The Van Aken District’s Entrepreneurship Initiative provides a launching pad for new businesses.
By Nate Paige
Chanel Prowell, founder or Pro-WellBeing Teas. Photographs by Angelo Merendino
A long-term goal of any entrepreneur is to become successful enough to consider expansion, but first, one must get a foot in the door. The Van Aken District has opened that door to budding entrepreneurs with its Entrepreneurship Initiative.
Launched in 2019, the Initiative offers entrepreneurs – especially the underrepresented, such as people of color and women – a chance to bring their products to the District and engage in different retail opportunities, including mobile carts, the popular Makers Markets, held in partnership with Made Cleveland, and, perhaps the most desirable option, The Corner, a permanent space in the northwest corner of the Market Hall.
Dave Willett and Steve Meka, owners of STEM Handmade Soaps in the Market Hall, were instrumental in curating the concept for The Corner.
“Jason Russell [the former marketing coordinator for the District] approached us to see if we would assist with building a business model for the concept,” says Willett. “We worked closely with him on bringing The Corner to life, but its operations have since been independent – though there has been an ongoing close partnership with the Initiative.”
“The mission,” he says, “is to provide micro- business owners an opportunity to showcase their products and build their brands in an environment where they learn from and collaborate with other local makers.”
The learning and collaborating aren’t haphazard. Silvia Iorio, the District’s new marketing coordinator, has retooled the program to include an educational component, turning the Van Aken District into a classroom of sorts.
“This doesn’t take away from the many resources for entrepreneurs that are available in Northeast Ohio,” says Iorio. “We instead work with these resources by inviting them to the District. To a degree, we offer a syllabus with coursework. Or we might tell our entrepreneurs, ‘Hey, the Urban League is offering a workshop on business planning that might interest you.’”
An entrepreneur can take a 30-, 60-, or 90-day option on The Corner. Two of the current rotating businesses at The Corner that participated in the Entrepreneurship Initiative are ProWell-Being Teas, owned by Chanel Prowell, and Mama Bear Bakery, owned by Emily Tavag.
Fun, unique blends
Chanel Prowell came up with the idea for her business as a coping mechanism at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the pandemic started, I saw how stressed everybody was and I thought, what can I do where I can stay home and be with my family, but also offer a little peace, or calm, to the people around me? And I thought of how tea always calms me down, soothes my soul. That’s what gave me the idea for the tea business.”
Prowell offers her own “fun, unique blends,” such as Orange You Glad It’s Chocolate, It’s The Pom Dot Com, and Campfire, as well as standards like Earl Grey, green, and herbal.
Prowell found out about the Entrepreneurship Initiative through social media. She regularly follows JumpStart, Inc. and the Urban League of Cleveland, local organizations that provide business development services.
“The Urban League shared information about the Initiative on Instagram. I applied immediately and made constant follow-ups. My business was one of the first shops chosen to be included in the grand opening of The Corner.
“My business has grown tremendously because of the Initiative, especially in the Shaker community,” says Prowell. “They are very supportive, and I’ve done multiple events with the Van Aken District.
It’s been a great opportunity.” For more information on ProWell-Being Teas, go to prowellbeingteas.com.
A collaborative spirit
Emily Tavag started her business, Mama Bear Bakery, in July of 2019 out of her home.
“I was inspired by all the locally grown and made food, and the movement to support and buy local,” says Tavag. “And I have a passion for baking, so
I combined those and started making cookies, brownies, and bars using all locally-sourced ingredients. That way, the customers knew they were getting the delicious baked goods they were looking for, and supporting local.”
Emily Tavag, founder of Mama Bear Bakery
Tavag became aware of the Entrepreneurship Initiative through Willett and Meka.
“While participating in an event at the Market Hall, I met Dave and Steve. They really liked my cardamom cookies. When they were mapping out The Corner, they reached out to me and said, ‘We really love your business and your product, and we think this could be a good opportunity for you.’ I was really excited for the opportunity to sell in a different area and have exposure to a larger audience.”
Tavag’ first month at the Corner was November 2020. Since then, Mama Bear Bakery has experienced substantial growth.
“The Initiative has really helped me grow and learn by testing different items, and being able to meet customers’ demands and preferences,” says Tavag. “It’s also connected me with other local business owners – both new and experienced.
There are a lot of shared experiences and trading notes and advice on what works for them, and what doesn’t. I think we have a really good community and collaborative spirit; everyone’s willing to help out and lend a hand. That’s been an extra bonus of the Initiative.”
For details on Mama Bear Bakery, go to mamabearbakerycle.com
