Several years ago, maybe 15, before I met my gorgeous, loveable and handsome hubby I had a crush on a guy(who turned out to be a loser). Someone once told me that guys liked flowers, too. I decided to purchse a half dozen roses for my crush. At the time, I didn't have a car so I guess you'd have called me a female scrub(of TLC fame) LOL.
Anyhoo,
I walked to a neighborhood or 'hood' florist shop to purchase the roses. When I arrived, many of the flowers were wilted or dead. The owner wore a moo-moo/nightgown and house slippers. Her son was the clerk. The kid was all of 7 and didn't know how to ring a sale. Bad customer service all the way around.
I vowed that I would never patronize another black-owned "hood" business.
Again, that was several years ago. Years before I met real business owners. Business owners who value their customers. Those that give friendly service with a smile. Owners who teach their children proper business practices. Business owners that dress for success. Many of the very people who own businesses in 'the hood.'
Today as I celebrate the fourth Kwanzaa principle: Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together
I would like to highlight 10 small or homebased businesses(not all are black owned but all are worthy to be recognized)that exude professionalism and exemplary service. These businesses are those that I've visited online, via telephone or in person.
My top 10 in 2010 are.... Drum roll please:
1. The Bel-Air 10 Theatre
http://www.belair10theatre.com
2. Ladel's Book Store and Boutique
It has since closed but it was a great place for books and children's events
3. My Girly Party
http://www.mygirlyparty.com
4.City Talk Magazine
http://www.citytalkmagazine.com
Detroit's Urban Community Source
5. Dr. Yakini Etheridge of The Prissy Mommy Chronicles
http://www.prissymommy.com
6. Lynette Jones of Perfect Presence Event Planning and Consulting
http://www.theperfectpresence.com
7.Tim Miller of Miller Design Studio
http://www.millerdesignstudio.net
8.Afropuffs and Ponytails
http://www.afropuffsandponytails.com
Website Inspiring African American Girls
9. Detroit Impact Center
http://www.detroitimpactcenters.org
Servicing Metro Detroit's Children
10. Monica Marie Jones of The Literary Loft, LLC
http://www.monicamariejones.com
Inspiring and motivating the nation with weekly newsletters, captivating books and an informational radio show
Yes, there are sooooo many others that I could have named and I will feature more in 2011. For now, the remainder of 2010, check out these 10 businesses and you'll see why they are MY top 10.
What are some of the businesses that are the bees knees in your neck of the woods?
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Thank you for your support Cheryl. Everyone at the Bel Air 10 Theater wishes you the best of health, joy, happiness, and success in 2011. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Johny
Bel Air 10 Theater
I am truly humbled to be among your Top 10 in 2010! Thank you so much, Cheryl! (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeletelol, I couldn't help but chuckle at the description of you entering that little store to buy roses, and the description of the store owner in her housecoat and slippers. So trifling! *smh*
Anyhoo, off to check out the other businesses you highlighted. Happy Holidays to you and Princess Zaria!
@Johny Thnaks for supporting The Adventures of Princess Zaria
ReplyDelete@Yakini You have been my role model in the blogging industry. I so love your writing style and how you communicate your parenting style and (sometimes) challenges. I hope to take our blog to a higher level in 2011. Thanks for supporting us :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thank you so much for including me in your top ten. It's so awesome that you'd take the time to point out local businesses to patronize, and I'm humbled to be in that list.
ReplyDeleteYou put more energy into more productive channels than anyone I know, and I'm proud to work with you! Keep up the wonderful work!
All the best,
Tim
Cheryl! I am SO honored! Sometimes I just think of my work as doing what I am supposed to do...my purpose, but I must remember that I am a business too. Seeing you put this in writing has reminded me of that and it is my goal to take my business to the next level in 2011. Thank you so much for the boost of inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteMost Sincerely,
Monica Marie
Thank you so much for including me in your top 10. I strive to be a business that provides my clients with the memorable experiences they are hoping for. You have been such a great energy and presence for me!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for including me in your top 10. You have always been so helpful to me and Im humbled that you choose me as one of the companies to showcase and support. The only goal I have is to provide my clients with the memorable experiences they come to me to help create.
ReplyDeleteI am just proud to someone like you, someone I can turn to and look to as a mentor or exactly what a savvy business woman should be. Again I thank you.
Cheryl thank you so much for including me in your top ten. I am humbled that you would include me in your list. You are have been such a positive influence for me!!! You have been a friend and a mentor.
ReplyDeleteI tried to post a couple times , but my PC seems to be giving me issues!
@The Event Architect I definitely want to utilize your services for The Royal Ball. Haven't decided if it will be in June or September
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I LOVE IT! Now this is an Awesome post. You have included some of my favorite business owners on the fourth day of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa Cooperative Economics. As I mature I begin to value what I once took for granted, Small Businesses. Although Debra and Loren have now closed Ladel's Book Boutique I'm so glad to have experienced their professionalism and genius method of operating a Children's bookstore and I'm honored to call them Friends.
ReplyDeleteTruth be told it is Small Businesses that keeps our economy a float. I wish each of the 10 ten business owner a Blissful 2011 and I too look forward to my continue support of them. All of them ROCK!
Cheryl, you are Sweet, Brilliant and a Fantastic Business Owner. May God continue to Bless you on your Journey of GREATNESS! Two thumbs up for this Post!
Really interesting post, Cheryl! I love that you tied in one of Kawanzaa's beautiful principals and that you're highlighting small businesses! Well done lady & Happy New Year to you and yours! :)
ReplyDelete@Sandy Thank you so much for your kind words. God truly blessed me when he allowed us to meet. You have been a terrific sounding board and a great friend. Not only through good times but also through challenging times with my family. Thanks for being you. Let's make it happen in 2011!
ReplyDelete@Galit Thanks you so much for supporting our blog. I never really celebrated Kwanzaa like a lot of people I know but I do believe in supporting the small business owner. I hope to be a resource and influence to those new and mature business owners. See you in 2011:)
ReplyDelete@Monica I am so very proud of you. I can't wait until the new projects are released.
ReplyDelete