Jessica Kennedy and Brittany George were looking to launch their in-person hair and makeup business but wanted to make sure they had all their documentation in order. CTSBDC Pre-Venture Team Lead, Mary Kay Della Camera, walked them through the process of setting up the required registrations and prepare them to grow their business.
Business Start
2018
Capital Accessed
CEDF Loan/Line of Credit
Jobs Created
2
Owners: Jessica Kennedy and Brittany George
Business Start Date: January 1, 2018
What Does Your Business Do?
We are a team of on-site hair and makeup artists, specializing in bridal, photo shoots and print. We come to you to pamper, laugh, listen, and enhance your natural beauty!
What Inspired You to Start Your Business?
We are entrepreneurs at heart and decided to follow our passions paired with our skills to form Upstyle. We found our niche in the hair and makeup industry in Connecticut and have found success in appealing to a client who is interested in a more natural look than what the industry generally has to offer.
Before Coming to the CTSBDC, What Were Your Primary Challenges and/or Needs?
Before seeking counsel from CTSBDC we were unsure whether we were crossing all of our t's and dotting our i's. Starting a business is hard when you don't have background or knowledge of everything involved. We wanted to make sure we wouldn't be charged fees for not completing a required task on time or be surprised when tax time came.
How Has the CTSBDC Helped You Overcome Your Challenges?
We feel much more confident that we've done everything required of a new business. Our minds are at ease knowing that we were helped by a seasoned business advisor that knows the ins and outs of what is required of businesses in Connecticut.
What Have You Learned/Changed Since Working with the CTSBDC?
Feeling more confident about taxes, legal and insurance.
How is Your Business Doing Now? What Does Your Future Look Like?
Our business is thriving! We've just opened a storefront on Main Street in Manchester and everything is going great. We're looking forward to growth in the future.
What Was It Like Working With Your Advisor?
Very positive. Mary Kay Della Camera has an amazing energy - every time we met or spoke with her we always left feeling good about progress and confident that we were on the right track! We can't thank her enough for all of her help. She is always prompt, informative and positive. Couldn't ask for anyone better to have helped us get our business off the ground!
What Was It Like Working With Your Advisor?
Christine has been a pleasure to work with - she's been able to help me through the challenging process of raising capital. Through the process of developing financial projections and meeting with bankers, she has become a trusted advisor and is currently helping me get HAYVN certified as a B-corp.
What Words of Advice Would You Give to Small Businesses Looking to Work with CTSBDC?
We would absolutely recommend a fellow business owner to work with CTSBDC. It never hurts to have a second set of eyes, whether that business is new or established. Chances are there is a question that an advisor has the answer to or is able to point a person in the right direction.
"Jessica and Brittany are an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere! They are true 'go-getters'. It was clear from the start they carry a passion for what they do, a shared vision, and are customer focused."
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