WOMEN MAKING SOHY

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

It's all been great, even the learning lessons! But, I have to say that the strong community is what feels the best. I know that I have support from city officials, fellow business owners and my resident neighbors. I never feel like I'm alone.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

Yes, it's been difficult, but it's been an extreme learning lesson for me and my business. After losing 3 months in revenue because of mandatory shutdowns, I realized that CAMPspace could no longer only rely on studio bookings to make money.

Since then, we've added products (like www.blackgirlholidays.com), started tracking our budget a lot more closely and cut many unnecessary expenses. This has allowed us to be exponentially more profitable in comparison to this time last year. We're in a great position and I thank the pandemic for that - myself and the business needed to go through that tough time to get to this point of growth and opportunity.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

Just do it sis! Like, the only thing stopping you is YOU, and you are surely already everything you need to be to get it done. Doubt is normal and fear is expected... but your will to make it happen is stronger than all of that! Trust yourself and your vision. Oh, and use social media for inspiration, not imitation. Most of it isn't real.

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

De-stressing is so important for me, especially now! I make a point to take a weekend to myself every month where I don't have to work or parent, and can just enjoy my time how I want. I also work out every day, which really helps me feel and look my best. Taking care of myself physically, spiritually and mentally is now a priority in my life.

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

It might sound cliché, but community. The neighborhood is extremely supportive of our work (as visitors, as volunteers, as art buyers, and class takers). They "get" us. We're a quirky space that embraces slow culture, retro, grit, and things made by hand while also appreciating innovation and the new ... and Hyattsville responds to that (thankfully). I also think that we have become a better place because of the community. Our ethos has evolved because of local values, which include supporting local, caring about the environment, and creating a more equitable society. Further, the small business community has incredible camaraderie and mutual admiration. I love being able to call up Sue, Mike, or Nate and ask a "dumb" question or pitch a crazy idea. There is a sense that we are all in this together, which is helpful in good times and even more so in challenging ones.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

At the risk of tempting fate, I feel pretty optimistic. The pandemic has forced us to do things differently, and that's not always a bad thing. We moved most of our workshops to Zoom, created an online gift shop, and tried to make versions of our in-person gallery shows for virtual audiences too. With some stabilizing covid relief funding, we have not had to panic, and this year has been a rare opportunity to disrupt "how we've always done it." For me, that makes the work more exciting. My attitude this year has been, "let's try it; if it doesn't work, we'll blame Covid." Thankfully I work with staff and board who have great energy, ideas, and high tolerance for the unknown. I strongly believe that we are laying groundwork now that will serve us well in the future. But I miss people! I can't wait until we can have big art openings and in-person classes.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

The rules keep changing in the workplace and my advice evolves accordingly. I hope that you can reverse this question for people early in their careers to give me advice on how to create an environment for their success. Today my advice would be ...1- if the job isn't AT LEAST two of these three things, find another: intellectually rewarding, financially rewarding, or emotionally rewarding. 2- Never be too proud to take out the trash (and make sure your boss isn't either). 3- Be kind and generous to your co-workers ... you never know who might be working with (or for) in the future.

The best advice I received was actually about networking, but I didn't understand it until much later. It was given to me at The Kennedy Center when I was an intern there long ago. I was in the development department and someone came from the marketing department (so I already had an attitude about that) and lectured the interns on the importance of networking. The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way, it seemed fake and social climber-y. It took me years to realize the value of networking. For me, it's not about collecting business cards at a mixer your boss sends you to. It's about genuinely liking people, finding out what they do, and what they want. People get joy out of connecting people. I get a thrill when I can help get someone a job, or into grad school, or make an important professional connection for them, and I believe the reflexive is true too.

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

Funny joke. Virtual learning has rained down havoc on my household. I am deeply indebted to my mom and her partner for support as my husband and I juggle jobs and a 5-year old who we don't get to ship off to school + aftercare anymore. We feel this constant pressure on any "free" time to use it well (sometimes that means serious quality family time or sometimes that means accomplishing a home improvement project). When I am not over-thinking my time, my husband and I sneak in some Schitt's Creek, I read very trashy romance novels on my phone, and I daydream of the events I will throw when people can be together again en mass.

