitive analysis. Through the assistance of the TSBDC Tammi was able to use her business plan to secure financing, leave her full-time job and open Rustic Ridge Kennels, LLC in June 2023.

Since launching the TSBDC has continued to partner with Tammi to look for opportunities to grow her business in the future, such as partnering with other small business-friendly companies for pet apparel, treats, and other kennel owners.

Tammi stated, “When I first began my journey to open up my own business, I knew that I would need to do my research so that I could do it the right way. I am so very thankful I stumbled upon the TSBDC. Liz was a joy to work with from the beginning and helped me to truly work through the cost of self-employment and truly seek out my why. After a year of planning and designing a dog boarding facility, my dream has finally become a reality for me. ”

PLUSULTRA COFFEE

OWNER:ROYCALLAHAN

Roy Callahan approached the TSBDC at Cleveland State in early 2022 with an idea to start a themed coffee shop. While the idea was there, Roy needed guidance in starting a business, choosing a location, and securing capital.

The Cleveland State service center maintains an ongoing partnership with Mainstreet Cleveland, dedicated to offering targeted support to the food and beverage business sector. Leveraging this collaboration, Roy's consultant facilitated a connection between Roy and Proof Incubator. Through this, Roy secured an espresso machine and cooler from Proof's storage facilities. Following this, the center's staff collaborated with Roy to create a comprehensive loan package. This encompassed a well-structured business plan and a thorough cash flow statement, all prepared for submission to the Tennessee Valley Credit Union Idea Leap microloan program. Roy's application proved successful, resulting in a $10,000 line of credit that played a pivotal role in launching his business. Our staff also assisted Roy by providing guidance in marketing strategies and media planning, along with offering website development and media design.

Roy successfully opened his coffee shop in January 2023. Plus Ultra Coffee is an anime-themed coffee shop, that sets out to create a sense of wonder for its guests. As anime grows more mainstream to the Western audience, Plus Ultra Coffee aims to share the fandom while providing coffee and boba tea. In addition to delicious beverages and anime, Roy hosts live music, trivia, and movie nights.

SALTOASIS

OWNERS:SAVANNAMCDAVID ANITAHENLEY

The Salt Oasis is Kingsport's premier holistic salt therapy spa. This family-owned business was opened in 2018 by mother/daughter-in-law duo Savanna McDavid and Anita Henley after Henley had been through a bout of illness in the winter of 2017. She discovered salt and infrared light therapy through her health battles and learned that there was no holistic establishment near her where she could heal. Savanna and Anita knew that opening a salt therapy spa could benefit both Anita herself and the region at large.

It was in March of 2018, at the beginning of the small business journey, that Anita Henley contacted the TSBDC. The TSBDC at East Tennessee State University Kingsport Affiliate Office worked with Henley and McDavid to develop a business plan and sift through market research. Since their initial meeting, The Salt Oasis has continued its relationship with the TSBDC through both one-on-one private counseling sessions and workshop attendance. The business has grown within the Kingsport community, and McDavid now serves as a small business advisory council member with the local chamber of commerce. Additionally, The Salt Oasis has participated in Shop Small efforts, become involved in the local business community, and was the recipient of two Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship Awards the 2019 award for New Business Excellence and the 2022 Community Impact Award.

MOOREFAMILY CENTURYFARM

OWNER:RENEEWILLIAMS

Established in 1870, the Moore Family Century Farm has strong ties to its African American founders, John and Harriet Strayhorn Moore. Today, under Renee Williams' stewardship, the farm's cherished legacy seeks not just preservation, but also flourishing through innovative ventures. To address this, Renee turned to the UT Martin Reed Center TSBDC office, where consultant Landy had the idea of an interesting partnership for the farm.

Landy introduced Renee to Danny Morris, a lecturer of agricultural economics at UT Martin, and his advanced farm and ranch management course. From here a partnership was built for Morris's students to create a land-use study to generate ideas for possible revenue streams. The farm transformed into a lab of ideas, with each student invested in the growth of Moore Century Farm. Through the collective efforts of Renee and the students, a comprehensive plan showcasing opportunities and assessing risks was developed.

Renee says she is thankful for the students' help in assessing opportunities and risks and making suggestions for the future. “The assistance we are receiving generates hope and excitement about maintaining our Moore Family Century Farm legacy,” said Renee Williams. “This document will serve as a compass to help us navigate the steps to build a productive business that contributes to the growth of agriculture in Tennessee and the rural community of Benton County.”

