Get to the Bag: YO! Baltimore Explores Urban Entrepreneurship
On Friday, September 22nd, YO! Baltimore hosted “Get to the Bag: Exploring Urban Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy and Business Ownership”. Nearly 20 youth met with local business owners to learn about the value of entrepreneurship, how to establish their own businesses, and the importance of financial literacy in their day-to-day lives.
The event featured local business owners & entrepreneurs who decided to take an alternative path to success. Among them,
Baltimore Hydroponics: The first and only Black owned, hydroponics store in Baltimore.
Tia Hamilton, Founder & Owner of: Urban Reads Bookstore and “State vs. Us” Magazine.
Derrick McPhearson: founder of Determined to Make a Change (501), motivational speaker and former professional athlete.
Lakeisha Thomas: founder & owner of BizzyBee Mobile Phlebotomy
Carl Shipp: founder & owner of Smoke N Wheels Foodtruck and Love & Happiness Cuisine Catering
Elisa Milan aka “The Empanada Lady”: founder & owner of: The Empanada Lady Restaurant
Kris Lance: founder & owner of Lizzie’s Beauty & Lash Bar
Maya Johnson: founder & owner of Love Illusion Ink Tattoo Studio
and Terry Cornish: Co- Founder of DMC Empowering Health Services
Youth pitched their best business ideas to our very own sharks for the chance to win exclusive watches donated by SPGBK Watches. Pitches ranged from an online custom jewelry business to a start-up trucking business. Youth member, Kiana “KJ” Lee won for her pitch that outlined her idea for a community-focused barbershop in honor loved one she lost. Youth Member, Charles McCormick also won for his pitch for a clothing line for those who have been overlooked or left behind called “Underdog.”
It was a great opportunity to dive into a meaningful money discussion and elevate the young entrepreneurs in our midst!
