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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
Business Name:Satisfied Glow, 458 Grand Avenue, New Haven
Year Business was started in New Haven: 2020
Why did you start your own business?
I was inspired by entrepreneurs like Yandy Smith Harris, Shonda B. White, and Sarah Jakes Roberts during my late teens and early 20s, which fueled my desire to become my own boss. This passion for entrepreneurship led me to take a leap of faith when the opportunity arose and start my own business.
Why did you choose to start your business in New Haven?
Satisfied Glow has been in New Haven for the past three years, but I originally started the business in Hamden. In 2020, finding an affordable suite in New Haven was a challenge. Having grown up there, I wanted to bring my expertise back to my community. At the time, there weren’t many estheticians in the area, so my goal was to make a difference by helping people heal both their skin and soul.
What challenges did you have to overcome in starting your business?
Starting my business, I faced the challenge of figuring out how to run it properly and professionally with little to no guidance. From creating a service menu and packages, to handling marketing, client retention, and building a team, there was a lot to manage. Time management, setting healthy boundaries, finding an accountant, and balancing personal and professional life were also key hurdles. On top of that, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and legal protections added extra layers of complexity.
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.
Karla from West Haven is the 94.3 WYBC Virtual Lunch Club winner for the month of January 2025! Karla and her guest Fallon enjoyed a delicious lunch with Wanda Coppage at D’Amatos Seafood on Whalley Avenue in New Haven!
Want to have lunch with Wanda? Go to our WYBC Contest Page and enter to win!
