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path

a business accelerator program

for creatives and Social Entrepreneurs.

path is a Kenosha creative space partnership

with Atlanta-based Plywood People

2021 PATH COHORT

The PATH Program is a business accelerator program designed to support social and creative entrepreneurs. 17 participants enrolled in the program through a scholarship sponsored by the University of Wisconsin System Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

Tanya McLean

Leaders of Kenosha
tanya@leadersofkenosha.org
2627054735
leadersofkenosha.org

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I am a mother, grandmother, psychotherapist and educator. Leaders of Kenosha was created after the shooting and attempted murder of Jacob Blake. Leaders of Kenosha organized over 50+ events for social justice as well as many events around civic engagement and voting

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I am interested in the Path because I am not sure how to grow Leaders of Kenosha into the phenomenal organization it is destined to be. Being a new executive director I often feel like I am not sure what I am doing or how I am going to do it and I feel this training will give me the needed confidence to grow the organization.

What sets you concept apart from other projects?
There is no organization in Kenosha that is focusing primarily on the issues that effect the Black and Brown community in Kenosha. We are living in some very uneasy times especially for Black and Brown people, so to have an organization dedicated to their ability to thrive in our community

Is your business currently in operation?
Currently operational

 

Elizabeth Webb

My Sister’s House
Liz.D.Webb@gmail.com
(847) 971-6187

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
My Sister’s House is a business I started with the intent of feeding families and helping bring resources to individuals in need. As the owner and operator I create and host events and with other to bring resources and opportunities for residents to work with each other to help out their communities. In doing these events the group’s idea of helping families in need has branched out and started developing a program geared towards sustainability and structure and relationships within family homes and their neighborhoods. We provide resources to individuals that are having difficulties finding the help they need.

We also provide a platform called Kenosha Talks where city officials, business owners, and residents have to make connections and discuss, plan and implement different projects together to find solutions to issues within our city. As a single mother of 3, now adult children, I often struggled finding different resources available to families. As an organization we strive as a team to help make this process easier and more attainable. We also put together connections that will help benefit individuals to grow and develop skill sets to better their living situations and their lives.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
What interest me about The Path is the concept of how it started. A lot of p3ople have taken the initiative to see a problem, and do something about it. Getting guidance from individuals who are so like minded as myself and successful. Could only help myself as a business owner to grow and be a true help to my community.

What sets your concept  apart from other projects?
What sets me and my business apart from others ia the fact that we would be reaching for the family as a whole. Centering our focus around building family relationships and structure. And bringing back a true sense of “It Takes a Village”, and bringing back Family Values and dedicating to giving back to Our Community

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Shane McNealy

Shanemcnealy@gmail.com
https://youtube.com/user/MRMUSICMANMAC

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
My name is Shane McNealy and I am a 24 year old high functioning Autistic. My business concept is to take my story of overcoming my Autism on the road and do motivational speaking and spread autism awareness and advocacy.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I’m interested in The Path because while I have so many ideas and directions I want to take my project, I need focus on what path I should take or what ideas I can implement best.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
My business idea is based off my personal life experiences and how I want to use my story and experience to help others grow and become motivated. I’ve had a passion for wanting to do this for years even going on tours around public schools in high school doing a smaller version on what I want to eventually accomplish.

Is your business currently in operation?
Currently conceptual

Villalobos

Midwest DJ Productions/ Musicafe
midwestdjproductions@gmail.com
2622204590
www.midwestdjproductions.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Midwest DJ Productions is a wedding and special events DJ business based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which also serves the Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison areas. While the team is situated in the Midwest, they are more than happy to travel and entertain at weddings all over the United States. This family-owned business is run by husband-and-wife duo Diego and Dianna Villalobos. All events are performed and managed by Diego and Dianna personally. Their three sons are also a part of the team and assist with DJ, setup, and cleanup services. The company boasts over 20 years of experience, and they are passionate about ensuring that every couple receives their dream wedding entertainment.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
Although we have been DJing events in Kenosha and surrounding areas for for over 20 years, we always aspired to have our own brick and mortar location. A place where we can meet with our customers and a place where music lovers can come and relax. We love the idea of merging the love of music with my husband’s family’s coffee business from Costa Rica. From what I’ve learned so far, The Path seems like it would be a good fit for us.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
What sets us apart from other applicants is our over 20 years experience in the music industry, our large network of community supporters and great social media following. Also, I am currently pursuing my Marketing Communications degree and I am only 4 classes away from graduation. I possess a great deal of knowledge regarding marketing, graphic design and business management. In addition, my husband and I are both Hispanic and bilingual. I feel this gives us a competitive advantage over other applicants.

