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

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.

Name:  Mariam Jafaru

Business Name:  Zongozon, 43 Whalley Avenue, New Haven

Year Business was started in New Haven:  2024

Why did you start your own business?

I started my own small business because of the passion I have for fashion and also let the community explore my creativity and have an insight about what African fabrics can offer to all generations.

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

Yale University/ Shops at Yale gave me this amazing opportunity to start what I love without any existing experience in owning a small business. I really appreciate the support, the encouragement, and the courage they gave me to own this business.

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

Nothing becomes successful without any challenges. I have been a registered nurse for the past 13 years. I cut down on my hours at work to build the business, which has put some cut off to my spending, I work only weekends, and the rest of the five days, I’m at the shop, I missed spending quality time with my family, friends, and outing.

Photos courtesy of Zongozon:

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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.

Photos courtesy of Soap Edi:

Photos courtesy of Soap Edi.