Kesha Marie was burnt out when she decided to quit her job and launch her company, My Life Investments. Now, she spends her days pumping people up.
Kesha is a graduate of the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her story.
Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
I’m Kesha Marie, CEO and Founder of My Life Investments. I am a Dayton native, communication major, creative director, motivational speaker, financial advisor, mother of 5 — a motivated and confident self healing entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to stand up for myself. We have to save ourselves first. Through my motivational speeches, self-empowering events/workshops, and self-help guides, I been able to assist individuals and groups navigate life choices with self acceptance and discover their purpose.
How did your company start?
My company started from my love of talking. Anytime someone asked me what I wanted to do in life, it has always been talking to people. I didn’t even know what that meant until I realized my purpose is to serve and help the community with my gift of discernment and actively breaking down the communication barrier with “Self” to help understand their true potential.
Why this idea?
I was an overworked and undervalued mother who never had time for myself. I’d experience burnout after about 3 to 5 years on a job. Finding myself seemed like an impossible task until I didn’t have any other choice. The idea also stemmed from facing a lack of community support. It takes a village, and I wanted to reignite that village.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Absolutely NOT! I was kind of forced into my entrepreneurial role. My job before I became self employed was giving me a hard time about my pregnancy with my son. I was high risk the first 5 months. Once I realized my life, nor my child’s life, was more important than reaching my numbers for the month, it was time to separate. I planned to be a social worker and rehabilitate teen moms. That’s still a passion of mine! I’m currently working to curate something along those lines.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
I embody all of these values. I encourage those around me to be the best versions of themselves. Removing the mask of what everyone says you have to be is the boldest thing anyone can do. I strive to be inclusive and ask for everyone to be considerate of those around them. I always challenge people to face their fear and do it anyway. Healthy habits are formed by doing a single action everyday until it becomes a system.
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I’ve always been the perceived underdog because I was a teen mom. Everybody loves a good underdog story! It also helped me discover that out-of-the-box thinking was necessary in order to achieve greatness. Furthermore, being a teen mom helped me love myself in order to teach others to do the same.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
Being OK with the failures in order for me to be successful.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because it allows me to share my story while helping someone else understand theirs. I love doing events and creating experiences for other people to enjoy.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
Do what you love. Write down the steps and master them one by one.
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
I need a mentor to teach me how to be more appealing when I’m putting my events and workshops together. I’d love to also learn about sponsorships.
How was your Entrepreneur Rising Academy experience?
It helped me discover what my true passion looked like. I initially did success coaching, but I pivoted to the motivational speaking and creative directing. It also provided me with many resources to help within my business. Having homework made it a little overwhelming because as entrepreneurs and adults we’re already pretty busy. Thankfully we went over everything. I’d definitely recommend the program to other entrepreneurs and business owners.
How did you get connected to the Launch Dayton community?
I signed up for the newsletter. I thought it would be a great way to connect with the community and gain access to resources I may not know about, and I wanted the connections to collaborate in the community.
Curious is Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a fit for you? Learn more and apply for our summer 2023 cohort here!
This year’s Gem City Black Business Month will feature the first-ever Gem City Black Business Month Awards celebration, and we’re looking to you to nominate the Black business owners who inspire you most!
The Gem City Black Business Month Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the Dayton Black business community. This prestigious event aims to honor outstanding individuals and their contributions to the economic growth and success of the region.
Nominations are due by July 5.
There are five award categories, each designed to showcase excellence in various aspects of business leadership and entrepreneurship. Click the name of the award to submit a nomination:
Recognizing an individual who embodies the relentless drive and determination in their business endeavors, going above and beyond to achieve success.
Honoring an experienced and seasoned black business owner who has paved the way for others, demonstrating exceptional leadership and business acumen.
Celebrating a young black entrepreneur who has made significant achievements at an early stage, showing remarkable innovation, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Giving the community the power to decide, this award allows the public to vote for their favorite black-owned business that has made a positive impact and garnered widespread support.
Recognizing an influential individual or organization that has served as a vital connector within the black business community, facilitating partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for growth.
Once nominations are in, the community will vote for the winners from July 17 to Aug. 7.
Winners will be announced Aug. 31 at the official Black Business End of Month Celebration at the Goodwill Easterseals West Campus Community Center. We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and contributions of Gem City’s black business community at this highly anticipated event!
