THE VILLAGE

Kristi Whitfield: Helping D.C. Businesses Find ‘Every Opportunity to Rise’

BY CHRISTOPHER JONES

Start-up entrepreneurs and business owners often deride big government, but one D.C. official with local business experience of her own — Kristi C. Whitfield, director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development — has dedicated herself to supporting local small business owners and the District’s socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods, especially during the pandemic.

According to a 2019 U.S. Small Business Administration report, over 76,000 small businesses, employing over 245,000 employees, contribute to the District’s economy. Supervising just over 50 employees, Whitfield made the point that her “small and nimble” agency, with only a $14-million budget, is able to experiment with innovative approaches.

Just keeping track of the volume of DSLBD’s programs is a challenge. Harnessing web-based solutions, the DC Capital Connector is a “free, online matchmaking tool that connects small businesses to Community Development Financial Institution lenders and bonding agents with the push of a button.” The program has verified the local credentials of over 1,900 Certified Business Enterprises in the District and helped direct close to $1 billion in contract procurements their way through Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. “That’s local dollars going back into local companies who are hiring local people,” Whitfield noted.

The listings of all government contracts — known as “The Green Book” — have been moved online for the first time, enabling CBEs to connect more readily to contracting opportunities across every field and industry. Each of the District’s Business Improvement Districts has been certified for tax purposes. And DSLBD provides a clearinghouse for information and support services, not only from the Small Business Administration, but from other financial, accounting, business, technical support and marketing entities.

Whitfield has worked side by side with Mayor Muriel Bowser to enhance the DC Main Streets program, dedicated to developing the city’s 26 commercial corridors. The number of Main Streets — which employ significant numbers of D.C. residents at a “livable wage” on Clean Teams — has doubled since the mayor first came to office in 2014. In 2020, DSLBD “celebrated over 300 loans totaling more than $1.5 million to local small businesses” and “over 65 Robust Retail grants totaling $1 million.”

Whitfield is not at all your stereotypical government bureaucrat. With a master’s degree in city planning from M.I.T., she worked as an advocate for affordable housing, inspired by her activist parents, as well as by her upbringing in the racially integrated planned community of Columbia, Maryland.

“So, my dad was Black and my mom was White and they fell in love in the ’60s and got married,” she recounted. “They worked at Job Corps and did housing rights and my mom would go in and try to rent an apartment and see if anything was available and then my dad would go in separately and try to rent an apartment” — documenting the racial discrimination of the time. Whitfield’s upbringing drove her to thinking about how society could be structured to create opportunities for others, rather than hold them back.

“So, my dad was Black and my mom was White and they fell in love in the ’60s and got married,”

In 2009, however, after a “full career” in planning and housing advocacy, she and her then-boyfriend (now her husband) took the plunge to become entrepreneurs. Finding a toehold in D.C.’s burgeoning food truck industry, they established Curbside Cupcakes, the idea being: New York loves cupcakes and L.A. loves food trucks, so why not fuse the two concepts?

Soon, their business took off. “We had three trucks. We had a brick-and-mortar location ... and then we had a temporary kiosk at Pentagon City, and then we were one of the first vendors in the cohort that went into Union Market. We had quite a little distribution system going at one point,” she said with pride.

After a few years, as Whitfield was advocating for D.C.’s 17-member food truck association, word hit the street that the District Council was contemplating shutting down the food truck industry downtown. Whitfield (right) with Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio and Torie Partridge of Cherry Blossom Creative at the Downtown Holiday Market. Photo by James Partlow IV. Courtesy DSLBD.

She quickly arranged a meeting at the Wilson Building with her Ward 4 Council member at the time, Muriel Bowser.

“Hi, would you shake my hand before you regulate me out of existence?” were Whitfield’s first words to Bowser. During an intense back-and-forth, she eventually used a deft maneuver to win an understanding. “I picked up my phone and said, ‘If you do that, we’re going to tweet it out to 65,000 people,’” Whitfield recalled.

Eight years later, when she applied for the position of DSLBD director, Mayor Bowser was heard to say: “Cupcakes, right?” Ever since their first meeting, the two have demonstrated mutual respect and admiration; the mayor knew she had hired a fierce advocate for D.C.’s small businesses, with whom she could work closely.

