94.3 WYBC

WYBC & Yale University celebrate Any Occasion Creation Florist

Name: Carrien Davis

Business Name: Any Occasion Creation Florist, 1090 Chapel Street, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2014

Why did you start your own business?

I gained inspiration from my parents, who kept flowers all throughout her home in the Caribbean Island of Dominica. As a teenager, I would be tasked with picking flowers from the family garden for the dinner table, and she enjoyed making arrangements.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

My family immigrated to the United States when I was 17. Upon seeing the abundance of flower shops and craft stores, I realized that I could turn my interest into a profession and began taking orders for floral arrangements from friends.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

It’s challenging to get support from the community, however, over time, I was able to develop a clientele. People noticed my work and that turned out to be the primary driver for orders.

Photos courtesy of Any Occasion Creation Florist

Valentine’s Day Grand Prize Winner

Congratulations to Ashley from Wallingford! She is our WYBC Valentine’s Day Grand Prize Winner! Ashley and the love of her life, her husband Dustin, are going to enjoy tickets to see Mary J. Blige, dinner at Kool Breeze Jamerican Cuisine in New Haven, flowers and chocolates!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Special thanks to

WYBC & Yale University celebrate Bloom

Name: Alisha Crutchfield

Business Name: BLOOM, 794 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2021

Why did you start your own business?

I started BLOOM because I have a deep passion for fostering creativity and providing a space where people can connect. I wanted to create a business that not only offers thoughtful products for purchase but also serves as an enriching community hub for thoughtful conversations and connecting. My goal is to inspire others through community, culture and commerce, while also creating a fulfilling career for myself.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

I chose New Haven because it has a vibrant community that values local businesses and creativity. The city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage aligns perfectly with my vision for BLOOM. Additionally, New Haven has a diverse population that appreciates unique, locally-sourced products. It felt like the ideal place to establish a business that promotes sustainability and community engagement.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

Starting BLOOM came with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was securing funding and navigating the financial aspects of launching a small business. Additionally, managing the logistics of sourcing products and supplies while maintaining high quality was a task I had to learn to handle efficiently. However, with determination and support from the community, I was able to overcome these obstacles and establish a thriving business.

Photos courtesy of BLOOM

WYBC & Yale University celebrate B-Natural Kitchen

Name: Nebyat Shewaye

Business Name: B-Natural Kitchen, 260 College Street in New Haven.

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2004

Why did you start your own business?

I wanted to be my own boss. I also have a passion to serve natural and organic food and drinks.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

I went to school in New Haven so it seemed like a perfect fit.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

Financing was the main challenge in starting my business.

Photos courtesy of B-Natural Kitchen:

WYBC & Yale University celebrate Raw Juicescape

First Name: Alexis Evans

Business: Raw Juicescape, 770 Chapel Street in New Haven

Why did I start my business in New Haven:

I started my Juice Bar business because I wanted to offer people a healthy and delicious alternative to the sugar filled and processed drinks that dominate the market. I believe that everyone deserves access to fresh nutritious beverages, and I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy them in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

Why I started my business in New Haven:

I started my business in New Haven, Connecticut because I saw a need for a health, conscious and community-oriented business in the area. There are several colleges and two local hospitals with sick people that can benefit from fresh herbs juices, Seamoss, herbs, and smoothies.

One of the challenges I faced in starting my Juice Bar business, was finding a location that met all the criteria I wanted a space that was easily accessible and had a lot of foot traffic, ideally near a bus stop to attract more customers however unforeseen obstacles came up, such as a ongoing construction And the relocation of the nearby bus stops presented unexpected hurdles that made it difficult. I didn’t give up. I still found a way to bring people in!! I would also add being a woman in business could be a difficult task at times because you have to know when to operate at your masculine energy and feminine energy. Realizing everything is a balance.

Photos courtesy of Raw Juicescape:

WYBC & Yale University celebrate Ricky D’s Rib Shack

Name: Ricky Evans

Business Name: Ricky D’s Rib Shack, 302 Winchester Avenue, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven:

May 2013 (food truck)

June 2016 (restaurant)

Why did you start your own business?

After spending 4 years in Corporate America working in New York and New Jersey I realized it wasn’t for me and I’d much rather be cooking on the grill. After researching the best way to make a business out of it “without” opening a restaurant I found starting a food truck was my best option.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

After putting my 2 weeks’ notice in at my job at the time and months of preparation of getting my food truck ready for business, I transitioned from New York to New Haven where my lady is originally from. That’s what brought me to New Haven.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

My first challenge I encountered in starting my bbq business was now that I’ve found the perfect food truck to start how am I going to come up with $18k to purchase the food truck. So I withdrew $10k from my 401k (all that I accumulated from my short time in Corporate America) to put a down payment on the food truck. After my grandfather passed away, I found out that he left me $8k from his life insurance policy that was passed down to me. I was able to use that to pay off the balance. My initial challenge was overcome but later I would find out that there would be more challenges for me to overcome.

