LCS Jacket Parent Academy celebrates Black History Month
Local Black business owners shared their stories of entrepreneurship with members of the Jacket Parent Academy. Pictured left to right are Kenrick Jobe, Tashina Patterson, Jessica Duncan, Brittany Marshall and Michael Evans-Bey. {Contributed photo}
*Article written by Dr. Kasey Wilkie - LCS Community Engagement Coordinator
Parents, community members, Jacket Parent Academy (JPA) enrollees and JPA alumni were in attendance to show support for some of Lexington’s youngest and finest Black business owners at the “Black Business Spotlight.” Four of the five business owners are Lexington Senior High School graduates.
During the annual event hosted by the JPA to highlight the entrepreneurial achievements of African Americans in Davidson County, owners of Hot Dog Heaven, Ladybug’s Sweet Treats, Blissful Baskets LLC, Jess D. Photography and accomplished artist Kenrick Jobe, excitedly shared their narratives as to how they began their business endeavors, their product and service specialty and provided guidance for individuals who wish to start a business or advance their hobby.
Many of the chronicles included the growth of their businesses and hobbies during the most difficult time the world recently endured….the COVID-19 pandemic.
While establishing her business, Brittany Marshall, owner of Ladybug’s Sweet Treats creatively experimented with various treats during the pandemic and would passionately advertise and offer her treats for free to everyone in the Lexington area. Her advice to others of “Stay the course and always encourage yourself” is also advice she follows for herself. She named her business Ladybug’s Sweet Treats after the nickname of her oldest daughter “Lady Bug,”
Marshall expressed her oldest daughter and children were her motivation to start and continue her business. As a business owner, flexibility in scheduling allows her to be available for her children and provide for them at the same time.
Although chocolate covered strawberries are her expertise, specifically strawberries from California and Mexico, Marshall stated “I can make any treat you can think of”.......add to the list: candy apples, cakes, chocolate covered pretzels and other baked goods and confections.
Also, an entrepreneur of treats is Tashina Patterson of Blissful Baskets LLC. Patterson’s treats consist of decorated items such as “glitz and glam” water bottles and baskets, vases, candy trees and candles. Body scrub is also a specialty at Blissful Baskets.
Patterson discussed taking a leap of faith during the pandemic and began to work more unconventionally on things that could create “blissful” experiences for others, hence the name Blissful Baskets. Taking a risk is also what she encourages others to do especially during uncertain times. Patterson reminds new business owners that “rough times are temporary but the gift God grants is permanent. “
Patterson, once again bet on herself recently and became the author of a children’s book, “The Walls, Breaking Down to Build Back Up Again.” In embracing her ambitions as an entrepreneur and author, Patterson believes in pushing through fear and that all things will work out for good.
“Search your heart and soul, believe in yourself and find something you love to do '' is the advice Micheal Evans-Bey, owner of Hot Dog Heaven provides.
Evans-Bey began startied off selling hotdogs at a stand in the parking lot of a popular, well-trafficked, convenient store wherethe famous “Lex-O-Dog” was born.
With 16 years of operation, it was during the pandemic that Evans-Bey realized he had to find a new way to provide the famous hotdogs to his loyal as well as new customers. He decided to supply mobile services, which increased his clientele tremendously, bringing hotdogs to the locations of his customers for birthday parties, employee appreciation events and weddings.
One can choose the basic trimmings on a “Lex-O-Dog” consisting of chili, mustard, ketchup, slaw, red onions, cheese, relish, sauerkraut or even jalapenos; however, when asking Evans-Bey what he puts in his hotdogs to make them so special and good, he states “ they are all made with love.”
Speaking of love, it was the love of his mother that allowed Kenrick Jobe to become the accomplished artist he is today. In actuality, drawing on the walls in his room and being encouraged by his mother to color the objects he had drawn, was how Jobe knew at a young age what his specialty would be. While striving to persistently promote his artistic talent, Jobe developed a love for capturing humankind in self-portraits and animals. Jobe’s motivation is his community and when providing advice to other artists, Jobe asks that they look to the community as well. “Get out and interact with the community consistently and the community will notice you, your work and support you.
Simultaneously as Jobe captures humankind through art, Jess Duncan of Jess D. Photography captures humankind and other objects through the art of photography. Currently operating her business for eight years, Duncan evolved by capturing special moments using an inexpensive, basic canon digital camera. Exploring various angles and distances, her “creative eye” has allowed her to seize significant occasions, hosting 250-300 sessions a year. Contributing to the growth of these sessions is the pandemic where Duncan learned innovative ways to photograph due to the cancellation of special occasions and major life events (i.e. graduations, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc).
To assist Duncan in her business, she is helping to foster the talent and “creative eye” of future photographers; recently adding two interns to her team. Duncam invites more to her team and advises that all who have an interest in photography should “take pictures of everything and over time you will learn what kind of photography you enjoy.”
In addition to the recent spotlight, these business owners will also be recognized and receive awards at the Lexington City Schools’ Jacket Parent Academy Graduation and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in May 2023.
To learn more about these businesses, please visit the business or personal links.
Blissful Baskets LLC
https://blissfulbasketsllc.com
Ladybug’s Sweet Treats
https://www.facebook.com/people/Ladybugs-Sweet-Treats/100063628987131/
Hot Dog Heaven
https://www.facebook.com/michael.evansbey/
Kenrick Jobe
https://www.facebook.com/kenrick.jobe/
Jess D. Photography
https://jessdphotographync.mypixieset.com/
