94.3 WYBC

WYBC & Yale University salute 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.

WYBC & Yale University salute Gorilla Lemonade

Name: Kristen Threatt & Brian Burkett Thompson

Business Name: Gorilla Lemonade

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2022

Why did you start your own business?

Gorilla Lemonade Lemonade was powered by Eat Up our food catering business. We started Eat Up in 2019 and we never sold beverages until 2022 and the rest was history. We got tired of hearing our customers say “ When are y’all going to get some drinks?” We didn’t want to resale other beverages when we can sale our own and receive complete profit.

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

New Haven is where we are at. New Haven birthed our business and its only suiting to stay right here with our vision. Kristen is from New York City who also lived in other various cities and states through the years. Brian is from New Haven and has been here his entire life. For Brian this is a blessing for him to be that change in the city he is from and also building generational wealth in his city.

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

The challenges Gorilla Lemonade faced in the beginning stages of our business was understanding how to do real business. Yes, making a product is apart of the business and sales is apart of the business. However, understanding bookkeeping, profits and losses, managing an efficient inventory, building a team and putting the right people in their perspective positions that allows them to do their jobs efficiently. Let us not leave out marketing dollars and we can go on and on but just know it was a roller coaster that makes you feel overwhelmed but we never got off the ride because we understood that its all apart of the growth of the business. Entrepreneurship comes with so many different emotions and challenges. We are grateful that we are Men and understand we are built for this purpose.

94.3 WYBC Chevrolet of Milford Beat The Odds Scholarship

WYBC and Chevrolet of Milford are giving away a $4,500 scholarship to local Junior or Senior in High School that has overcome adversity and is succeeding in the classroom and looking to continue their education beyond High School.

The last day to apply is June 30, 2024. This form should be submitted only once. Multiple submissions could lead to disqualification.

Special thanks to our scholarship contributors: Chevrolet of Milford, The Walter Luckett Foundation, Lisa at Black Travel Maine and Howard K. Hill.

Scholarship Application.

Open Juniors and Seniors attending high school in the Greater New Haven area and looking to continue their education.

Application Dates: February 5, 2024 to June 30, 2024

Winner announced on July 8, 2024

First and Last Name(Required)

First Last

Home Address(Required)

City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Date of Birth(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Name of parent or guardian(Required)

What school do you currently attend?(Required)

What grade/year are you?(Required)

What is your current GPA? (Grade Point Average)(Required)

Year you took the ACT(Required)

ACT composite (overall) score?(Required)

If you are in high school, what college, university or trade school do you plan to attend?

What scholastic honors or distinctions have you received?

List some of your extracurricular and community activities in which you have participated.

List any work and/or volunteer experience.

Scholarship Essay(Required)

This essay should be 400-600 words and must include: personal history, academic and professional goals, how can this scholarship benefit you, why should you be awarded a scholarship, obstacles you have overcome, detail community and/or volunteer service etc.)

Name for signing application(Required)

First Last

Date of application(Required)

Submission start date is Monday February 12, 2024 at 12:00AM.‍

‍Deadline for all applications is Sunday June 30, 2024 at 11:59PM.

Winners will be announced on July 8, 2024.

Eligibility

Applicant must a Connecticut resident, a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of the United States and either a junior or senior currently attending high school in the Greater New Haven area. Employees of Connoisseur Media, Yale Broadcasting Company., its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and members of said employees’ immediate family and those living in the same household of employees are not eligible.

You may apply for a chance to win a scholarship only if you meet the eligibility requirements set forth on the webpage. Additionally, scholarships are non-transferable and must be accepted as awarded.

No purchase or payment is necessary to apply for scholarships. Scholarship recipient will be notified via the contact information provided.

WYBC & Yale University salute Phillys A Taste Of Philadelphia

Name: Shem Adams

Business Name: Phillys A Taste Of Philadelphia, 1008 Chapel Street, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: New Haven started in May of 2022 ( Phillys started in 2010)

Why did you start your own business?

I was previously an entrepreneur (Barber Shop/Music Engineer/Night Club owner) but never tried the restaurant industry. Since a lot of my Connecticut friends were starting to get hooked on the food I brought back from visiting home I figured it was worth a shot. So, I put the same energy as I did my other businesses and this one really took off.

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

New Haven always was a dream for the brand. I felt like this city felt closest to Philadelphia in Connecticut. Its rich foodie history was also enticing. The fact that Yale is here didn’t hurt either.

