6 minute read
Entrepreneur Feature: Tiffany Fixter
Tiffany Fixter sits at a table in her Pizzability restaurant i Cherry Creek.
Photo credit: Nari Ro Photography
While delivering magazines to one our members in Cherry Creek, I found myself lost, knocking on a door, not realizing that Vive+ wasn’t open that day. In my haste to find an entry, I mistakenly opened the door to a restaurant that was under construction with someone busily working inside.
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Quickly throwing the door closed while attempting to run from the scene of my mistake, I tried to get down the block, and was called back. Tiffany Fixter, the owner of Brewability Lab, was inside preparing for the grand opening of her new venture, Pizzability, and wanted to see how she could help.
Tiffany greeted me with warmth, confirmed that she knew who I was and was familiar with the magazine. After offering to take the delivery off my hands, she provided me a tour of her new restaurant, sharing the innovative strategies she’d implemented to create a supportive environment for both patrons and staff.
While I’d heard of Brewability and had the location on my list for a possible Women of Denver event, I hadn’t actually visited yet and knew little about its social enterprise mission. Through Tiffany’s tour, I was astounded to find that her businesses are run by adults with disabilities ranging from autism to blindness -- a population often believed to be unhirable.
Through her background in special education, Tiffany became familiar with the tactics required to engage and support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In both of her businesses she’s created systems that allow her team to work effectively using tools specially designed to allow them to provide services independently.
I’ll have to be honest in saying that I’m truly in awe of the uniqueness of her endeavor, and as a lifelong volunteer and “giver” I admire a woman who creates pathways to help others achieve. Even more inspiring were the responses Tiffany provided to the questions I asked in our interview.
I believe deeply in the power of authenticity when it comes to women supporting each other. If we’re not honest about our journeys, challenges, and needs we can’t learn from each other or help one another. Tiffany is generous with what she shares, providing incredible insight for those desiring to follow in her footsteps. While knowing someone else’s journey can’t save us from mistakes, it can certainly help us navigate with a bit more confidence that we can tackle anything that comes our way.
To follow are a few highlights of the Q&A I had with Tiffany and the wisdom she shares.
WOD. Social enterprise is a model I love to promote because it blends social impact into the typical profit model of business. What inspired you to start a social enterprise business?
TF. As a former teacher and day program director, I knew I wanted to create employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Craft beer is a hot industry in Denver and I wanted to combine my passions together: hence, I created Brewability Lab and now Pizzability. I wanted to do a social enterprise because I think it is important for customers to know this is a real business. We are not here for pity. We want to be a part of the community, but in order to thrive, we must have customers.
WOD. What are a few examples of things your restaurants do to provide a venue conducive to helping differently abled individuals?
TF. Our menu and point of sale are visual, which makes ordering easy for our staff as well as our customers who are non or low-level readers. We built a sensory wall which includes a light-changing bubble wall, marble panel, wiggle seats, noise canceling headphones, fidgets and more. These adaptive items are free to use while dining or working within Pizzability. We also have adaptive dining items available to staff and customers to make dining out more accessible for children and adults who need those accommodations. We have weighted silverware, bendable silverware, adaptive cups, plate guards, EZPZ mats, etc. We also cut up and blend food on request.
WOD. Is Brewability your first business? If not, what other businesses have you launched in the past?
TF. My first business was an iPhone app called “My Video Schedule.” It was a video based scheduling app which used video models and pictures to motivate and educate individuals with autism on daily living tasks. It is no longer on the market due to financial constraints with constant updates. I am not a developer, and each change was very expensive. Ultimately, larger educational apps copied the concept and I was unable to compete with the market.
WOD. How did you acquire the capital and other resources required to get started in business?
TF. I’ll be very honest. My credit score is terrible. I have been turned down by so many banks and loan officers, I couldn’t tell you how many “no’s” I’ve actually received. It is hard. It hurts. It is a constant struggle.
When I decided to do the brewery, I wanted to trial the idea by doing a Kickstarter to see if the community would support it. We were able to raise $34,000, but unfortunately I did not start my business in the same fiscal year as the fundraiser so it all went back in taxes. Yet, I am very blessed. My parents own three businesses in Estes Park and were able to help me purchase the Brewery, formerly Caution Brewing Company, that I found on the market as a turn-key.
WOD. Is Brewability your first business? If not, what other businesses have you launched in the past?
TF. My first business was an iPhone app called “My Video Schedule.” It was a video based scheduling app which used video models and pictures to motivate and educate individuals with autism on daily living tasks. It is no longer on the market due to financial constraints with constant updates. I am not a developer, and each change was very expensive. Ultimately, larger educational apps copied the concept and I was unable to compete with the market.
WOD. How did you acquire the capital and other resources required to get started in business?
TF. I’ll be very honest. My credit score is terrible. I have been turned down by so many banks and loan officers, I couldn’t tell you how many “no’s” I’ve actually received. It is hard. It hurts. It is a constant struggle.
When I decided to do the brewery, I wanted to trial the idea by doing a Kickstarter to see if the community would support it. We were able to raise $34,000, but unfortunately I did not start my business in the same fiscal year as the fundraiser so it all went back in taxes. Yet, I am very blessed. My parents own three businesses in Estes Park and were able to help me purchase the Brewery, formerly Caution Brewing Company, that I found on the market as a turn-key.
One of my customers told me of a turn-key Pizzeria in Cherry Creek. I jumped at the price and location. I applied for Mill Levy funding and received enough to feel confident in pursuing another business.
My parents once again have been the only people to financially back me. While Mill Levy helped me get the business off the ground, funding was cut this year. We are now dependent on sales, where we are starting to see noticeable growth.
WOD. In Denver's economy right now, many brick and mortar businesses have said it's hard to stay afloat due to the rent and tax burden. What actions are you taking to continue to thrive in business over the next 10 years?
TF. It is extremely difficult to stay afloat and I can identify with those struggling businesses. Our lease at Brewability is being non-renewed due to not being a “typical” business according to our leasing office. While this has been frustrating to move a brewery, it will end up being better in the long run. We found a turn-key brewery and building, and are in the process of purchasing it in order to maintain longevity and a stable, sustainable business. The new space is large enough to accommodate a small commercial kitchen. Our future plan is to integrate both businesses in order to reduce overhead and increase customer visit longevity.
WOD. Are there local programs or organizations that have helped you build your business?
TF. Absolutely. I have partnered up with many ability positive non-profits as well as many women owned small businesses. I have collaborated with Mary Sims, who owns an inclusive, accessible non-profit, “Guided by Humanity Yoga”, as well as Alexandra Connell, who owns an online adaptive fashion line and accessories for children and adults of all abilities called PattiandRicky.com.
We have received funding from the Rocky Mountain Human Services Mill Levy program and partnered with other Mill Levy recipients. We gain trainees and employees from Wings LLC PASA and Laradon Services. I partnered up with Access Gallery to create our custom hand-painted plates. The sensory wall and sensory room was a collaborative project with Pima Medical Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Dawn from EZPZ adaptive mats also donated their products.
