Retail Lab Graduates
On Wednesday, November 10, fourteen local entrepreneurs will complete the inaugural Retail Lab Boot Camp—a brand new program created to address the complexities and sometimes daunting nature of starting and operating a retail establishment.
The graduates of Retail Lab completed an application-based, six-week immersive boot camp, and are preparing to compete later this month for grant funding and an opportunity to test their concept in a pop-up retail space for six months.
Kimo Olds
Business Concept:
We sell Chili Pepper Water in three Hawaiian inspired flavors: jalapeno, original, and habanero.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
I’m interested in gaining better knowledge of how to better implement e-commerce sales and transitioning over to wholesale sales. We also need help with GTIN barcode information.
Nikki Barnes
Tameran Davenport
Business Concept:
Retail space with a small production space so my customer can come in and formulate their own beard or massage oil for the men in their lives. In the back of the retail space I want to be able to manufacture my 100% all natural and vegan grooming products that are made for men and the women who love them.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
Six months of retail space to try my concept and a support system or structure that will assist in our success.
Stephanie Jordan
Business Concept:
Bakery/Eatery offering a variety of sweets along with sauces and rubs and small plates. Many of my pound cakes are sold online and at local farmers markets. My business concept also includes expansion to larger retail markets. It also allows for small baking classes and rental of kitchen space to another baker in need of a commercial kitchen.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
The thing that interests me the most about the Retail Lab Program is its ability to enhance my current skills, talents and abilities and give me that push that I need to be successful at the next level of being a business owner.
Latoya Coleman
Business Concept:
My place of business sell handmade skin care products such as: bar soaps, body butters, body scrubs, candles, foot bombs, etc.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
I feel that this program will give me better insight on the ends and outs of running a business. I feel that I can gain a better understanding of marketing and getting my brand out to the public.
Find Us Online:
Website | Instagram
Jill Tindal
Business Concept:
Natural products/ Life Purpose Coaching/Tutoring
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
I am excited to learn more about business. I’m also interested in growing and expanding my business. I want to know how to be a better salesman of my products.
Nicole Hawthorne
Business Concept:
My 5 year old and I co-design handmade dolls of diversity.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
I’d love the opportunity to collaborate with other potential locally owned small businesses. As well as learning how to be successful in our local business ecosystem.
Alanna Brewton
Business Concept:
My place of business sell handmade skin care products such as: bar soaps, body butters, body scrubs, candles, foot bombs, etc.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
Learning more and connecting with others. Taking the stigma off addiction.
Find Us Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Alison Paladino
Business Concept:
Luck Factory Games is an existing, new business in Concord. The majority of our revenue comes from our cafe admission and event attendance, but we also have a retail store and can sell games, gaming supplies and other merchandise in addition to the food/beverage options in our cafe.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
Information about expanding our channels as an online retailer in addition to our brick and mortar store.
Kristen Tomberlin
Business Concept:
S&G Co. is an art business that creates art prints, stickers, magnets, and stationary using in house made designs. I use both traditional and digital mediums. The main themes I focus on are animals, environmentalism, retro colors, and things that remind me of home (NC).
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
The opportunity to learn solid strategies related to growing a business and what it takes to succeed online. My end goal is to open a brick and mortar establishment and this program will help me solidify the steps I need to take to grow to the scale needed for this. I am also looking forward to meeting and networking with other entrepreneurs and coming together to share our knowledge.
Quinta Ellis
Business Concept:
Fleming Street is a curated community space that centers classic cultural and regional dishes and desserts. This bakery and bistro is where life happens with good food.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
It will offer me the opportunity to learn more about the business side of running a restaurant successfully before opening. The business side is my area of growth and being a part of the Retail Lab would give me more confidence and insight moving forward.
Find Us Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Jessica Henderson
Fine Chocolate Tastings
Business Concept:
My business offers the opportunity for customers to experience craft chocolate products unavailable in grocery stores or in any other specialty stores in this area. The business started as a mobile service offering chocolate tasting and wine and chocolate pairing experiences at partner businesses around Concord and surrounding areas. I have since transitioned to offering virtual tasting and pairing experiences internationally. I also operate a online store to allow participants to purchase the products they enjoyed (as they are difficult to obtain and not sold on Amazon). I have always intended on having a retail space with a curated collection of craft chocolate products.
What interests you most about the Retail Lab program?
I continually strive for both personal and professional growth and am looking forward to new perspectives in the training. I know very little about owning or leasing retail space and am looking forward to learning the basics. I am also excited about the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding some perceived obstacles (for example, how to choose a location, I would never want to compete with the fantastic chocolatier well established in downtown Concord but I need to be in a well populated area and close to home). And of course I am excited to have the opportunity to connect with other Boot Camp Participants.
