Thank you for reading this Millennial Edition of Memphis Small Business Quarterly (MSBQ). It was created to strengthen and develop business relationships in the Memphis Area. ©2018 - All Rights Reserved - Writing by Design PR
Anthony Hicks, APR serves as the editorial consultant for MSBQ. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy. His current role is director of public relations for SRVS (pronounced serves). He worked as a media relations manager and newspaper reporter previously for other local companies. Anthony is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Anthony Hicks
Paula Anderson is a freelance journalist and public relations professional. She is a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College and is pursuing a master’s degree. Paula writes stories that uplift, inspire and motivate others. Jennifer Sharp
Anthony Hicks
Jennifer Sharp is a public relations and social media specialist. She serves as VP of Public Relations for the Memphis Association of Black Journalists (MABJ). She also works with local nonprofit organization to tell their stories. Jennifer Sharp Paula Anderson
Photography: Writing by Design PR and JD McCollins Cover Page: RLJ Designs
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Husband and wife team offers non-traditional learning curriculum By Paula Anderson As we listen to news reports about failing schools and low achievement, a local educLataio l co m,sitsuden makts ing strides to mn araie Bannsu ksltaing n fird MEA address challenges faced within our school systems. Kenda Lawson, co-founder of Owls, LLC, has used her teaching background to spark new learning opportunities for children in elementary and secondary education. She and her husband, Dominic Lawson, have partnered in business and marriage to make education exciting, engaging and long-lasting. Their business consists of developing curricula for students. As an English Literature major and Biology minor, she has blended art and science. She develops educational modules that assist teachers with learning outcomes in a non-traditional format. In one of her modules, she teaches integrity and behavior modification with the incorporation of former president, Richard Nixon, in her explanation. Her primary clients are teachers, consumers and school systems. Dr. Princess Parker, educational consultant, says “Kenda Lawson is an innovative educator who has been diligent in staying abreast of current educational research while serving as a lead teacher and educational consultant.” “Her strong communication skills, outstanding leadership abilities, and love for teamwork have been impactful in her contributions to the field of education,” adds Parker. Kenda Lawson said, “My goal is to solve problems for teachers in the school system.” Dominic Lawson handles the financial management and forecasting for the business. Lawson served in the military for five years and had a career in the banking industry before transitioning to education. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Both are using their skill sets to educate students and entrepreneurs. Dominic Lawson hosts a podcast and helps start-up companies understand business principles and terminology. He has a weekly podcast, The Startup Life.
Dominic and Kenda Lawson
Memphis Small Business Quarterly Millennial Edition - Spring 2018
Additionally, he volunteers every week with a local nonprofit organization, Let’s Innovate Through Education (LITE) and provides direction to students who have entrepreneurial goals. Hardy Farrow, founder of (LITE), said, “Dominic approached him about mentoring his students. Since his first day, he has excelled at developing relationships with students. He helps them with customer feedback, team building, marketing, pitching and branding.” Farrow describes him as “consistent, available and focused” on the student’s goals. “Dominic does exactly what he says and is true to his word,” said Farrow. He admires him for his commitment to community engagement and building. The future of our children is based on the education of today, so they can be prepared for tomorrow. Kenda and Dominic Lawson are working each day to expand the minds of students because they value education and understand the path that is needed to be successful in life. “As an educator, I believe it is “a path to dignity and wealth”, says Kenda Lawson.
Technology, Coding and Apps... Tech millennial uses his coding skills to build company in Memphis, TN. Kareem DaSilva, founder of Poeen Software Company, did not start out as a technology coder, but he quickly learned the language of HTML, Javascript and PHP.
Kareem DaSilva
His company develops software applications that solve problems for his clients. One of his apps, Nite Plug, connects Memphians with places to visit, eat and socialize. DaSilva has a team working with him. Umer Khan, Naim HaKeem, Omar Mustapha and Pamodou Jawneh work along with DaSilva to build apps clients.
As a young entrepreneur, he says that his success is a Scholarship App for high schools and it was launched in the Apple store. Rebecca Surbrook, chief executive officer of Surbrook Enterprises, said, “Scholarship Manager is successful because it does exactly what we set out for it to do. It is easy to use and the feature I love the most is that it syncs deadlines directly to your calendar to better remind you of upcoming due dates.” “We worked really hard to produce a product that is practical, a time-saver, and a must-have for any parent or student trying to juggle scholarship requirements and deadlines. We think every high school senior and their parents should have this on their phone.” Kareem expressed his admiration for former president Barack Obama and mentioned that his election proved that an Afri-
can-American has the power and ability to be in the highest position in the land.
He also shares advice to other millennial entrepreneurs who have a desire and to use their skills to solve social problems like homelessness and social inequality. Surbrook added, “Poeen was wonderful to work with. You could tell that they were as determined for us to succeed as we were. They were professional, prompt, and always adhered to deadlines. Communication was never a problem with them.” Memphis Small Business Quarterly Millennial Edition - Spring 2018
Pictured: Omar Mustapha, Naim Hakeem, Kareem DaSilva, Pamodou Jawneh and Umer Khan
HBCU graduate uses skills to establish marketing consulting business by Jennifer Sharp Howard University graduate Whitney Cole decided to use her educational and business experience to establish as marketing and consulting business. As the founder of EFI Marketing and Consulting, Cole has developed her skills with Adobe ® software products and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Memphis. As an entrepreneur, she provides graphics, marketing materials and promotional consultations to individuals and businesses to improve their image.
Whitney Cole
“If I can be the helping hand that builds generational wealth for people of color in my hometown, then I know I would’ve fulfilled my life’s purpose,” said Cole.
During her undergraduate years at Howard, Cole made a plethora of valuable business contacts and saw her niche of becoming a business consultant with a different outlook on typical business ventures after giving a vast amount of free business advice. It also helped her realize that she values her freedom and flexibility and wanted to take a non-traditional approach to things. Since the inception of her EFI Marketing and Consulting, Cole has received the opportunity to work with notable brands and is working now with StartCo. to help increase their marketing efforts. Similar to most millennials, Cole’s challenges are associated with people doubting her potential because of her age. “At only 22 years old, I usually have to prove myself twice as hard as any other consultant because sometimes I’m not taken as seriously as someone who’s older and has more experience in the industry,” adds Cole. “However, I try to let my work speak for myself.” Cole hopes to diversify her clientele portfolio in other industries and establish nonprofit organizations to achieve her goals of philanthropy. “My aspirations are to expand my consulting business with the goal building several small businesses in impoverished neighborhoods in Memphis and surrounding areas,” said Cole. Cole’s advice to future entrepreneurs is to “just go for it”, even if there’s self-doubt or opinions from others that make you leery. “Nowadays, it’s probably the easiest it’s ever been to become an entrepreneur because of the use of technology and the fact that a brick and mortar business is no longer a necessity. If it’s what you’re passionate about, don’t let anything stop you from at least trying your luck.” For more information about EFI Marketing and Consulting, visit www.facebook.com/EFIMandC. Jennifer Sharp is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jennifersharp@sharplifestylecommunications@gmail.com.
Lameka Ivy • www.lamekaivymediation.com • 901-310-2433
Harold E. Smith Auto • Home • Life • Business Insurance and Financial Services Agent 6655 Quince Road, Suite 115 Memphis, TN 38119 O: 901.308.2662 • F: 901.308.2592 hsmith@farmersagent.com
Registered Representative, Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC 30801 Agoura Road, Building 1 - Augora Hills, California 91304-2054 P: 818.584.0200 • Member FINRA & SIPC “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children; and the wealth of the sinners is laid up for the lust” Proverbs: 13:22 KJV
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