Whitfield helped set up a “first-of-itskind” pilot project, the Made in DC kiosk at Reagan National Airport. Designed to “connect makers with the market” for D.C. crafts, “It was one of the most profitable kiosks in the entire airport and I was really excited because their first customer was Cory Booker, who — for a halfsecond — was almost going to be the president,” she said with a smile. The Made in DC movement has since taken off with Shop: Made in DC stores in Georgetown, at the Wharf, in Dupont Circle and on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

When the COVID pandemic hit the District in early 2020, Whitfield turned her entrepreneurial skills and bright sense of humor toward savvy media outreach. She hosted the mayor’s podcast, “Every Opportunity to Rise,” featuring local start-ups such as bicycletrash.com and mahogonybooks.com. She made sure DSLBD staff made phone calls to all 1,900 CBEs to ask them what sort of support they needed during the pandemic. And she helped Mayor Bowser, along with the Main Streets and the BIDs, to deliver almost 3,000 care packages with PPE to local small businesses.

Over the holidays, Whitfield launched the #iBuyDC Challenge, encouraging shoppers to post photos of their local purchases to allow “residents and businesses to showcase how they support the local economy every day while highlighting the local businesses they love to visit.” To make the online campaign go viral, she encouraged supporters to challenge their friends and family to do the same. In one post, Whitfield challenged local radio talk-show host Kojo Nnamdi to join the effort. On Small Business Saturday, the campaign drew national attention when Vice President-elect (at the time) Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, took up the challenge and posted photos of their shopping visit to the Downtown BID’s Holiday Market.

Using the tools of “distance virtual learning,” Whitfield helped DSLBD post webinars under the Build Back Better program and enhance the website’s “Business Toolkit” to provide answers to every question entrepreneurs and small business owners might ask at each phase of their business trajectory. Whitfield helped the Main Streets redirect $750,000 in their budgets toward direct grants to local businesses. She also steered local business owners towards millions of dollars of federal COVID-19 stimulus funds as they became available through the SBA. In a recent press conference, Whitfield drew attention to the Latino Economic Development Center and its services as a CDFI, in both Spanish and English.

In Georgetown, high rents and retail vacancies are of concern to Whitfield. But she believes Georgetown is “lucky” to have an “amazing BID” under the leadership of Joe Sternlieb, who was an M.I.T. classmate of hers.

As a former entrepreneur, Whitfield most of all wants D.C.’s local small business owners to know that DSLBD is approachable and there to help. During the pandemic, she said, business owners have “been through a crucible.” She emphasized: “It’s okay to not be okay. And you don’t have to bring some social media version of your perfect self to DSLBD when you ask for help, because we deal with actual, real people whose credit is shot and who are exhausted, and who are really at their wits’ end.” Mainly, she said, “DSLBD is here to help you, so please call us.”

TRANSITIONS DESIGNER & STYLIST AARON POTTS

BY LAURETTA J. MCCOY PHOTOGRAPHER NIKKI DASKALAKIS

I’m reminded in these transitional times on so many levels to be thankful. A silver lining is not always what you think it is. There’s more to it than meets the eye.

Via Zoom, I met with Detroit-born fashion designer Aaron Potts in his New York-based design studio. He wore an orange skullcap, a black A. Potts collection original tee and a smile that would light up any room. I asked him about his roots in fashion, his family and where it all began.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, a division of the New School, Potts has interned with Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis and with Donna Karan at DKNY. He has designed for Victoria’s Secret, Anne Klein, Badgley Mischka, Tamara Mellon, KaufmanFranco and Escada (in Munich, Germany). He has dressed a host of celebrities, including Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell, the Williams sisters, Jennifer Lopez and Carrie Underwood.

Potts spoke about his supportive family and about his art teacher, Oni Akilah, at Renaissance High School, describing her as his guardian angel. She researched Parsons, helped him develop his portfolio and put together all the requirements needed for entry into that school, encouraging him to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He admits he was glad he got accepted. Parsons was the only school to which he had applied.