Is your business currently operation?
Not sure

The Path Program is a business accelerator designed to support social and creative enterprises. Facilitated by Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People, the Path Program provides a 7-week curriculum with proven techniques for problem solving in the early stages of business development. Kenosha Creative Space will supplement this curriculum with a yearlong mentorship and accountability process.

Kendal West

The African American Club LLC
info@theafricanamericanclub.com
(262) 9141338
theafricanamericanclub.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Our mission is to change the social economic status of the African-American population specifically in Kenosha. Once the blueprint is successful, we will move to other locations, cities, states, countries to provide this same proven vision.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
The AAC hopes to gain factual base evidence that their process works

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
We are the first and only social/economic clubs in the state of Wisconsin, with only 3-4 social clubs in the entire untied states of America

Is your business currently in operation?
Currently operational

Sage Holloway

Playtime with Sage and Emily
hollowaysage@gmail.com
(262) 909-9662

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Research shows that PLAY is important for adults as well as children. While we as a society appreciate the benefits of play for children, PLAY is not socially acceptable for adults. The older we get, the more we must practice PLAY. So that is the problem. The solution? An interactive, structured improv show with Sage and Emily. We will do the grunt work: learning the basics of a new skill and developing the skeleton of a script for a workshop/performance. Students pay a small fee for materials and instruction to learn the topic. While adults can pay lots of money to take classes from experts, this “class” is 50/50 learning and entertainment–PLAY.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
The professional development of The Path is the biggest appeal for me and Emily. As young people finding our place in this unprecedented world, we spend our time in the Test of Life–process of elimination, finding our passion, throwing away the toxicity as we discover it. We are young, fresh, creative, and open to possibility. While others may be more established, The Path has the opportunity to be the catalyst of our endeavor. Truth is, we don’t know where to start. We need guidance. But we have the talent, the time, and the passion to make things happen.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
I’m sage. I’m unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and my biggest obstacle has always been finding teammates to make things happen, or finding mentors to help me accomplish my dreams. I wrote a play in high school and directed it, then it went on to perform at State festival, then the Rhode picked it up (I felt pretty cool collecting a royalty check at 18), and then we raised almost $1500 for Project HEAL performing virtually “in” Boston. With the right skills and the right team, I have been able to accomplish things beyond my own goals. So what sets me apart? My appreciation for opportunity. My desire to collaborate. My leadership. My empathy. If accepted, I will commit to this project and hold myself accountable to make this opportunity pay off.

Is your business currently operation?
Currently conceptual

Genevieve Gerou

geneviewgerou@gmail.com
262-496-5989

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I have so many ideas, I need help finding my path, My goal is to help others as much as I can.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I am interested in the Path to help create a creative community with the intent of having my own business, I hope to gain a better understanding of what ideas develop into a business.

Is your business currently in operation?
Not sure

Gloria Maru

Sweet Hamster Studios, currently Elle Maru Illustration LLC
illustrator.ellemaru@gmail,com
815-666-8772
ellemaru.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Sweet Hamster Studios was created initially to solve a problem, how to get my stories in the hands of the individuals requesting them, I am an illustrator at heart, an author by chance and an entrepreneur to keep the drawing and writing going, I create stories that some consider children’s books, some call comics, and all can agree are soft and sweet. My goal is to use the vehicle of my art to share my ideas about living a healthy happy life no matter who you are.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
The Path seems to be the answer to the [roblem that I am currently working on solving. I feel that by working with the community fostered in this program. I would be abke to succesfully create the business that will allow me to do what I have always dreamed of: connecting to others with my art. The advice of peers alone would be priceless.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
The stories that mu business shares are focused on disability awareness and support, fostering healthy relationships, and making readers truly feel comfortable and perhaps vulnerable enough to consider how the themes would apply to their own lives and relationships. The stories are fully written and illustrated by me, an artistic community member.

