1 Million Cups hosts final meeting of the year
1 Million Cups held its final presentation of 2016 on Dec. 7 at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, at the Fireside Lounge featuring local businesses Tailbangers and Omosebi Jewelry Designs, as well as vendors from businesses in Sussex County selling their merchandise.
1 Million Cups offers a way for entrepreneurs, in the early stages of starting their business, to display their goods and services, and meet with people of the community, other entrepreneurs and business owners, advisors, mentors, as well as potential customers.
Each 1 Million Cups meeting hosts two businesses who talk about how they were founded, what type of good or service they provide, what challenges they face as business owners, and advice to others who may be interested in starting their own businesses in the future.
1 Million Cups was founded by the Kauffman Foundation who had the idea that most people are able to more comfortably connect and network with each other over a cup of coffee, and in a relaxed and supportive environment. The foundation hosts weekly meetings that connect entrepreneurs to help build startup communities on a grassroots level.
The first business to speak at the event was Omosebi Jewelry designs. It is owned and operated by Vastina Omosebi who handcrafts and designs her own custom jewelry pieces, for men, women and children. Customers are able to choose from a variety of beads and pieces to match their specific style, and all jewelry pieces are guaranteed to be repaired if they are broken.
“I create newly designed jewelry out of old beads that you may cherish but desire a new look or style,” said Omosebi.
Tailbangers, founded by Lisa St. Clair, was the second to present. Her business began nearly 10 years ago, when St. Clair began making homemade dog food from human ingredients in her kitchen at home. Today her business has expanded to every state in the United States and can be found in numerous pet stores nationwide.
She came to the 1 Million Cups event to help others who are starting businesses to learn about her struggles as a business owner and some of the challenges she is facing. She says that now that her business is expanding rapidly, it is hard for her to keep up with the demands for products.
After the business presentations, 14 booths were set up for customers to could shop, sample products, and speak to business owners themselves. The booths ranged from homemade cupcakes, clothes, accessories, essential oils, chocolates, florists, and even foot wear.
“I came to the event because I love the shopping experience. Also, I really like being able to learn about all the little shops in Sussex County without having to go out and look for them,” said Kelli Dunt, an attendee of the event and Delaware Tech staff member.
Dunt also said that she loved hearing about Tailbangers because she has a dog herself, and learned that she was able to visit the bakery with her dog.
Alison Tonge was one of the businesses owners who set up a booth for her products. She owns “Three Little Birds Bakery,” which sells made-to- order gourmet cupcakes that she makes from scratch.
“I got started just like Tailbangers. I really liked baking cupcakes, and decided to bring them into work one day and everyone loved them and started ordering them… I love this event because it’s really great for networking with other businesses like mine and getting my name out there,” said Tonge.
For more information about 1 Million Cups and upcoming meetings visit 1millioncups.com or follow them on twitter @1MillionCupsGED
The 1 Million Cups event displayed 14 booths in total from local Sussex County business looking to sell their merchandise. Photo by K. Jefferson.