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

Proving authenticity was our biggest hurdle. Being from Philly just wasn’t enough. So, importing all of our products was key in validating our brand. The problem with that is it becomes extremely expensive to maintain that quality. This would scare most off or prompt them to substitute cheaper products. The good news for me is I’m not in this for a quick buck or trying to get rich. I believe in this brand. I know the long game. The long game is to create a brand that makes generational wealth for all that are involved. Knowing that I’m able to keep patient and keep on grinding to the goal.

Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest presented by Brown Roofing

Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest presented by Brown Roofing is August 11, 2024 at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport from 12pm to 4pm.

Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest is the perfect opportunity for pizza enthusiasts to discover who makes the best pizza in the state. Celebrate all things pizza & craft beer.

Pizza, craft beer, vendors, panel discussions, live music, and more.

Buy tickets to CT Pizza & Brew Fest here

VIP:

12pm-1pm exclusive VIP hour. Free pizza samples only 12pm-1pm.

$65 per ticket

All you can eat pizza samples
Free beer samples
Access to an air-conditioned VIP lounge with complimentary water

GA:

1pm-4pm

$30 per ticket

$3 cheese slices
Free beer samples
Other pizza slices available for purchase at trucks (trucks decide menu and pricing)

Presented by

WYBC & Yale University salute 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.

WYBC & Yale University salute Mae Flower & Gift Shop

Name: Nethia Joyner

Business Name: Mae Flower & Gift Shop, 302 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: 2019

Why did you start your own business?:

I started this business because I had a commitment to creating a legacy for my family. The shop is named in honor of my mother who is still very much alive and always loved working in her garden. Flowers were and still are a very important part of her past-time. She instilled a great work ethic in me that I am now able to pass down to my children and grandchildren. My daughter now works with me. After completing a bachelor’s degree and working in her field for over 12 years, she left her job to help me build this legacy for our family. From time to time my 10-year-old grand-daughter even comes in and helps out. The goal is to not only speak life and success into my community and family, but also be an everyday example that they all can see.

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

I have lived in New Haven for more than 40 years. I’ve worked in this city, raised my children here with an amazing man and have really strong ties to the community.

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

Starting a business is never without its challenges, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for many. The fact that Mae Flower had to shut down for months during this period and still weathered the storm and continued to thrive sends a powerful message of hope and encouragement. It’s our hope that Mae Flower serves as an inspiration for others who may be facing difficult circumstances but aspire to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. It’s never too late, you are never too old, to not just write the vision but put action behind what you see.

WYBC & Yale University salute Soap Edi

Name: Lucy Ballester

Business Name: Soap Edi, 1022 Chapel Street, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven: October 8, 2022

Why did you start your own business?

Decided I should turn my soap making hobby into a business

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

Started as a vendor in the New Haven Flea Market & received great feedback from the people of New Haven. They fell in love with our products.

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

Budgeting & increasing brand awareness.

Enter to win: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with special guest Big Boi comes to the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on Thursday, June 13th. Tickets are on sale at www.livenation.com.

Enter to win a pair of tickets!

Contest open to Connecticut residents only. Must be at least 18 years of age or older to enter. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be discarded. Tickets are digital so winner must have a smartphone and a valid email address to receive tickets.

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WYBC & Yale University salute A Hustler’s Vibe

Name: Rashann Boyd

Business Name: A Hustler’s Vibe

Year Business was started in New Haven: My business legally was started in early 2019

Why did you start your own business?

I started my own business because I have always had the hustler’s mentality since a youth. Starting in high school selling candy in the school hallways. I made pretty good money doing it so I figured if I switched the product, I could make a living off of it.

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

Because this is where I was born and raised so in the beginning stages I figured the love and support from my friends and family would support my business and dreams and help it flourish.

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

Starting out business wasn’t the easiest due to me not having that much knowledge on the clothing industry itself or any business loans or grants or any type of investors to get the brand up and running. I started with 12 T-shirts out the trunk of my car. I would YouTube videos on how to operate a clothing brand, also took courses to learn about the different printing methods and fabrics to print on. Having to travel city to city to make sales and meet up with customers. Traveling state to state for pop-up shops & spending most of my profits on more products, marketing and knowledge with hope of my brand growing in the process. So, I the beginning I didn’t really profit much so I had to trust the process and continue to grow my inventory. Not to mention the clothing industry is a big industry filled with millions of brands so not only did I have to be creative, I had to master the art of being consistent to keep the brand in the customers faces at the same time, which got me from out of the trunk of my car to a store front location.