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Josie Rodriguez

Rockit Optical Eyewear
Jsarbu2@gmail.com
8476936455
Facebook page: rockit optical eyewear

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Rockit Optical Eyewear is an eyewear company which focuses on expressive eyewear, original designs, and an unexpectedly fun experience.. My company is committed to animal welfare causes as well.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
My goal is business Insight and wisdom as well as learning about current ways to grow that I do not know about yet in the way of marketing methods. My goal is to increase in sales by October of 2023

What sets you apart from other applicants?
Despite belonging to a “ statistically disadvantaged” social group I have already demonstrated once to be able to grow a separate business aside from this one over the course of 10 years. I did that alone and without any guidance upon completing that goal I set out to grow Rockit Optical Eyewear against the odds against larger more reputable companies in the same field. After spending most of my twenties and thirties in bland approaches to how companies are run I decided to infuse my own sense of fun into how business is accomplished. I have worked solo, and will accomplish my goals with grit and research and education alone with or without this program. Because I’m going to do very well in this endeavor because I already know what the field of optical lacks from spending ten years as an employee at other ones. I fill in the gaps where those places lacked- and to is program can help fill in the gaps where I currently require further knowledge. By the way I do not believe any thing sets any of us apart from each other in these applications. In fact we are all quite the same. Very likely all driven to success and looking for useful knowledge to keep growing. I have a lot of people who didn’t believe in me in the past and I just got busy in life doing things without saying a word. And the one thing I learned is we are all more alike than different but some finish to the end and some have selfish purposes. And some drop out. I’m in it for the long haul. Strategically and with my own unshakeable plans based on the calling in my life.

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Support for Kenosha Creative Space’s affiliation with the Path Program is being generously provided by the University of Wisconsin System Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship.

 

Sergio E Molina

Esperanza Coffee Collective
EsperanzaCoffeeCollective@gmail.com
2629029241
EsperanzaCoffeeCollective.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
My name is Sergio Molina. I was born in Wisconsin and grew up in Kenosha. Both my parents are originally from Guatemala. While living in Guatemala I had the idea to connect the two, thus Esperanza was born. We are a farm to cup pop up coffee shop that sources beans from my family farms in Acatenango, Guatemala

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
The Path program interests me because it is focused on building community and developing a cause to champion with your business. I think learning how to build my business with these pillars will help build something that will last and make a difference in the community. I also hope to connect with all the other students and mentors. Building something great cannot be done alone, so building a network and team is crucial.

What sets you concept apart from other projects?
Coffee runs in my blood. My grandfather started the coffee farms in Acatenango, Guatemala and my uncle now continues the family tradition. Being able to serve my community (Kenosha & Racine) a piece of our heritage has been awesome, and we hope to continue to build and scale the business out. The vision is big.

Is your business currently in operation?
Currently operational

Rachel Page

Rachel Page Sings
rachelpage10@gmail.com
815 786 4862
rachelpagesings.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I am a self employed musician and entrepreneur. I run my own vocal studio as well as freelance as a musical theatre performer in Chicago. I also co-founded a for-profit theatre company two years ago, and before the pandemic I worked internationally as a teacher and program director in both Barcelona and China. I love working with people in all capacities: from a one on one setting like a voice lesson, facilitating teacher workshops with non-native English speakers, and inviting my audience to be part of my performances. I am currently in grad school at Carthage College in a self designed masters: Music Theatre Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Business Design and Innovation. In this program, I am currently developing a consulting service that specializes in creating connection-based leadership through the lens of music theatre. My non-traditional creative services are focused on building highly effective, inspired teams through empathetic communication, risk taking, vulnerability, and self-assessment. These skills are not just for theatre companies or educational institutions. I am passionate about highlighting the importance of these abilities in corporate and non for profit relationships as well. It is important to know that we can have feelings, create art, and still be profitable.
What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I have been working on my own for a long time. Although I have known this about myself for awhile, the pandemic really drove home the importance of how much I thrive when I am surrounded by people that make me want to be better. I want to always be learning, and I want to be in the room with people who are smarter than me. I also want to lift others up and be part of a team. I am drawn to The Path because it is specifically geared toward two big parts of my identity: artists like me who think in bold creative ways, and entrepreneurs like me who are looking for new direction and accountability. Again, as a solo business, I am always ready for those people to help me keep pushing myself in ways I didn’t see before.
What sets you apart from other applicants?
Well, for one, I am a highly creative entrepreneur who is interested in improving social structures, and the Path literally uses those words in its description. But more importantly, I believe in myself, and I very much believe in the power of human connection. I know without question that my consulting business will make a difference in settings both locally and globally because the same skills I will foster in those workshops are the same skills I strive to practice every day; with my voice students, with the content created by my theatre company, and with my personal relationships. On Monday, Jeff said that the companies that last are the ones who personally connect to their business because it’s part of their story. My business model is based on my value set, and I believe that together, Path and I can make something really amazing that didn’t exist before.
Is your business currently operation? (Operational, Conceptual, Not Sure)
Currently conceptual