The awards are powered by the Greater West Dayton Incubator with operational support from Parallax Advanced Research’s Launch Dayton team. Questions about the awards? Reach out to Reginald Henderson at [email protected].
Bakers won the day last Thursday at the culminating pitch competition for the spring 2023 cohort of Entrepreneur Rising Academy!
First place went to Jessica Kellar, founder of The Heart Baker, whipping up nostalgic treats. Second place went to Jasmine Hill, founder of Jars By Jas, whipping up cheesecake in a jar.
“My favorite part was meeting everybody, the relationships, we’re still chatting with each other, we got plans, we’re working on building all of our businesses, and if we can do it together, we will be stronger,” Jessica said.
“It was the whole journey, learning everybody’s passions, reconnecting with my passion, my why, bringing myself out of the hustle culture of it all,” Jasmine shared. “It was the whole package, 10/10 highly recommend!”
Tap into the Academy
Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a free, 10-week, business-building bootcamp managed by Launch Dayton partner Parallax Advanced Research. The next cohort kicks off July 12!
Participants complete Kauffman FastTrac coursework from the nationally-renowned Kauffman Foundation, receive pitch coaching and hands-on mentoring, weekly discussions with successful entrepreneurs and experts, & access to Dayton’s business resource providers.
The bootcamp helps early-stage founders and business owners build the foundational knowledge needed to launch and grow successful businesses.
Other spring 2023 cohort graduates include:
- Fadi Ibrahim, Fadi Barcode
- Jenniffer Hrovat, Gem City Speech Therapy
- Tina Donovan, Discovery Tales
- Jevonte Samuels, Land & Hand Helpers
- Jacqueline Lovett, ManifestLuxe
- Kesha Beavers, My Life Investments
- Da’Ves Malone, Sprouting Dreams
- Imani Spratling, Legendz Den
- Alicia Brown, Write with Mrs. Brown
- Augustina DeLeon, Frios Gourmet Pops
Curious if Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a fit for you? Learn more & apply for our next cohort, kicking off in just a few weeks!
The StrixDrones DroneDock is the world’s first drone airport, and it’s manufactured right here in the Gem City.
The Israeli-based company announced the opening of its U.S. manufacturing facility in Washington Township last year. Today, the first units of the Strix2100 drone dock are rolling off the assembly line.
The dock utilizes a patented smart system. The first order came from Spright, a division of Air Methods Corporation that is building the only bi-directional, drone-based, healthcare-specific delivery network across the US and beyond.
During its first year of operation, the StrixDrones manufacturing facility hired two full-time skilled assembly line technicians. It also subcontracted with local material suppliers, such as RAM Precision Industries and NCT Technologies Group, to build the units and establish the infrastructure to meet global demand.
The customizable Strix1600 DroneDock has a modular-designed landing pad so that any drone from any manufacturer can land without special adjustments. The Strix2100 does the same for larger electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The system also features internal climate control, smart charging, external telemetric weather system, real time alerts, and multi-station connections.
“I knew Dayton was the ideal location for our only U.S.-based manufacturing facility, and the cooperation we’ve received over the past year, especially from the Dayton Region Israel Trade Alliance (DRITA), Dayton Development Coalition, and the Entrepreneurs’ Center, supports that assumption,” said StrixDrones founder and CEO Niv Aharoni. “Our drone airport is a game changer in the UAS industry for commercial and defense applications, and I’m beyond proud of what we’ve accomplished here. It’s exciting to see the first units completed and ready for delivery, and this is just the beginning.”
The military-grade DroneDock was developed by software and hardware experts with vast civilian and military backgrounds in drone technology. It provides end-to-end solutions for drone operations, making drone fleets more efficient, productive, cost-effective, and profitable. In addition to commercial uses ranging from agriculture to mining to first responders, DroneDock can also be deployed during military missions.
Jessica Kellar is baking up nostalgic sweets as The Heart Baker.
Based in Spark Fairborn’s commercial kitchen, you can also find her at markets and pop-ups around the region. She’s a graduate of 6888 Kitchen Incubator as well as a member of the current Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort. We caught up with Jess recently to learn more about her entrepreneur journey.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
Jess: Hello! My name is Jess, I am the owner and baker for The Heart Baker. I infuse every treat I create with love and nostalgic flavors. From mouthwatering cakes to irresistible pastries, each bite is a delightful journey to the past. I’ll be at multiple farmers markets through the summer as well as other events that I always post on my socials @JessTheHeartBaker. Come say hey!
