People in Motion

"I will be eternally grateful to SELF and what it has done for me."                

After working in Washington D.C. managing 10,000 people covering 200 offices with a billion-dollar budget, working at The Phoenix Bureau of Land Management, and founding the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, Denise Meredith decided to become even more independent by starting her own Consulting Company. Denise came to SELF-looking for a micro loan; instead, she found wealth of opportunities empowering women. SELF gave Denise the skills, knowledge, financial help, and the support system that she needed. dmeridith2@cox.net                           

"Thank you SELF, with your program I finally found myself."

While growing up, Kathy Blass participated in arts and craft projects with her Girl Scout Troop. Little did she know that one-day this experience would give her the idea for her own business. Today her business, Kallage Art, Kathy sells decorative items such as vases, bowls, canisters and bottles decorated with invitations to special events and programs, ranging from weddings, graduations, cultural events, holidays, church programs, birthdays and anniversaries. Kathy moved to Arizona in 2000, upon her arrival she began to search for business opportunities and found SELF. After completing SELF’s workshop she was able to access SELF’s Lending Program and start producing the art she enjoys. She can be reached at 602-340-0274 or visit her website.  www.TheMemoryVase.com

"I am thankful to everyone involved at SELF, for being there for me."

Sarna O’Brien began Brio Group Design with an entrepreneurial vision in May 2001 to bring agency-style graphic services to small and medium size businesses. She brings a depth of over 13 years experience in producing collateral and packaging materials to her clients.  Brio Group Design offers graphic design, marketing support, photography and print at a fraction of the cost of large agencies.  Brio Group Design is City of Phoenix certified WBE/SBE/DBE.

 In early 2002 Sarna Read an article about SELF in the Phoenix Business Journal and immediately called.  She joined SELF’s program and has never looked back.  “SELF provides the support mechanisms to help a new business owner get on track realistically and then helps them stay the course.  I came from a large corporate background and this provided many great experiences for me, but what I really needed was a solid business/financial foundation to get my business firmly planted and then grow it! SELF has provided these essential skills and I also enjoy the interaction of other SELF clients.”

Brio Group Design can be reached at623.536.9013.  Brio’s website can be viewed at www.briogroupdesign.com

"SELF has been a very important part of my business and came at the right time."

Independent Tire Company provides tire and wheel services to the public and companies located in Maricopa County. Tony Cornejo started his company on August 12 of 2001. He started out of his home using his garage and back yard as his office and warehouse. With only two years in business, Independent Tire Company is experiencing rapid and solid growth by providing excellent customer service in both Spanish and English. Recently Tony opened a commercial storefront in a great location and expanded his product line as well as his services. Self-Employment Loan Fund is a proud supporter of Independent Tire Company’s future success. SELF helped Independent Tire Company to take control of the direction of the business. Independent Tire Company is a clear example of a well thought-out plan. Currently Tony is working on making Independent Tire Company a recognized name in the industry. Congratulations!  Tel. 602-442-4344

"SELF has been a big part of my business, it gives me motivation to go to the next level."

Evonda Crittendon’s entreprising adventure began when she met one of SELF’s instructors and was invited to a SELF workshop. Evonda acquired knowledge and experience after working 17 years in the beauty industry and realized that it was time for her to start her own business. Evonda became part of the SELF program and began the learning process that gave her the opportunity to open her business, Malibu Beauty Salon & Supply. Malibu Beauty Salon & Supply’s main objective is to provide the best in hair and nail services and offer high quality and professional customer services. Malibu Beauty Salon & Supply recently moved to a new commercial location in Tempe, Arizona. Best wishes!  Tel. 480-755-0226

"Thank you SELF for your support"

Bobbye G. Benson II is an exemplary illustration of a young and aspiring minority entrepreneur. Bobbye founded his company, Evermist Technologies, in January of 2000. Just after leaving the US Marine Corps, Bobbye started the company in his spare time, and made it a fulltime job when his company had corporate layoffs. With three years in business, Bobbye has rapidly grown into a solid IT company developing a reputation for providing personable IT personnel that deliver high quality computer services. Evermist Technologies came to Self Employment Loan Fund in need of financial assistance to cope with its rapid growth. SELF’s financial program, not available in traditional markets, helped Evermist Technologies to become a wireless Internet service provider in Sun City, Arizona by purchasing equipment and retaining the services of highly skilled wireless engineers. Earning recognition, Evermist Technologies was named by the Arizona Business Journal as one of the top 19 computer retailers in its 2003 Book of lists. Without a doubt, Evermist Technologies has found and serviced a niche market that truly demands its services.  Tel. 623-537-4844

Marie Dalloway began her business Performance Media in January of 2002, after obtaining a contract with Yale University on mental training for Track and Field athletes. Performance Media develops and sells print and multi-media products on Peak Performance. The products include books, videos, CD-ROMs and online programs on enhancing performance and achieving excellence. Performance Media came to SELF for financial and technical assistance. With a micro loan, Performance Media was able to convert and market two CD-ROMs from power point to a web-based format. Since 1992, Marie Dalloway has written and published ten books and training manuals related to high performance and mental training for coaches, athletes, and for businesses. Her curriculum is extraordinary; she has done optimal performance training at the Olympic Training Centers in Lake Placid, New York and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also portions of her mental training were televised by ABC Olympic sport Coverage. Congratulations on your hard work!  Tel.  602-274-1889

Jennifer Gerhardt suffered from a severe illness. She found that through a change in diet and a new found understanding of how nutrition can improve health and well being. Jennifer wanted to help people and improve lives through education and nutrition. She came to SELF looking for business advice and began writing her business plan, bringing clarity to her business and structure that provided her with a solid foundation. Jennifer’s business, Truly Organic Distribution, is currently expanding and looking for market growth in Health Workbook sales. One of Truly Organic Distribution’s goals includes a national television health talk show. Way to go!  She can be reached at 602-258-1174

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