Laurentiu Sarbu

Smart Build Designs
laurentiu.sarbu@gmail.com
2629144273
Ibuildsmart.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
A few years back I fell in love with woodworking and anything related to it. This year I purchased several CNC machines to start a CNC engraving business with unique designs and products

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
My business has been a side hustle for a while and I’m hoping Path will help me define a clear path for it and help me turn it into a full blown business

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
I believe every problem is a solution and I believe in making things better. I am both creative and analytical and I’m using those skills every single day to find new solutions and help those around me

Is your business currently operation?
Currently conceptual

Maria Bishop

Breath of Coirage (BOC)
bishmj@me.com breathofcourage16@gmail.com
414-522-5229
www.breathofcourage.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
Breath of Courage grew out of my passion of incorporating the arts into therapy w/those traumatized. As a mental health therapist I have enough therapy using the arts as a productive modality in healing. With a 501 (c)(3) now in place and 2 succesful fundraisings using the art of photography to tell survivor stories, BOC is beyond concept at this point. IT is a growing pains in need of direction to support my liscensure and mission w/survivors of trauma. Sexual abuse has been BOC’s focus. Thise who have been victimized at the hands of perpretators and are seeking to heal + forgive, it is a collaborative effort community focused approach that is purpose driven,

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I hope to gain clarity, direction for a soul purpose I feel passionate about. I am not a business manager, yet a problem solver and creative at heart. I hope to fine tune BOC mussion of how to reach survivorsm eho they will be and why it is important to Kenosha to support this endeavor. Also to employ a growth midset, beyond a fixed mindset. I need to lean onto others!

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
1.- BOC is beyond a concept. BOC has been birthed, has a website, a board, volunteers in media + art direction’ We have been told the project is amzing and moving work that BOC and the survivors put together.

2. – There is a need, a fundamental heart need in the community for this healing connection,

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Nico Moore

More Love
Moore.nico@yahoo.com
224 4403134
FB:@morelove8.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I am a Kenosha native and just recently returned from Minneapolis, Over the past 5 years i have been rooted in Minneapolis raising my children and working in education and as an artist, with music, theater, dance and poetry. I decided to start more love after the murderer of George Floyd, It was person at first, it was me wanting to have a clear message of what my intentions were as I navigated the new world. It grew into a response to the lack of movements and activisim the was rooted in connections and creations. More Loves ultimate vision is to create and co create environments that people can feel valued for their human experience, were youth can find that thing that lights them up and receive support in mastering that thing. More Love also seeks to contribute to minimize the waste from clothing being thrown away by upcycling items, hosting clothing drives and clothing swaps, innovating ways to use scraps clothing and things that can no longer be used. More Love seeks to play a role that compliments the roles of others and supports the collective as a whole.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I appreciate the idea that the Path talks about the purpose and the impact of the idea for a business we have, i want to gain a deeper connection to how to accomplish my why, by being able to learn and share with others in the community, and discover common goals that we can all collaborate on.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
My business is more then a business, its a movement, and with all the experience i have gained as an educator and a active member of many community groups and organizations, i believe More Love is always needed and i plan to not only give people the ability to express with fashion the change they want to be in the world, but also create the space that invites people to practice, share, and learn new tools to build a connected community that grows together not apart.

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Kelly Mackay

Kenosha P.L.A.N.T. or MacK Productions
kellymackay68@gmail.com
262-515-1967
kenoshaplant.com or kenoshaentertainment.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I’ve been booking and organizing music and events as a hobby for most of my life both independently, collaboratively and for companies I’ve worked for. I believe that live performance is life transforming since at an early age music and theatre involvement literally saved my life. Kenosha P.L.A.N.T.’s purpose is to promote live ORIGINAL performing artists. Not only musicians, but also live theatre, dance and other forms of performing art. We want to welcome original touring performers into our area and encourage local talent to create more original material. Kenosha P.L.A.N.T. seeks to create a network between local and touring artists, offering better opportunities for both. Local artists will gain new venues outside of the Kenosha area to promote their original works. Touring artists will have easier access to Kenosha venues. Kenosha will benefit in the expansion of live events… Something for everyone! Our goal is to see live performance of original music, theatre, speakers and other performing arts flourish in Kenosha by fostering a network of talent locally, regionally and nationally.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I’ve found it’s extremely difficult to get attention and support locally for the original performing artists. Attendance is often drawn from outside of the area, from both Chicago, Milwaukee as well as Madison. The hope is to “crack the code” for Kenoshians and make the community realize that it is possible to bring in “world class” talent that are touring and making their craft a full time job. It is my hope that Path will help make the dream come true and give insight on how to set the stage and elevate Kenosha as a destination for incredible entertainment.