How did your company start?
Although I have baked and cooked for what feels like forever, in 2020 I decided to start working my way through a book titled “How to Bake.” I started posting to social media, and friends and family began writing me asking to purchase things! I had no idea that I could turn what I loved to do into a business, but here we are!
How did you get connected to the Launch Dayton community?
I am following on all the socials, and receive the newsletter as well, but it was past participants that I had met who really encouraged me to get involved in the Launch Dayton community. I am all about building the foundations for success in my business. And I want to grow and scale to make this become the business of my dreams. Entrepreneur Rising Academy has helped me to really solidify lots of the less intuitive parts of running a business. If you ask me to make a cake, I can do that with my eyes closed, but setting the foundations for the future, planning financials, learning how to pitch to potential investors etc. — that’s something I’m not an expert at, and luckily I don’t have to learn the hard way. This covered everything I could have imagined and more. I would absolutely recommend it to other entrepreneurs!
Why this idea?
You can get cookies and baked goods almost anywhere, but these cookies and treats I make are next level! Not only is the product delicious, but the experience is one that is filled with fun and nostalgia. If you’re going to indulge, indulge in retro bliss at The Heart Baker, “Where Sweetness Takes You Back.”
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Somehow, I did not. It was never a goal growing up, I honestly didn’t even know it was an option. I had always worked for others and had done very well doing so. But one day I asked myself, if I’m doing this well working for someone else, I wonder how well I could do working for myself? There is always a maximum you can make working for someone else. As an entrepreneur, the glass ceiling does not exist.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
I left the comfort and stability of a corporate job to boldly build my dream life. I will always treat everyone with respect, I will not devalue any person for any reason. And I will always give before I ask anything from anyone. Whatever the dream is — for myself or for others — there is a way to make that happen!
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I graduated from college with degrees in management information systems and management & strategic leadership andworked for seven years as a consultant for other companies in all phases of their business life cycle. I have seen how successful companies handle their day-to-day operations, as well as plan for their future growth. That gave me the knowledge and experience to start my own business and go through these processes myself. I know what success looks like, and I am confident that I am on my way there.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
I want my business to grow, I want it to scale, and I want it to become self sustainable. It is very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and not prioritize planning for the future but to reach that goal, planning is mandatory!
Why do you love what you do?
I used to be a corporate professional, and I spent years working for someone else’s company. When I realized that wasn’t what my passion was, I followed the path to building a business that really brings me joy! I love to wake up everyday and make treats that I hope make my customers feel loved. They bring me a sense of nostalgia and a space to just slow down and enjoy. I feel lucky that everyday, this is the feeling I get to bring to the world.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
You are not alone and you don’t have to suffer to succeed. Get the help and advice that is out there, and save yourself time and energy that you’ll be able to put into your craft.
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
I need to continue to grow my financial literacy and build standard processes that I can use going forward. I also need help with access to grants and networking opportunities.
Curious is Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a fit for you? Learn more and apply for our summer 2023 cohort here!
When Fadi Ibrahim’s parents struggled to read the small print on their medical prescriptions, he built them an app to help.
Now, he is working to take the Fadi Barcode global.
Fadi is a member of the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his entrepreneur journey.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
Fadi: I am Software Engineer with 25 years of experience in banking and healthcare companies. With the Fadi Barcode Reader, available via app store download, anyone can scan a product’s bar code and receive easier-to-consume product information. This includes the ability to enlarge text, to have the information read out loud, and to see photos and videos from the manufacturer.
How did your company start?
I realized my parents have issues reading the medical information on their prescriptions, so I built the app to help them first.
Why this idea?
In 2012, more than 296,000 people called for help with an over-the-counter medication error. Product information, especially on pill packaging, is often too small to read, confusing, and may not be in someone’s native language. For medications, improper usage occurs in nearly 50% of patients, according to the American Medical Association. It is very important to save our kids’ and parents’ lives by avoiding overdose or incorrect medicine! I want to make prescription information more accessible for better health outcomes.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Yes
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I care about people’s lives and kids’ futures. This is my first highest priority goal.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
I don’t have resources or networks that can help to introduce me to investors.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because it is going to protect our future by saving our kids’ and parents’ lives.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
At the end, family is more important than anything.
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
Help me meet investors. Help me to meet the CEO of medicine manufacturers. Introduce me to leaders at CVS and Walgreens.
