BLACK ENTREPRENEURS MONTH

 Since February is Black History Month, the Business Journal is taking the opportunity to create Black Entrepreneurs Month – a time to recognize the contributions that African-American business builders are making to our local economy and society. As you can see in this special report, the entrepreneurs have taken different paths and offer a variety of products and services, but all were driven by the urge to go out on their own and prove themselves in the competitive business world. And for small business owners, they offer some big advice to those who are thinking about starting their own business. “You need to understand not only the aesthetics of your product but time management and finance,” said Julie Harris of Julie Harris Designs. “I started really small because it was what I could manage and then I grew.” And Tony Hyde of Sattdown Jamaican Grill said: “I think it’s always a great idea to be your own boss, but you have to make sure you put in an extra effort not to fail because the failure will be on you.” Finally, Phenoyd Nunley of Classic Woods by Phenoyd Inc. said, “I love having the ability to grow my business if I want to or leave it at the same level. I can work as long as it requires me to, but it may seem like a double-edged sword because I find myself working more hours than a person on a 9 to 5 job.” Read their stories and others on the following pages.