DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Tiann Smith enjoys sewing. It’s a skill passed down through the generations. So, when the opportunity came to participate in the 2023 African American Business Expo on Friday evening, she was more than happy to take part.
One of a dozen business owners out for the expo, Smith says it’s important to shop with Black business owners, who have a variety of intrinsic skills.
“It’s important to shop with Black business owners because it’s our livelihood. We all don’t have that college education but we have the natural knack of displaying and doing what comes natural, whether it’s been handed down or taught,” she said.
With her beautifully prepared displays, jewelry, and accessories Smith drew attendees at Game 3 of the Barrier Breaker Series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark over to learn more about her Daytona Shores-based business, Foxee Mascot Creations, LLC.
As a proud Black business owner, Al Bush is all about creating generational wealth and smart financial planning through his company Gold Bar Status Generational Wealth Empire, LLC. Providing clients with financial coaching, Bush helps families or investors prepare for the future.
“Our premise is built on gold bars and precious metals. I teach about investments, stock market but also commodities. Gold bars and silver coins, that’s the way to go – American Buffalo and American Eagle, those are the key ones,” said Bush.
“We also teach entrepreneurship to adults and young adults. We do a conference and a workshop. We bring them in for practical training. Our curriculum is 80% practical training, 20% lecture. We teach them how to run a business, an elevator speech. You need to be able to sell yourself, your product so your consumer will be able to purchase from you without any hesitation.”
The 2023 African American Business Expo celebrates National Black Business Month, recognized throughout the month of August across the nation according the African American Entrepreneurs Association Founder/CEO Leslie Giscombe.
Hosting the business expo as part of the Minor League Baseball’s summer Barrier Breakers Series through an initiative known as “The Nine”, Giscombe says it invites minority families and community members to get more involved with Historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Museum in Daytona Beach, and the sport as a whole.
“The partnership with the Tortugas is important because they chose our organization to be the sponsor umbrella over this initiative that was started last year and it’s something that is all across the United States,” said Giscombe.
“Baseball is America’s pastime and us being a part of it is great because minorities, specifically Jackie Robinson, played a big role in integrating all sports in America. We’re just honored to be the host of that.”
Recognizing the importance of National Black Business Month the African American Entrepreneurs Association will receive proclamations from the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Board of Commissioners, and the City of Bunnell during their regular business meetings.
For more information, visit www.aaeassociation.org.
