Starter Stories

CO.STARTERS programs and community support helped Ernie Flores open Flores Bakehaus, a business that celebrates her heritage, family, and her first love—baking.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, entrepreneur Angie Parham harnessed her creativity to pivot her hair and cosmetics skills into a new business, SteeleDivine Cosmetics.

Jonnay Wenger, an entrepreneur and mother, learned the importance of community support when she decided to open an indoor playspace in her new town.

Professional organizer Jessica Cammack, also known as the Mack Master, is combating clutter—both physical and mental—for her clients.

Chattanooga native and yoga teacher Kelsey Vasileff wanted to share her passion for high-quality, nutrient-packed foods and cold-pressed juices with the rest of her city.

When Silje Christoffersen moved back to her small, rural hometown of Enterprise, Oregon, she knew she wanted to pour into her community through her passion for design.

After 30 years of working in finance, Dionna Brenamen shifted gears and opened a coffee and tea cafe that has grown into an inclusive community hub in Fostoria, Ohio.

With the help of CO.STARTERS, Amber Leibee turned her passion for art into a thriving art supply store in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

For Black History Month, we're highlighting five amazing Black entrepreneurs from our CO.STARTERS family.

"Getting involved with a unique and insightful group of entrepreneurs provided me with a true community."

Morgan meets her customers' innate appetite for beauty with gorgeous, locally grown, long-lasting flowers.

By prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized people into his clinical studies, Jay seeks to repair the damage wrought by an unjust healthcare system. 

“CO.STARTERS taught me that you have to communicate the benefits and advantages of your business to your customer, not just the product or service itself.”

"Lots of people see competition when they look at the business scene, but at the end of the day, we’re all making this place better together."

"CO.STARTERS really helped me to vet my idea and be confident in my decision to go full-time."

"Most people don't realize that beauty is a business. CO.STARTERS gave me a plan and helped me get myself together as a business."

"You don't have to do it alone. Entrepreneurship is hard, but there is a community if you look for it."

“My restaurant is for anyone looking for something local and different."

“It’s so satisfying to be able to finally put my skills to work for myself in my own business.”

“When most people feel stuck, they look for external solutions. But I help them look inward, because your happiness can only come from inside.”

"We want joy to be seen as a human right, not something accessible based on privilege."

“Even if you don’t realize it, you are always a businessperson when you are an artist.”

“It’s so good to have a place that can keep you accountable of what you’re trying to do and accomplish.”

“It’s so good to have a place that can keep you accountable of what you’re trying to do and accomplish.”

Spread only good things and shop masks made by our very own CO.STARTERS graduates.

Meet nine Black business starters who are paving the way for dreams.

“CO.STARTERS has been a guide for growing DrawnLovely into not only a healthy business but one that can make an impact in our community.”

“CO.STARTERS isn’t about making a plan to set in stone—it’s much more about giving you the tools you need to make a plan. They’re all necessary tools, the basic building blocks an entrepreneur needs.”

“I had to start thinking about customers and clients, and how to best communicate with them about my business. It made me think about how to continually grow the business.”

“I used to be afraid of charging people, but CO.STARTERS really helped me to understand my value and the value of my time.”

“You find value in what you already know, what you can share with everyone, and what others can share with you.”

“When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade stand, because when you make a lemonade stand you help people you never would have known.”

“I never thought about owning my own business. I am a medical professional and am always trying to find a solution to a need. I saw a need and my path was set before me.”

"The best part about CO.STARTERS is that you learn in a personal, realistic setting and you are surrounded by people who have succeeded and failed in business. It’s eye-opening.”

“It was very helpful to be around a community of entrepreneurs and have a support system of people who are facing the same things you are facing."

“CO.STARTERS was that push I needed to launch… Because everything is laid out, you have no choice but to move forward. You just have to have the will to do it.”