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

My favorite aspect of owning/running a business in Hyattsville is impacting a neighborhood I grew up in. I moved to this area from Atlanta, GA in 1984 and to watch the significant changes and diversity is mind blowing and awe-inspiring. I love Hyattsville and I can hardly contain my excitement for what it is, has been and will continue to become over the years. The community is loving and kind and I really enjoy working in this area.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

This last year has been difficult, but has shown the pure kindness that exist in this world. People have been beyond giving and caring during this pandemic. God has and will continue to provide a venue to speak into the life of young people and affect the world and the arts for years to come.
A year into this pandemic, I can truly say, one does not know their strength until they have to create something out of nothing.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

If I were mentoring a younger woman starting out, I would say trust you gut! If it feels right, move and have a plan. The universe will conspire to give you, your heart’s desire, if you believe first. Once you believe and see the vision, other people will work to help you achieve that vision. But, first write the plan and your vision. Keep it before you and NEVER give up on the thing that keeps calling out to you! That thing is your destiny and it may be delayed, but it will come to pass. My father drew the logo to my business 27 years ago; he has since passed on. But, I opened my business 7 years ago — 20 years after I spoke and wrote the vision. Be patient with yourself. Don’t give up on your dream!

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

I am an avid reader and traveler; I have not been able to travel. So, I read monthly with my book club members. I take 3 mile walks everyday just to get outside and see the world changing around me. While I walk, I take pictures of the ever-changing seasonal alterations and marvel at the local wildlife, cats, dogs, sea fowl, deer, ground hogs you name it! I have seen a lot! These walks help me remain in a state of calm. When I can’t walk, I feel the stress creeping in!

Photo by Juliette Fradin Photogrpahy

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

Working and living within a community of great people is a privilege. Gratitude is exercised daily for being able to create within this locale. There is momentum in this corridor and sharing this creative vision and energy with fellow entrepreneurs fuels my desire to strive for continued positive change via smart business strategies, community development, creative partnerships and beyond. It is truly exciting to be responsible for change and be part of something bigger than yourself. I strive to live fearlessly, operate with integrity, and always be in learning mode. Running my business allows me so many opportunities to do this daily!

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

COVID, for about a month, shut everything down for us. It was a very uncertain time. The stress of the unknown was almost crippling, at times, and ran the gamut from family, friends, business, and beyond. The pressure of hustling to complete paperwork in hopes of being granted the government stimulus money was incredibly challenging. On the flip side, thankfully, our industry never really shut down. Design and build got extremely busy. This uptick in business, coupled with all else that we had to deal with, was overwhelming. But, we had true gratitude even despite the busiest and most stressful times. We were forced to pivot, double down, and reinvent and, most importantly, rethink how we did business. This was truly our most creative time in terms of the art of business.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

I would tell her to be fearless — to believe in herself 100% but to be humble. And, to commit to learning daily. I would say approach all things from your heart first and then your head. Learn to understand and manage your feelings. Your emotional intelligence as much as your knowledge of industry will help you elevate and grow your business. In the end, your life’s work … well, it is still work. Hustle hard but learn to balance and work smarter. Gift yourself special moments and be gentle for it can be a tough world, at times.

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

Although there has not been much downtime, (and in some respects we have worked harder in 2020 than in some previous years) I try to make time for gratitude, loved ones, friends, family, and my dog, Whiskey. Gratitude equates to a positive mindset. Creating a space at home to enjoy the smaller luxuries in life such as a scented candle, a favorite cocktail, a cozy blanket, and an episode of Schitt’s Creek has become golden. Cooking, biking, lifting weights are all still favorites, but spending some alone time to recharge has been key.

