TeaLight Teas originated as a kiosk at Market on Main in Ottumwa, IA in 2018. Valarie Banks initiated this venture as a hobby, offering a curated selection of 20 blended and sourced teas that reflected her passion for tea and herbal drinks. Today, TeaLight Teas leverages its robust online presence to connect with retail customers …
Barbie Jackson and Brandy Hamlin are visionaries. They love to put ideas into action, which is exactly what the couple has done with Wake n Bake Breakfast Company. What was originally intended to become a small breakfast place has now become a well-respected business in the Burlington, IA community. When Barbie and Brandy were looking …
Deserie Mendoza is a young and successful entrepreneur from Sioux Center, Iowa. Her passion and love for animals is what drove her to begin Des’s Paw Spa. Using her knowledge from her vet-tech and cosmetology classes, she has gained the ability to jazz up our furry friends’ appearance. Deserie originally wanted to be a …
Nestled in the heart of Council Bluffs, Iowa, First Row Fitness is a thriving personalized fitness studio specializing in individualized coaching in small group and one-on-one settings. Founded by the dedicated Carrie McDonald, her journey from a physiotherapist to a passionate small business owner exemplifies the potential and impact of small enterprises in our communities, …
Ryan and Bre Elliott’s story begins at a restaurant. They worked there together for 5 years and after some time, they started thinking of ways to open their own restaurant. The stars aligned one day when they happened to drive by an old Little Caesar’s building for lease. They knew that the location was meant …
Ashley Thompson began Child Time Daycare as an in-home business in Northwood in 2018. She successfully ran the daycare at home for five years, and as her waiting list grew longer and longer, Ashley realized that the need for childcare in her community was not being fully met. “There were daycares closing in town that …
In 2001, Dana and Jeff Huettman moved from Columbus, Ohio to Dubuque, Iowa after Jeff took a job with McGraw Hill. A little over two decades later, Phoebe’s Dressing Room opened in the historic old main area of downtown Dubuque. Phoebe’s Dressing Room aims to provide a unique shopping experience for every customer who comes …
Paola Cipollina first became an entrepreneur in the late 80s , when she founded Esse Moda, the first fashion design school franchise with over thirteen branches in Italy and three abroad. Paola has since opened Rosso & Wine in December 2022 and Rosso & Wine PRONTO in June 2023 at the Penn Central Mall in …
Almost thirteen years ago, Ashley Smith began her career as a sole proprietor. She first started her massage business in August of 2012, and has since opened Main Street Stop as of June 2022. Located in Adair, Iowa, Main Street Stop offers therapeutic and prenatal massage therapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, facials, microdermabrasion’s, full body waxing, …
America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa (SBDC) is pleased to announce that Madrid Hardware, located in Madrid, IA is the winner of the organization’s statewide June Small Business of the Month. Madrid Hardware opened on March 31, 2023 by owners, Stacey and Jesse Bannor. In 2011 they created a toy company in the basement of …