After getting my food truck started and approved by all state and local departments my very next challenge was finding customers and getting my process established. I was new to New Haven and didn’t know the city nor the culture and all everyone told me at the time was go to park at Yale. I would say, “well where is Yale?” After moving around to multiple locations and vending at different times of day and night I ultimately found my location to setup to be on Chapel Street outside the Yale Art Gallery.

Photos courtesy of Ricky D’s Rib Shack:

WYBC & Yale University celebrate SweeTy’s Treats

First & Last Name: Tira McNeil

Business Name: SweeTy’s Treats “Touched by Tira llc”

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2020

Why did you start your own business?

I lost my grandmother in 2018 to cancer & depression began to hit me. One day I woke up and heard clearly “Your going to bake.” It immediately became my peace & now it’s my passion! There’s no limit to me learning new things to satisfy my customers. I remember my grandmother and all that she taught me when it came to baking. It was a bonding experience that I now share with my kids.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

Why not??? I was born here & raised mostly here. I felt bringing some talents back to my community would be appreciated. The last bakery I remember was Kramer’s bakery on Dixwell Ave & Bassett St. The cakes were so moist, the brownies had fudge frosting on the top and the cookies were so huge and good!

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

Do not be afraid to take risks, to be consistent & most of all trust God and the process!!!

Photos courtesy of SweeTy’s Treats

WYBC & Yale University celebrate More Amour Boutique

Name: Kimberly Poole

Business Name: More Amour Boutique, 1130 Chapel Street, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2019

Why did you start your own business?

My passion for fashion ignited my journey into entrepreneurship. Having started as a buyer and visual merchandiser, I witnessed multiple stores closing and felt compelled to ensure a destination for exquisite, distinctive fashion. This, combined with the desire for autonomy, led me to establish my boutique, merging my expertise with my love for fashion.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

Choosing New Haven for my inaugural store was a deliberate decision. Beyond its vibrant culture and ties to my husband’s roots, the city’s affiliation with Yale University further enriched its appeal. The supportive environment for local businesses, coupled with the city’s diverse artistic scene and connection to such a prestigious institution, made it the perfect setting to launch my boutique.”

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

Establishing More Amour boutique in New Haven presented multifaceted challenges. As an outsider to the community, gaining familiarity and earning the trust of locals proved to be a significant hurdle, especially in a place where personal connections hold substantial value. Additionally, opening during the pandemic posed its own set of formidable obstacles. However, we navigated these challenges by persistently paving our own way, ultimately overcoming the odds and solidifying our presence despite being newcomers and the adverse circumstances of the pandemic.

Photos courtesy of More Amour Boutique

WYBC & Yale University celebrate Bridal Trousseau

First & Last Name: Melaka Ehigiato

Business Name: Bridal Trousseau

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2015 – we bought the Bridal Trousseau on Main from Branford

Why did you start your own business?

We started a business from a desire to help people celebrate. Life happens no matter what, but the times and events that we have the opportunity to focus on something good is like spreading enduring joy.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

We already had an intimate event space in New Haven when our vision changed and a new opportunity opened for us.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

The biggest challenges are understanding the needs of the business and ensuring funding for it and management of the business through all of its changes.

Photos courtesy of Bridal Trousseau:

WYBC & Yale University celebrate The Anchor Spa

Name: Karl Williams

Business Name: The Anchor Spa, 272 College Street, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2016

Why did you start your own business?

Growing up in an innovative, business driven household, I learned from my father the value of creating something on your own. I developed an intimate knowledge of not only the hardships and challenges to owning your business but also the incredibly rewarding experience that comes from giving your unwavering attention to something you are passionate about and seeing it blossom. I started my professional career in Brand Marketing with a focus on Beverages and had the opportunity to connect with numerous innovative and influential figures in the Craft Cocktail domain that I found incredibly intriguing. Fueled by my growing interest in this world and inspired by my family’s entrepreneurial legacy, I ventured into opening bars and restaurants, including the establishment of the Anchor Spa in New Haven.

Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?

I went to Yale as an undergrad and always knew I wanted to bring something to New Haven both because of the impact it had on me at such a pivotal point in my life, but also because of New Haven’s reputation in the culinary and cocktail world.

What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?

One of the biggest challenges I had to face is something that I think many Black entrepreneurs are faced with – and that’s the lack of available capital and resources to Black-owned businesses. Combine that with the inherent challenges of just running a restaurant in general definitely contributed to us having some hard times when we first opened. However, with an excellent team and the unwavering spirit I possess in making things work, we were able to overcome these challenges, which ultimately helped us get through a tough time like COVID and come out on the other end stronger than we ever were.

Photos courtesy of The Anchor Spa:

Photos courtesy of The Anchor Spa.