Turtleneck Afro | Application Preview
Turtleneck Afro is seeking government grants to fund the establishment of a rental studio space that will consolidate various services, including styling and photography, all under one roof. The requested funds will also go towards acquiring essential studio equipment such as a desk, backdrop, DSLR camera, computer, and soundproofing materials.
The business plan outlines a five-year vision that includes the provision of both in-person and virtual styling and photography services, as well as the production of short films and music videos. Turtleneck Afro aims to monetize a YouTube channel with consistent uploads within the next year, creating an additional income stream. Moreover, upon graduating with an A.S. degree in herbal studies from MCTC in two years, the plan includes launching a herbal/apothecary web store alongside her existing services.
The application emphasizes the importance of this funding for Turtleneck Afro as a young black woman with limited support. Securing the grant would offer crucial resources to establish a stable foundation for her business post-graduation and allow her the opportunity to pursue further education with confidence.
In terms of competition, Turtleneck Afro currently freelances for Soona as a product stylist, where she faces challenges due to low pay. She aspires to create a similar business model that allows her to retain all earnings while providing affordable styling services. Her competitive edge lies in building strong, lasting client relationships and offering unique, personalized styling options that stand out from larger companies. By bundling photography, styling, and image editing into a single price, she aims to meet her clients' aesthetic needs effectively.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 87-3363118
Location: minneapollis, MN, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
I would like to invest my funds (if granted) in a rental studio space where I can provide all services under one roof. I would also invest in equipment for the studio space including a desk, backdrop, DSLR camera, computer along with some sound proofing and audio equipment.
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Business Plan
Over the next five years I plan to expand my business in the following ways. I will be providing styling and photography services both in person and virtually. I plan to create more short films and music videos. Consistent uploads to my YouTube channel will lead to monetization of this platform within the following year, thus becoming another stream of income. Within the next two years I will graduate from MCTC with my A.S degree and emphasis in herbal studies. With this degree I will create a herbal/apothecary web-store alongside my previously stated business endeavors. As a young black woman with little to no support this would be more than enough to support me in my business endeavors as I finish up my A.S degree at MCTC. A grant would help me jumpstart my career so I can have a stable foundation after graduation. The funding for resources would help me feel confident and secure in my journey and hopefully allow me some time to continue education as well.
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Self Identified Competition
I currently work for Soona as a product stylist. I am not employed under Soona but rather I am an underpaid freelancer; This is my main line of work. Soona is a content creation hub for clients and small businesses. At soona I receive only 20% of what I cost for a client. My goal is to build a similar business where I can provide my styling services at an affordable rate for clients while receiving 100% of income for my work provided. This would make Soona (and businesses alike) my competition. What makes me different from my competitors is my willingness to build long lasting relationships with clients. I would also like to add that this would be a black-owners small business provided by my self. People can expect unique stylistic choices unlike the cookie cutter stylistic layout provided by bigger companies such as Soona. My goal is to help small businesses reach there aesthetic goals for their visual needs. I will be photographing their products, providing styling services and editing their images all for one price rather than separately.
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Contact Applicant
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