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

My favorite thing about working in Hyattsville is having around so many other small and unique businesses. From the food to the clothing boutiques, there’s so much authenticity in the area.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

I must say that I am one of those businesses that actually benefited from Covid, and I am extremely grateful knowing that it hasn’t been as easy for other businesses. I had just launched Allure Browz in November 2019 and quit my 9-5 in December 2019, so before Covid I was actually really struggling. I was trying to find my way as a new business owner, so when things shut down it really allowed me to focus on the work behind microblading (website, social media, etc.). When businesses were able to open back up, I went from not knowing where my next client would come from to an overflow of clients. Now that people have a little bit more time on their hands, women are focusing more on self care and doing things that make them happy. So, a year later from the start of the pandemic I must say that I am truly just grateful, to say the least.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

To younger women just starting out I would say: do whatever it is that you want to do no matter how scary it may seem. It’s okay to be scared, but you must have so much faith in yourself that the fear has no choice but to succumb to it. It’s easy to get discouraged when looking at how successful other women in your field are, but instead look at those women as inspiration. Always remember that the difference between the people that made it to the top and those that didn’t is the people at the top never gave up!

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

My favorite way to unwind is to spend time with the people closest to me, drink wine, and listen to music.

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

Hands down the community. We have felt so much support from day one. Many of our customers have now become like family.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

We went from doing virtually zero sales online to everything going through our online store. We also had to put a halt to our in-person classes, which is our favorite part of the business. We did transition our classes to a virtual format and they have been a lot of fun. A year later and it still feels pretty surreal. We, like many other businesses, made a lot of shifts to how we run our business during the pandemic. At this point, I feel used to this normal but with more and more people getting vaccinated, it does seem that a return to normalcy is on the horizon. I'm not sure what that means in terms of transitioning back to how we used to operate but we'll continue to roll with it.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

I would suggest doing as much research as possible and talking to owners of similar businesses. Try to plan for the unexpected but also be flexible. The best advice I ever received was from a former FBI agent-turned-small-business-owner. He told me that "no one is ever going to care as much about your business as you will. You have to be your number one advocate."

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

Wine and Netflix. Isn't that what everyone else is doing? :)

What is your favorite aspect of owning / running a business in Hyattsville?

The part of my business that I enjoy the most is interacting with my customers. We chat about family, everyday events, things that are happening in our lives. I have a number of customers that come to the bakery year after year to purchase celebration cakes: it could be for a wedding, a baby shower, a birthday or an anniversary. I observe the families’ growth and change and I feel blessed to have participated in some way.

The past year has been difficult, to say the least. How has Covid affected your business and how are you feeling one year out from the start of the pandemic?

The obvious is, there is less person-to-person interaction because of social distancing. But overall my customers have been very supportive. At the beginning of the pandemic, when everything was still so uncertain, many customers came by or called to place orders, to buy gift certificates and offer support. Quite a few customers have made purchases every single week. I see that as a commitment to me and literally putting your money where your mouth is :)

A year out from the start of the pandemic I am feeling hopeful. A week before the pandemic hit my facade improvement was finally completed, I was jubilant, you know it took me a while to get it done. There were so many obstacles but finally it was completed: three new doors, a new paint job, new awning and lighting. I planned to celebrate. Instead, COVID. I felt so much uncertainty ... However, as I said before, it helped tremendously to have customers and strangers be so supportive.

If you were mentoring a younger woman just starting out, what advice would you give her? What is the best advice that you have received?

First, regardless of the type of business, I would ask her: Do you love it? Does it bring you joy? Can you perform this task repeatedly and still find something new and interesting every time? If the answer is yes, I would tell her to go for it. It’s not always easy but it’s the best job ever.

In light of the challenges of the last year, what are your favorite ways to unwind and de-stress these days?

I read a lot. I enjoy reading mysteries and cookbooks. Peter Reinhardt, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, is a book I reread occasionally. It’s the magic of bread baking. After binge-watching Bob Ross on PBS, I recently bought a few canvases and oil paints.