How was your Academy experience?
Entrepreneur Rising Academy has been very good. I keep learning every day.
At Legends Den Performance Training, founder Imani Spratling is building the next generation of cheer and dance athletes.
Imani works with youth coaches to embed endurance training, team bonding, and skill evaluations into their training curriculum.
She is a member of the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort. We caught up with her recently to learn more about her entrepreneur journey.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
Imani: My name is Imani Spratling, and I am former cheerleader, dancer, and gymnast. I graduated from the University of Memphis with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports management. I started a company that trains cheer and dance teams by incorporating endurance training, team bonding, and skill evaluations.
How did your company start?
My company started in November of 2022, after I listened to a podcast about following your dreams. I was tired of just talking about my plansto start a business, so I decided to “ just start now.”
Why this idea?
As a former athlete, I noticed a hole in the industry. Every team seemed to have the same three issues, which are under-conditioned athletes, an athlete who does not have the skills needed to compete, and unnecessary drama throughout the season.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
I knew from the age of 9 that I was going to own a successful business in the youth sports industry, but I wasn’t quite sure of the exact business I would start.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
I am bold! I believe in myself and whatever dream I have, I chase it. No matter how hard or difficult it may be. My favorite quote is “Before you become too old, make sure you are living the life you created, not the one that was given to you.”
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
My father is a real estate and lawn care entrepreneur, and he has always motivated me to be more and see more. The skills that equipped me for entrepreneurship are my organizational and leadership abilities.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
The biggest barrier I have faced as an entrepreneur is getting my initial clients. Coaches have always been fascinated by the structure of my business and my personal expertise, but getting them to commit to a full 9 months has been a challenge. I am just in the startup phase, so it will all come together at the right time.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because I was once an athlete, and I know what would have made my cheer and dance experience better, so I want to use my business and my platform to give that experience to current cheerleaders and dancers.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
Just start! You don’t need to know all the details, just the idea and the determination that you will achieve your goals by any means necessary. That is all you need. The best advice I can give to a fellow entrepreneur is go before you are ready. There is never a perfect time to start something new!
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
The help I need in my business right now would be recommendations and referrals to local high school cheer and dance coaches.
How was your experience with Entrepreneur Rising Academy?
Traveling speech language pathologist Jenniffer Hrovat is tapping innovative ultrasound techniques to help folks pronounce their /r/.
The Gem City Speech Therapy founder is a member of the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort, a business-building bootcamp powered by Parallax Advanced Research.
Read on to learn more about Jenniffer’s company and journey.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
My name is Jenniffer, and I am a traveling speech language pathologist who specializes in the pediatrics. What sets me apart from other speech therapy businesses is that I use ultrasound technology to help people who struggle to produce the /r/ sound. This technology is being used at the University of Cincinnati with success, so I wanted to bring that resource to Dayton residents!
How did your company start?
My company started with a desire to use ultrasound to help people obtain a better /r/ production. When someone can see what their muscles are doing, it helps them know how to produce that sound.
Why this idea?
Using ultrasound in speech therapy is being used at the University of Cincinnati with good results. While working at UC’s Summer R Clinic during my graduate studies, I saw firsthand how beneficial the use of ultrasound can be. So I developed a plan to use this technology in my own business.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Actually, no. However, during my work as a speech language pathologist, I discovered that having a private practice is a great avenue to serve more people and provide innovative services you can’t find anywhere else in Dayton.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
Great question! I love the Launch Dayton community values because they embody the heart of entrepreneurship! Gem City Speech Therapy is being bold by using technology in an innovative way to help the people I serve. Having this “tool in my toolbox” will benefit those with /r/ difficulties. I am excited to see the progress these students will make!
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
I spent years working as a registered nurse before becoming a speech language pathologist. Helping others just comes naturally to me, and as I’ve progressed in my career over the years, I’ve learned where to focus my attention to best help the population I serve.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
The biggest barrier by far has been self doubt or second guessing myself! My advice to any rising entrepreneur out there is to follow your gut and go for it! Also, reach out to your community for excellent entrepreneur programs like the Entrepreneur Rising Academy.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because helping others brings a sense of fulfillment that makes getting up in the morning a joy!
