BuyBlack.org’s Post

As a business executive turned food founder and now being described as Cleveland's Small Business Ambassador, I can relate to the saying "A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step." Just like starting a career in business or launching a new food venture was not an overnight achievement. It required taking numerous steps and making countless decisions along the way. Each step I took, from building my own food brand to representing and advocating for small businesses in Cleveland, contributed to my journey, which was anything but a straight line. Becoming a food founder involved taking that first step of developing a business plan, followed by countless steps to bring my vision to life. I had to navigate through challenges, learn from failures, and continuously improve my offerings. It was a journey that stretched over a thousand collective steps, but each step was necessary to build a sutainable business. Now, I have the opportunity to help others walk their path. I share my knowledge, experiences, and insights to support and empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Just as I took one step at a time to reach where I am today, I am guiding others to take their first steps and begin their own entrepreneurial journey. #entrepreneurship #empoweringentrepreneurs #creatingopportunities https://lnkd.in/e7mDFKsU

Embark on your journey to business success with M.E. BOLD Consulting. Guiding entrepreneurs and small businesses to growth and victory! 🚀🏆 #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

Taking the opportunity to expand a business… Theresa and Alicia Baroun, owners of Maple Buzz a local syrup and honey specialty product business, expanded their business to include a cafe, Maple Buzz Cafe. Read more about this mother-daughter duo’s shared journey of entrepreneurship. #TheBusinessNews #thebusinessnewswi #northeastwi #northeastwinews #northeastwibusiness #greenbay #wisconsinjournalism #supportlocaljournalism #businessnews #shareyourstory

This snapshot was taken back in early 2016, standing in the warehouse of what would soon become one of the most transformative experiences of my life: Steel City Beer Wholesalers. Back then, I was stepping into the vast, uncharted waters of the beer distribution industry, fueled by passion and a hefty dose of naivety. I had a vision: to revolutionize the way craft beer was appreciated and distributed in Western PA. My journey was akin to scaling a mountain of challenges, each one teaching me invaluable and tough lessons about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the art of selling not just a product, but a story. From hand-selling in bars to strategizing multi-state distribution networks, every step was a learning curve. Countless sleepless nights and relentless work, investing every ounce of energy into building an organization and building our brands. Fast forward to a pivotal moment in 2024, Steel City Beer Wholesalers was acquired. This wasn’t just a financial win; it was a testament to the power of belief, strategy, and sheer grit. Post-acquisition, I faced a new question: What next? Inspired by the rush of building a business from the ground up, I founded Five Star Beverage Group. My aim? To harness my experiences and empower other beverage brands to carve their own paths to success. The shift from being a distributor to a consultant was drastic in terms of the day to day tasks. Yet, just a couple of months after launching Five Star, we are already working to drive growth for brands that were just recently struggling to gain ground consistently. My journey from the warehouse floor and bar basements to where I am now has taught me this: Entrepreneurship is not just about making money. It’s about crafting stories, building relationships, and turning vision into reality by continually moving forward. A seven figure exit later, the lesson is clear: the skills of entrepreneurship, like any craft, can be honed and mastered. You won't see immediate results, but consistent work no matter the hurdles always pays off. From selling my first case of beer to advising industry leaders, my entrepreneurial spirit has been the constant that turned aspirations into achievements. The journey is about more than business success, although that still matters; it’s a narrative of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I'm here to share that journey, to guide, and to inspire. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us all towards greatness.

How much does it cost to open a pop-up #restaurant? Read on to learn 10 costs that go into starting and operating a pop-up restaurant! https://lnkd.in/g7uvMZCP #restaurantindustry #entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a difficult endeavor in the best of times with the best ideas. What perils await when someone decides to start a wine business in a well established and entrenched market? #winebusiness #winetrade #entrerpeurship https://lnkd.in/gYcKKXnN

Imagine you're launching a brand-new restaurant or mall, but you're unsure if people will be interested in what you offer. Today, I suggest a simple yet effective strategy that sets you apart from your competitors – let's call it the Sphinx Approach. Assuming your restaurant or mall is already built, and you're seeking customers, here's what you can do. Over the course of a week or two, reach out to your friends, siblings, or those close to you, and ask them to invite people they know. For the next three weeks, these invited individuals will form a line in front of your establishment. Aim to gather a hundred or two hundred people. Beforehand, gather them and explain the plan: they just need to be present for two weeks, and you'll provide food or compensation. Witness the magic unfold. Passersby will notice the constant stream of people eagerly awaiting to patronize your establishment. This psychological phenomenon will intrigue them, making them more likely to check out what you have to offer. Don't hesitate – give it a try and observe the results. Need more tips and strategies to elevate your business? Follow me and send a private message. Until next time! #NewRestaurant #GrandOpening #FoodieFinds #DiningOut #RetailTherapy #ShopTillYouDrop #LocalEats #MallLife #RetailExperience #NewBusiness #RetailLaunch #LocalCommunity #CustomerExperience #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth

I saw a discussion online that asked which closed restaurant you would bring back, and it got me thinking. My first choice would be Landmarc in Tribeca (RIP!), which had my all-time favorite steak frites. But a close second was Blue Duck in NE Philly, where I'm pretty sure I tried (and loved) everything on the brunch menu. What about you - which restaurant would you bring back? . . . #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #businesssuccess

Many restaurants fail quickly, even with high prices. A successful restaurant owner said the main mistake is starting with a big menu (200-250 items). This causes big losses because there aren't enough customers. New restaurant owners should start with a few main dishes (4-5) and add more slowly, like raising a child. #RestaurantBusiness #StartupAdvice #FoodIndustry #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

Excited to share that I've been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine! 🎉 The article highlights my journey with Two Fish Foods and how a side hustle became key to our success. It's been an incredible experience balancing innovation and growth. I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my entrepreneurial journey and hope it inspires others in the food industry. https://lnkd.in/gSKHDb4C #Entrepreneurship #FoodIndustry #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMagazine