DESPITE THE CHALLENGES, BLACK WOMEN SMALL BUSINESSES THRIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS IN HARTFORD

Winterfair - Shop black small businesses week

Over the years, Connecticut has proudly supported small businesses, positioning itself as a champion for entrepreneurs across the Northeast. This commitment has paved the way for diverse communities to enter the business world, creating opportunities to become integral parts of the state's economy.

During the 2021 Winterfair in Hartford, minority-owned businesses, particularly those led by Black women, made a powerful impact. With an entire week dedicated to spotlighting their efforts, these entrepreneurs showcased their resilience and determination to thrive, leaving a lasting impression on the community.

Source - 2021 SBA report

Connecticut has long been a champion of small businesses, proudly supporting entrepreneurs across the Northeast. This dedication has created a path for diverse communities to enter the business world, providing them with the opportunity to become vital contributors to the state’s economy.

At the 2021 Winterfair in Hartford, minority-owned businesses—especially those led by Black women—made a remarkable impact. With an entire week dedicated to celebrating their efforts, these entrepreneurs demonstrated their resilience, ambition, and commitment to success, leaving an indelible mark on the local community.

Ital Creations

Audrene Dias – Ital Creations

Background: Audrene Dias, originally from Jamaica, currently works as a sales representative for a telecommunications company while pursuing a project management degree at Northeastern University.

About the Business: "My business, Ital Creations, is a line of natural, handmade skincare and body care products. I create soaps, body butter, and oils that are all healthy and nourishing for your skin."

Audrene explains that she started her company with a mission to make a difference in an industry dominated by large brands. "The European Union has banned over 1,000 harmful chemicals from personal care products, while in the U.S., only about 11 of those chemicals have been banned. I wanted to develop products that eliminate these harsh chemicals, providing people with a healthier, more natural option for their skin."

Challenges: "I launched my business just before the coronavirus pandemic hit. When everything shut down, it forced me to focus on developing my business plan, strategy, and execution. While there have certainly been challenges, there's a growing push for minority and women-owned businesses, and that’s been a huge help. There are now many resources available, which makes it an exciting time to be a part of this movement."

Goals: "In the coming months, I plan to expand my reach by getting into local stores and even hiring employees. My business has grown significantly over the last few months, and I’m excited about the continued growth and opportunities ahead."

The Key Bookstore

Khamani Harrison – The Key Bookstore

Background: Originally from California, Khamani Harrison moved to Connecticut to study environmental engineering at the University of Connecticut. Her bookstore, The Key Bookstore, is located on Park Street in Hartford.

About the Business: "My business is The Key Bookstore, an Afrofuturistic, interactive bookstore. We use state-of-the-art technology to build community while offering a curated selection of books from around the world."

Khamani founded her bookstore after the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2016, seeking to create a new kind of reading experience that stands apart from traditional bookstores. "There’s always been a fascination with Black culture, whether through movies, music, or sports. The bookstore became a space where people could come together to empower themselves and connect with those cultural influences."

Challenges: "I absolutely love the community here in Hartford. There’s a lot of talent and creativity, but the city is still lacking the kind of infrastructure that other major cities have. It’s definitely something that needs more attention to help local businesses thrive."

Goals: "I rely heavily on the community to bring my vision to life. I’m constantly partnering with people and sharing my ideas with them. I’m not just a talker; I’m a doer. I believe in showing people what’s possible—you have to see it to believe it."

Jodie's Cup of Health

Jodie-Anne Bryant – Jodie's Cup of Health

Background: Jodie-Anne Bryant is a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Jamaica, proudly representing her cultural roots in the Hartford community.

About the Business: "Jodie’s Cup of Health started as a beverage company in 2009. In 2015, my niece and I pivoted to body butters when she struggled with eczema. I began making the product for her and her mom, and from there, the business grew."

Jodie-Anne’s business journey began with a focus on health beverages, but it evolved into something deeply personal. What started as a solution for her niece’s skin condition turned into a successful line of natural body care products.

