This is the fourth article in a series of articles called "Millennials Making Moves".
For those just tuning in, my inspiration behind this series thrives from my obsession and pride with this generation.
"This generation never ceases to amaze me with their innovation, creativity, and drive. It's certainly something to recognize and celebrate," I wrote in the series' first article.
These articles serve 3 purposes:
1. To encourage/shine on those who used their passion as motivation to start their own business/freelance/etc.
2. To give others inspiration to embrace their passions and pave their own way as well.
and probably the biggest reason:
3. I want to create a place for our generation that makes it easier for us to support each other. So when you're in need of a service or product, instead of going to the store, googling service providers, etc, circle back to this series! Opt to support young grinders instead!
Past articles highlighted photographers, videographers, and beauticians. This one will feature millennials providing unique services through their businesses.
1. King of Screens
The king of screens is a mobile phone and electronics repair shop owned by Malik Earl.
Earl said that since he was younger, he always enjoyed buying and reselling things to make a profit and that when he came to college, he noticed that every day someone was breaking their mobile devices.
"So, I decided to use what I knew about business already and my love for electronics to go into business for myself," he explained. "I believe my business grew so much because I always looked out for my customers. By offering the best prices and the best customer service, I was able to rise above the surface and make something out of nothing."
Instagram @thekingofscreens
Facebook: King of Screens
2. Save My Room
Through his business, Davonte Augustus provides home/business decorating at a low price!
Augustus said that his love of creativity was a big motive behind starting his business.
"Over the years, I discovered that I had a slight obsession with home decor so I started experimenting with different things," he explained. "As a college student, I wasn't always able to afford really nice decorations, so I had to work with the funds I had to make my places look nice."
Through his business, he said he wants to give people the opportunity to have that home away from home feel without having to pay an arm and a leg.
instagram: @SaveMyRoom
3. TypedByTera
Through her business, Tera Flakes said she "focuses on providing a new perspective and colorful appeal towards creating the means of representation." Her services include writing cover letters, resume building, creating business cards and website portfolios.
"My junior year of college, I noticed there was a high demand for resume building," she recalled. "So, I took it upon myself to begin providing these types of services for my colleagues, then word spread and I now service people statewide."
Flakes said she enjoys helping people move to the next level. "It's a hand-in-hand type of thing," she said.
Instagram: teesimone
Website: http://typedbytera.wixsite.com/typedbytera
4. Resolution Car Spa
Through their business, Jarred Adams, Avery Bell, Clyde Edwards proved automobile washing and detailing services.
"Our inspiration was really ourselves," said Adams. "We believe in a quote that we use quite often. 'If we don't do it, who will?'," he continued.
He further explained that as a team, they put it in our heads that they pretty much can do anything we put our minds too.
"You can never really pass up on opportunities because you think you 'can't'. How do you know you can't, if you don't try? So we saw an opportunity and took our leap of faith."
Adams said they went from washing cars out of their apartment complex but with persistence, determination, believing, working hard, praying and giving back to the community, that one they were presented with an opportunity to have their own shop
"We knew it was a sign. We took another leap of faith and the rest was history."
IG: @resolutioncarsp
Twitter: @Resolution_spa
Facebook: ResolutionCarSpa
5. SpotlightDanceNOLA
According to owner Tai Teamer, "SpotlightDanceNOLA is a place where talent, training, technique, team work, and tenacity all collide to cultivate an environment of artistic excellence and integrity."
Teamer's inspiration behind her dance studio largely came from her love for dance. She said she has been dancing since age 2 and continued to study the art through highschool and college.
Tai explained that in today's digital age, Dance is synonymous with shows like Bring It and Dance Moms, shows have provided young dancers with a platform to develop professional dance careers. She continues to say that the show's depiction of drama between instructors and parents is unhealthy for young artists.
"My goal in opening Spotlight Dance NOLA was to reclaim those stereotypes.The idea is that each dancer will gain not only the technical tools they need to become a professional but that they leave the studio as an even better person prepared to take on the world," she continued.
Instagram: @spotlightdancenola