GATEWAY LEARNING ACADEMY,LLC

OWNER:FRANKIEBRIGGS

Gateway Learning Academy, LLC is a long-standing daycare and preschool in Memphis, TN. Established in 2005 by Frankie Briggs, a dedicated lifelong educator, she affirms, "Children are our most important assets, and the more we invest in their future, the stronger and more productive our society becomes." Driven by this belief, Frankie's commitment to nurturing Memphis's youth led her to seek aid from the TSBDC in 2022, a pivotal juncture marked by an enrollment downturn.

Engaging with a consultant, Frankie delved into strategies for amplifying her marketing endeavors to attract fresh enrollments, while simultaneously exploring grants and funding avenues to ensure her business's continuity. The TSBDC at Memphis played an integral role, furnishing comprehensive market research through specialized databases and guiding Frankie through the intricacies of grant applications tailored to childcare and educational facilities. Moreover, the consultant educated Frankie on available lending capital.

Thanks to her collaboration with the TSBDC, Frankie has not only boosted her revenue through enhanced marketing strategies, leading to increased enrollment, but she has also garnered grants. Additionally, she secured extra capital through loans, effectively sustaining her businesses.

TRAPHOUSE WINGZ

OWNER:LEONLUKE

Trapp House Wingz, often described as the best wings in Nashville, is owned and operated by Leon Luke. His food truck, catering, and restaurant location are a staple of the North Nashville Community. Leon's business hit a major roadblock in the summer of 2022, their eatery's current location had succumbed to building issues and was beyond repair.

Since Leon now needed to find a new location, the TSBDC Nashville service center became his first point of contact for guidance. With a vision to rebuild and continue serving Nashville's best wings, Trap House Wingz needed more than just a new facility –they required a solid business plan and financial projections to secure the necessary funding. The dedicated TSBDC staff became their guiding light, working with Leon to craft a comprehensive business plan noting key areas for opening the store location, and cost and cash flow and projections.

The collective efforts of Leon and the TSBDC team armed Leon with a robust business plan and financial projections to secure the funds needed for their fresh start. Their work paid off in a $300,000 loan to bring their new brick-and-mortar dream to life. Trapp House is currently building out its new location with a completion date set for later this summer.

BIGTROUBLE BREWING COMPANY

OWNER:JOSIAHTRANDAHL

Introducing Big Trouble Brewing Company (BTBC), a lively brewery and taproom located in Gallatin, TN. With 12 taps serving house-made beers and seltzers, BTBC is known for its cool 80s style, tasty hot dogs, and yummy tacos.

BTBC was founded by Josiah (Joe) Trandahl after he returned from military service. Joe had a dream to start a brewery and create a fun place he could be proud of. To turn his dream into reality, Joe turned to the TSBDC at Vol State for help. They worked together to plan the finances, which helped Joe fund the business himself. The TSBDC also assisted Joe in making a solid business plan and understanding the industry standards. Through their ongoing collaboration, BTBC blossomed into a top spot in Gallatin and even started distributing beer to local restaurants. Since launching BTBC has increased revenue, invested capital, and best of all, managed to avoid debt.

Joe Trandahl had this to say about the TSBDC:

“The TSBDC is a great foundational resource for anyone looking to start a business in the state. They offer a variety of programs counseling, networking, and educational resources both in person and online. I have taken advantage of some of the programs and plan on continuing my relationship with them over the years to keep growing both personally and professionally. Charles and the team at Vol State Community College are great about checking in and actively seeking ways to assist businesses in our area. ”

We extend our congratulations to the following semi-annual success stories, now elevated to the status of annual success stories, as highlighted in our 2022 Annual Report Summary. For further details, please visit their dedicated story blocks on the success story webpage.

LAMONT'SKITCHEN

OWNER:BRIYONABATCHELOR

MIMIJO'SFRUITTEA

OWNER:NERISSAROLLINS

ANCIENTLOREVILLAGE

OWNER:TOMBOYD

MAYBERRYSLAUGHTER

OWNER:DEWEY&NIKKIMAYBERRY

SOUTHERNDAUGHTERBOUTIQUE

OWNER:MARIASKIPPER

KITCHENINCUBATOROFCHATTANOOGA