02.29.24
Celebrating Black Business Owners
In honor of Black History Month, we at the NIIC want to highlight and celebrate two women who are running their own businesses here in Fort Wayne. Thanks in part to business coaching they received at the NIIC, these women are realizing their dreams of become small business owners.
We recently sat down with owners Irene Tillman and Asia Clayton to hear their small business story.
Irene Tillman, owner of Designs of Expressions by Renee and NIIC “Get Certified” cohort member
NIIC: Tell us about your business.
Irene: Designs of Expressions by Renee offers custom-printing on products such as tumblers, blankets, T-shirts, puzzles, even glass cutting boards.
NIIC: Where did the idea for your business originate?
Irene: It actually started out as a hobby. With COVID, I started making customized T-shirts as gifts. I have 9 children and 17 grandkids. The kids wore their T-shirts to school, and people started asking, “Where did you get that?” A lot of people asked for shirts for Black Lives Matter, too. I just started making the products. Then I asked, “What else can we do?” I looked at different videos and came up with our current product line.
NIIC: How did coaching at the NIIC help you move forward?
Irene: I went through the Get Certified courses at the NIIC, which helped me get Indiana certifications as a small business owner, a veteran business owner, and a woman and minority business owner. In other words, I’m a triple threat. The class was really valuable, because I had someone walking side by side with me through the certification process.
NIIC: What’s your biggest challenge as a small business owner?
Irene: One of my biggest challenges is building up enough capital to buy bigger and better equipment so I can expand. The other challenge is name recognition. I’m not originally from Fort Wayne, so it’s been tough to get the word out.
NIIC: What’s the best thing about owning your business?
Irene: Our slogan is “Custom designs with you in mind,” and I love seeing people light up when they see their finished product. It’s such a joy from knowing people can express themselves with what they order. My best selling product is a memory blanket, which can showcase up to 20 different photos. I gave one to each of my grandkids, with pictures of them as babies until now, along with their families. It’s something they can take to college and be a keepsake forever.
NIIC: How can people learn more about your business?
Irene: They can visit my website at https://www.designsofexpressionsbyrenee.net. They can also reach me on Facebook and Instagram or call my business phone at 260-740-5758.
Asia Clayton, owner of Journey Together Home Care Agency and the Launch Women’s Business Builder Cohort member
NIIC: Tell us about your business.
Asia: I am the lead CNA, MA and Owner/CEO of Journey Together Home Care Agency. We help individuals with their assisted daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers and continent care or household chores. We serve anyone who may be aging, disabled, or sick and needing services. We also specialize in care for patients with dementia and those needing hospice care. In addition, we offer respite care for caregivers who need a break.
NIIC: Where did the idea for your business originate?
Asia: I started my business in February of 2021, right after I lost two family members 22 days apart in 2020, due to COVID. The business name is heartfelt, because no one deserves to journey through life alone. In that moment of chaos and uncertainty during the epidemic, so many people were isolated, helpless and hopeless. I was empowered through my own personal grief to start this business.
NIIC: How did coaching at the NIIC help you move forward?
Asia: The NIIC has shed so much light into the definition of entrepreneurship and the idea of being aligned and balanced, focused, driven, empowered, and inspired. Whether you need help with a business plan, budget, networking, or collaborating, they have a wealth of resources available. As a minority in this field, I’ve experienced being judged, disrespected and not treated fairly by others. It’s been such a blessing to have someone who sees the potential in my vision, skill and business.
NIIC: What’s your biggest challenge as a small business owner?
Asia: I’m constantly reminded of the needs that people have. I can’t be everywhere at one time. I’m working on building a team filled with compassion, trustworthiness, and reliability. People who have a heart and a desire to serve our community. I would love to have Journey Together Home Care Agency available in every county. It’s an amazing feeling to know that the NIIC will be bound and determined to help support me to reach my ultimate goals.
NIIC: What’s the best thing about owning your business?
Asia: One of the biggest joys that I get is everyday living in purpose and on purpose. I’m truly driven to show love to those who I come in contact with, whether it’s a direct client, family member, or friend. You get up close and very personal when you start taking care of people. Helping someone who is less fortunate teaches me humbleness and gratitude daily.
NIIC: How can people learn more about your business?
Asia: My website is currently under construction, but we are on social media as Journey Together Home Care Agency. They can also reach us by email at journeytogetherhomecare@gmail.com or by phone at 260-633-9994.