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
Right now, my business would benefit from ongoing marketing support. Getting Gem City Speech Therapy’s name out there and optimizing social media networks would be a great next step for my business growth.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to do your research, vet your business ideas with trusted colleagues, and definitely reach out the many programs offered in our local community. Entrepreneur Rising Academy has been the best program by far for the knowledge and support it has provided. The information provided is comprehensive, the class comradery is supportive, and the class format is interactive. I recommend it to anyone considering starting a business or who wants to grow their startup.
Curious if Entrepreneur Rising Academy might be a fit for you? Learn more and apply here. Wonder what other resources in the Launch Dayton community could help you? Take our interactive resource-matching quiz here! We can’t wait to connect with you!
Considering a home reno? Deirreon Durant of D2 (pronounced D-Squared) Contracting Solutions has your back.
Deirreon launched his company when he was released from incarceration. His wider mission is to prevent recidivism by providing opportunities in the construction trades. He joined GWDI’s 2022 Urban Elevation Accelerator cohort to take his business to the next level.
Keep reading to learn more about his entrepreneur journey.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
Deirreon: My company is D2 Contracting Solutions we are a construction company that provides services for home remodel and renovations to other businesses and homeowners. My name is Deirreon Durant.
How did your company start?
My company started when I was released from incarceration. I had a vision of utilizing the knowledge I gained in a more positive and productive way.
Why this idea?
I always had skills with my hands. I knew my mission to prevent recidivism through skilled trades and entrepreneurship could be fulfilled through the construction trades.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Every since I could remember, I have always wanted to work for myself and empower others who are part of my team and community.
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
Always being a Hustler.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
Focusing on the importance of finances and knowing how money works.
Why do you love what you do?
I feel a sense of freedom. Free to do what I want with my time. It empowers others to see what they can do with vision and determination.
How did Urban Elevation Accelerator help you move forward?
It helped me shape my company and get some organization to help me grow and thrive. I would recommend these programs to every entrepreneur who is developing or thriving from the urban communities of Dayton. I appreciate all of the staff at the University of Dayton, the director of the Incubator, and the program facilitator for diligently working with us and helping to make our dreams come true.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
Pay attention to the finances!
Curious what Urban Elevation Accelerator could do for your business? Apply by June 9 to be part of the 2023 cohort!
The seasoning queen behind Simply Savory by Rachel has a new endeavor to share.Gem City Plate is a new web series that will highlight local eateries in the greater Dayton area — and she wants to support all of the fabulous food business owners within the Launch Dayton community. We recently caught up with Rachel to learn more about her latest project.
Launch Dayton: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is your company?
Rachel: Known as The Local Spice Dealer, Rachel Blanks owns Simply Savory by Rachel and is now the creator and host of Gem City Plate—a web and social media series that serves to highlight local eateries in the greater Dayton area.
How did your company start?
A good friend and I were chatting about how we wanted to just showcase all the amazing food that our city has to offer. After shooting segments for Living Dayton and PBS, my videographer said, you’d be perfect, and we decided to just do it!
Why this idea?
As a small business owner myself, I know how powerful promotion, publicity, and highlights can be to the marketing and growth of a brand. I wanted to be able to give that to other businesses.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
I think I’ve always wanted to be working for me to serve others.
The Launch Dayton community values are: 1. Be Bold 2. All Are Welcome 3. People First 4. Give First 5. Remove Barriers. How do you embody one or more of these values?
We are definitely being bold and giving first with this concept! Right now, we are operating with no sponsorships or revenue. We don’t charge restaurants to be featured (they do comp the dishes that we taste on screen) and we aren’t getting paid yet! We loved this concept and have so much fun doing this that we jumped in and believe in the growth.
What identities or life experiences do you bring to entrepreneurship that helped prepare you for this lifestyle?
Cooking on air in Florida and here in Dayton really allowed me to grow in the public cooking space. I truly love it and hosting this new concept gives me the chance to have fun doing what I love with an amazing partner.
What is the biggest barrier you’ve faced on your entrepreneur journey?
Right now, we’re just doing everything ourselves as a team of two, but we’re hoping for sponsorships in the future to help alleviate some barriers.
Why do you love what you do?
Highlighting food and local businesses while having fun in front of the camera—I’m at home! It feels like vacation to me every time.
How can the Launch Dayton community support you?
We’d love to highlight eateries in the Launch Dayton community! We’re also seeking help acquiring sponsorships and formatting our website to showcase our episodes.
What advice would you offer fellow or aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you feel so strongly about an idea or concept, talk to a trusted person, contact Launch Dayton or GWDI, and get started!
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