Working Class Wednesday gives entrepreneurs platforms for developing businesses

Several small business owners showed up at a recent Working Class Wednesday event, showcasing their products while networking.
Photo by Jakeira Gilbert

By Jakeira Gilbert
Outlook writer

First-timers were impressed, while those who were there for a second time looked to expand their network.

 
There was also the unexpected of three young sisters who showed up to get into the fray of showcasing their business at Working Class Wednesday.

 
The event, which was set up by millennial entrepreneurs Terrence L. Barber, owner of Terrence L. Barber LLC, and Ayla “Power” Madison, who owns POW3R Productions, was established to bring business owners together to share ideas on how to improve what they do. Working Class Wednesday is a roving event that takes place once each month at different venues.

 
The venue for June’s gathering was FAMU’s Grand Ballroom and Ryan Hynes insisted on being there. The people and the information they exchange make it worthwhile to attend for a second time, he said.

 
Expanding his brand is one other reason he said he had to be there.

 
“The amount of information that you get from the people that do the different businesses is very beneficial,” said Hynes, owner of Velocity Hair Studio. “I expect to gain more contacts, learn better communication skills with newer clients and newer businesses.”

 
Keyanti Madison, owner of Glamourlicious Boutique vending stand, figured attending the event would be one good way to get ideas on how to open a brick and mortar location. She currently operates outside of Tony’s convenience store on Lake Bradford Road.

 
Right now she is taking baby steps, while learning from other entrepreneurs with big plans.

 
“My plans are to move into a store and from there branch out from one store to another store and start a big company,” she said.

 
Ten-year-old Lyrica Leo and her sisters Zaira, 8, and Nadira, 6, have big plans too. With help from their mother, Syrheba Reed-Leo, they started Bourne Brilliant, a holistic business.

 
They produce hand-crafted bread, juice and skincare products made of natural ingredients.

 
The girls’ mother said she encouraged them to concentrate on holistic products because of her belief in the lifestyle. They commonly set up shop at the Frenchtown Farmers Market, where they’ve developed a strong clientele.

 
Working Class Wednesday gave them another avenue to promote their business.

 
“We were so excited about this opportunity, allowing the girls to come onto this platform to introduce their business to the community,” Reed-Leo said.