Challenges: "I believe there are resources available for women entrepreneurs, especially for minority businesswomen, but they’re not always easy to access. There needs to be a clearer, more accessible path for us to find the support and tools we need to grow our businesses. The resources exist, but they’re not always readily available."

Goals: "Supporting women-owned businesses isn’t just about buying a product—it’s about spreading the word. Tell your friends and family about us, and that creates a ripple effect. It’s like a domino effect: you tip one, and then another one falls. The more we talk about it and support each other, the more momentum we create for change and growth."

City Charms 860

Sherrell Moon – City Charms 860

Background: Sherrell Moon launched her jewelry business, City Charms 860, after losing her job during the pandemic. Looking for a way to stay productive and creative, she began making unique jewelry pieces. Many of her designs feature embedded flowers that represent Hartford, which inspired the name of her business.

Challenges: "I didn’t feel like there were many resources available to me at all. Honestly, I’ve been meeting a lot of people along the way through events, but getting your name out there and finding places to vend has been a real challenge. There just isn't a lot of support for small businesses in this area."

Goals: "I’m hoping to open a storefront one day, but for now, I’m focused on building an amazing website. We’re all just trying to make it, and if you have the time, please come out and support local businesses this Christmas. Every bit of support helps us grow."

Pop's Famous Guac

Nicola Poplin – Pop’s Famous Guac

Background: Nicola Poplin, a former chemistry teacher and principal in Bloomfield, spent 17 years working in education before a life-changing accident led her to pivot. After recovering, she felt a strong calling to start a business, and as she puts it, “God knocked me in my head and said, ‘No, Nicola, this is what you’re supposed to be doing now.’” The decision to move forward was not a struggle, as the universe had already made it for her.

About the Business: Pop’s Famous Guac was born in the summer of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I’ve always had the guacamole recipe, but I brought it back into the mix during the pandemic. My family and friends loved it and motivated me to sell it," Nicola explains. The business name came from her time as a teacher, where her students called her "Pop" — a nickname derived from her last name. Inspired by this, she envisioned a fun and memorable logo that would match her product’s vibrant appeal.

Challenges: Nicola faced a steep learning curve, transitioning from education to business. “I didn’t come from a business background, so I had to relearn everything. I’m still learning,” she admits. The hardest part, she says, was figuring out the numbers, pricing her product, and understanding the importance of paying herself. "It’s easy to forget about yourself when you're running a business, but that’s something I had to work on."

Community Impact and Industry Insights: Like many small businesses, Pop's Famous Guac faced struggles during the pandemic, but Nicola is determined to keep her business alive and thriving. However, she, along with other entrepreneurs, calls for more accessible resources to help them stay afloat. According to a 2021 study by Marcus Account and Advisors Firm, 82% of small businesses in Connecticut are located in Hartford County, with women and minority entrepreneurs making up a small but growing percentage. These businesses, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and construction, are the backbone of Connecticut's economy, and support is crucial for their continued success.

The study reveals that Connecticut's small business owners are concerned about how state legislators are managing the economy. They have identified four key issues that, if addressed by lawmakers, could accelerate the state's financial recovery.

The key issues identified by small business owners include state spending and pension reforms, tax reductions, workforce development, and more business-friendly policies.

Small businesses also cite several significant barriers to growth in Connecticut, including the ongoing labor shortage, high business taxes, the state's high cost of living, workplace mandates and compliance costs, and the uncertainty surrounding legislative decisions.

Source: Marcum accountant & advisors 2021

Despite the challenges, small business owners are showing optimism compared to the recessionary period of 2020. According to the study, 39% of business owners expect Connecticut’s economy to grow, with 53% predicting national growth.

Nicole Poplin, the owner of Pop’s Famous Guac, shares her optimism for the future:

"I hope that everyone receives blessings from the universe and God. Whatever we’ve struggled with this year—emotionally, financially, or otherwise—will change for the better. There’s always a shift, and it will come. So, hold on to your faith, your loved ones, and your family. Life is precious, and time is short."

To learn more about resources available for minority-owned small businesses in Connecticut, visit PortalCT.gov.