Q&A WITH AARON POTTS AVAILABLE AT GEORGETOWNER.COM

JACKET AND PANTS • A.POTTS @APOTTSCOLLECTION TOP • THEORY @SAKS

CREATIVE DIRECTION & MAKEUP

LAURETTA J MCCOY @BEAUTYCOMESTOEARTH

DESIGNER & REMOTE STYLIST

A. POTTS @APOTTSCOLLECTION

MODEL

SANJANA FOR @CIMATALENTMANAGMENT

LOCATION

THE WESTLIGHT LUXURY PENTHOUSE WASHINGTON DC @THEWESTLIGHTDC

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEO

NIKKI DASKALAKIS @CURVEDANDCO

PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSIST

RUDNEY NOVAES @RUDNEYNOVAES

HAIR

LATRICE STRADER @LATRICESTRADER SPECIAL THANKS TO CAROLE FEDERMAN @CSEVENTEEN17 JEWEL EMBLEM JACKET • ALEXANDER MCQUEEN WHITE SHIRT • DONNA KAREN @SAKS CAMOUFLAGE SHORTS • A. POTTS @APOTTSCOLLECTION

Valentine’s Gifts: ARE YOU THINKING OUTSIDE THE HEART-SHAPED BOX?

BY CHRISTOPHER JONES

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’d all LUV our gifts to brim with creativity, heartwarming inspiration and a certain je-ne-sais-quoi. Too often, however, failing to think outside the heart-shaped box, we end up giving and receiving a certain sameold-same-old.

But this season, sparkling gift ideas abound — guaranteed to set even the most weary hearts aflutter.

Instead of the tired old Whitman’s Sampler purchased at the last minute from CVS, why not surprise your love-crush with La Madeline au Truffe, recognized by Forbes as the world’s most expensive chocolate truffle? From Danish chef Fritz Knipschildt, the chocolate sensation starts with a rare French Périgord mushroom surrounded by a “rich decadent ganache,” then “enrobed in Vairhona dark chocolate” and sprinkled with a “fine cocoa powder.” “It all came about because I adore both chocolate and fungus truffles,” Knipschildt reflected. At $2,600 per delight, each truffle is presented in a gold-painted box emblazoned tastefully with a Guinness World Records insignia and tied with a ribbon. chocopologie.com

How about the perfect Valentine’s gift for school or office? Made of hand-forged Damascus steel, the Schimmel Pen may seem a bit upscale for the persnickety purchaser — retailing at $50,000 per pen. However, each pen comes with a gold nib, a “nice gift box,” a certificate of authenticity and free shipping. Remarkably, Chad Schimmel, the pen’s creator, guarantees that the product will come “personally delivered by the Maker [to] most parts of the world.” Boldly, he even declares that delivery will also “include an opportunity for dinner and dancing with the maker at his discretion.” etsy.com/listing/275862672

Or is the target of your affections more down to earth? If so, this Anatomically Correct Heart-Shaped Box might be just the thing. “For the pragmatist, the doctor, the person who thinks Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a greeting card holiday,” why not present them with this delightfully romantic keepsake box “modeled and printed from an MRI scan of a real human heart”? Cost: $39.99. Comes in “Blood Red.” etsy.com/listing/933560872

If you’re looking for more affordable cadeaux romantiques, you might try these artisanal selections. How about a Valentine’s gift for the new parent to help “express [their] baby’s sweet and funny personality”? Priced just right at $15.99, the I Love Plastic Surgery Cotton Baby Bib will help keep Baby clean in case of “spit up,” “spilled formula” or “strained peas,” while expressing love for the latest reconstructive surgical practices. Or, for $28, the handmade Winky Kissy Emoji Toilet Paper Cozy will convey your sweet Valentine wishes to your intended, most likely a few times per day! cafepress.com/mf/107593796 etsy.com/listing/777021611

In the age of Marie Kondo, however, such gewgaws might not spark joy. Something more precious and easily stored might be the way to go. Have you thought of a NanoSculpture, “so tiny it can stand on a human hair,” from London-based artist Jonty Hurwitz? Made of microscopic polymer with the distinction of being the “smallest sculpture ever made,” this tiny nude female form called “Trust” can only be viewed through a scanning electron microscope — so no need to blush when unveiled! One of Hurwitz’s sculptures of Cupid and Psyche was photographed on the forehead of an ant. As of press time, Hurwitz has not provided Valentine’s Day pricing. cnn.com/style

These days, lovers are all gaga about “sustainability” — not only in their relationships, but in their wardrobe selections. From the London Sock Company, Edible Socks might be on fleek for what you seek. “Because we’re using fruit fibres, they’re 100% edible,” the company boasts on its website. “These socks can be worn with your favourite suit, whilst smelling like your favourite fruit, then when [you’re] done, you take them off and enjoy the remarkably fruity flavour as the fruit fibres melt in your mouth.” Prices start at $18 per pair. Perhaps a choice aperitif by a crackling fire to accompany the scrumptious hose? londonsockcompany.com