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
Kenosha P.L.A.N.T’s vision is very challenging and needs Path to help clear the way.
Is your business currently in operation?
Not sure

Katy A Wallner

Hot Mess Studios LLC
contactus@creativesforcommunity.net
2627484545
creativesforcommunity.net

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I am a single mother, veteran, former foster youth, and community innovator. Director of Creatives for community, a collective of artist and crafters who give back. I have taken my past traumas and present challenges into the driving force behind my business Hot Mess Studios LLC. Hot Mess is a unique place to inspire fun, joy, creativity and self love. A controlled environment to come and tap into your inner creative through color, energy and paint! No judgement no critiques! Just come throw paint all over, release some tension and leave with your own masterpiece. It is another form of creative wellness for your mind and body and just a unique place to have fun! we also are mobile with our Hot Mess express set up

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
Former leadership from successful leaders and entrepreneurs that carry themselves with humblness, are vulnerable and real, brutally honest but only in ways that support my business plan on a path to success. I hope to get the validation, insight and continous mentorship to help my business plan stay developing and consistent with the goals. To iron out the kinks, to have a consistent projection of revenue(which is my struggle)Also guidance on taking next steps i.e hiring more staff, crowfunding. Lastly just to remain confident and passionate about the mission and the bigger picture of Hot Mess studios. It was created to create revenue for the artist collective I run. The big picture is to have a hot mess studios DIY workshop that creates jobs for those apart of the collective. I need consistent projection and increase in revenue to make that happen

What sets your concept apart from other projects?
What is different about me as a individual is my vulnerablity and realness that give others a sense of connection to the brand Hot Mess. As the name says it all. It was created not only to make money, but to inspire, uplift and create an environment of creative expression. Alot of activities folks shy away from bc of fear of not measuring up. Like your usual sip and paints you may worry you may embarrass yourself because it doesn’t look as good as the others. Sports recreation has a competitive factor to it. At Hot Mess we remove that. We focus on the process not the end result of what you are doing. There is no area for judgment, critiques as we celebrate our uniqueness through abstract art concepts. No painting will ever be the same just like us as individuals. It will always leave you coming back for more because its fun, feels good, and has theraputic benefits of stress and tension relief

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational

Sinclair Myhre

Creative Sinclair Myhre
sinclair.myhre@gmail.com
9525674419
creativesinclair.art

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business concept:
I am a recent graduate of Carthage College and became Kenosha Creative Spaces first ‘Emerging Artist’ and their first student member. My passions and my band are founded on the merging of multiple different skill sets and mediums: fine art, photography, and graphic design. Most artistic entrepreneurs have multiple skill sets, but an essential difference is how I fluidly transition between these different skills. My work is a unique combination of multiple mediums.

What interest you about The Path? What do you hope to gain?
I have been hearing about the Plywood People from Francisco, the Spaces director, long before the grant was even succored. As a double major in college I did not have the luxury of taking all the classes I would have liked to prepare me for the business side of art and design. This program offers me the chance to develop the skills I am lacking and give me a foundation to move forward.

What sets you apart from other applicants?
Over the past year I have been pursuing an art fair rout of sales. At farmers markets in particular I have reliably been one of the only vendors that maintain a unified theme/brand while offering so many different mediums. My brand is designed to reflect my creativity: broad in application and refined in its nature focus. This gives me the opportunity to grow into new opportunities and interests. For instance, my most recent work is outdoor sculptural installation, a stretch from my preferred 2-D digital work. This stark medium difference is embraced by my brand as the body of work itself focuses on nature. In the creative world striving to be ‘the first’ to have or execute a particular idea is impossible.

Being a digital native, as long as Iv been creating with uniqueness in mind Pinterest, Google images, and Artist Websites have been obesely easy to search and compare. Usually I find all my creative art ideas have nearly all been executed, differently than I had envisioned but close enough to make me not ‘the first’. I have found that ‘being the first’ to do something seems irrelevant if you have a unique enough idea. Every time I show my work I have both strangers and creatives comment that my work is extremely unique, like nothing they have seen before. While uniqueness is not required for success it is essential for the engagement and has made my work memorable to others.

Is your business currently operation?
Currently operational