If the object of your affection is not drawn to edible socks, maybe a snazzy modern ride will win them over. Why not present a little trinket from Cadillac’s luxury car division? Recently premiered at the vaunted Consumer Electronics Show, the Cadillac eVTOL Air Taxi provides vertical take-off and landing as well as full aerial mobility. To facilitate your furtive trysts, this four-rotor personal aircraft will be able to travel — not only off-road, but in the sky — up to 56 mph. Cadillac has not yet developed a working prototype, nor set a price. Presumably, however, the air-drone comes with the required 90-kWh battery needed to power the craft. Remember to La Madeline au Truffle, recognized by Forbes as the world’s most expensive chocolate truffle.

keep it charged — just like your love life! cnet.com/news

Speaking of flying, maybe your romantic crush will fall for an “adorable gliding creature” that’s “fun to own” and loves to “climb and glide”? Then, why not give the gift of a Flying Squirrel? Such creatures are known to be “highly active” but “have fun personalities.” Be cautious, however, with kids around, and remember that flying squirrels are “nocturnal and require a lot of space.” Price per Flying Squirrel: $125. (Permits required in 15 states, though in Utah only for “northern flying squirrels.”) crazyrichpets.com

Perhaps your crush is more into beagles than flying squirrels. If so, sweep them off their feet with a trip to Dog Bark Park Inn, USA, in Cottonwood, Idaho. This wondrous hotel stands 10 meters high and five meters wide and is shaped like “an enormous beagle” named Sweet Willy. According to the hotel’s website, visitors can “sleep inside him” and may luxuriate in the “double room in his stomach and a loft room in his muzzle.” The site serves as a “wacky conception” by Sweet Willy’s “chainsaw artist owners,” Dennis and Frances. A sign on the hotel’s site reads that Sweet Willy is a “noble and absurd undertaking.” Rates are $158 per night for double occupancy, including breakfast. roughguides.com

And, pray tell, what if your love is ferret-owning? If so, the Ferret Patterned Hammock would make a sweet offering indeed. Handmade and designed to provide ferrets with a ferret-themed place to sleep — and (literally) hang-out — these cozy and fleece-lined nests just might be irresistible. Price: $10. Caution: Musky scents can be intoxicating. etsy.com/listing/709423574

Perhaps one wishes to hone the gentle art of seduction through a crack at crazy cosplay? Toward this end, could any token of affection possibly top the Bovine Long

Horn Skull Shaman Minotaur WGT

Costume Voodoo Priest Headdress Witch Doctor Headpiece available on Etsy? The headdress’s creator, Jezebel’s Fascination, conjures the following ludicrous spectre: “Skull of the mythical half-bull/half-man almost comes to life once resting on your head.” This “monstrous headpiece is the perfect brooding finishing touch to your hellish costume while devouring human sacrifices!” Price on the Installment Plan: Four “easy payments” of $47.52 per month. Just keep those payments hush-hush! etsy.com/listing/682430401

Cupid’s arrow has often hit its mark owing to the seductions of the stringed instrument — from the ancient lyre to the acid-rock guitar. But, what if your beloved only twangs annoyingly? In this case, try the gift of hypnosis. This “Play Better Guitar, Self-Hypnosis CD” offers to lull the struggling guitar neophyte into a “relaxed state where the hypnotic suggestions can take effect on [the] subconscious mind” to make it easier to “get into the zone.” Caution: The CD must not be used “while driving” or “operating machinery” or in case of “epilepsy, schizophrenia or a heart condition.” Aspiring Guitar Gods are also advised to “consult a physician before use.” Price: $15.69. etsy.com/listing/469674354

Deep down, we all know that, no matter how hard we try, we are not the perfect bearers of our special love messages. Others can certainly do a better job. Fortunately, we can outsource once-popular celebrities to convey our Valentine’s missives on our behalf, using the star-studded new website, Cameo. If you search carefully on the site, you’d be surprised how affordable such video Valentines can be. For only $50, Nadia Comăneci — the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition and years later be fired by Donald Trump on “Celebrity Apprentice” — will make a brief video recording for the object of your lust. Or, for only $60, you might choose Butch Patrick, the actor who played Eddie Munster on the 1960s hit show “The Munsters,” to create a cameo for your Valentine’s sweetheart. Beware, however, Mr. Patrick no longer looks like the little werewolf boy from the show, but just like the 67-year old actor he currently plays on Cameo. cameo.com