Last night, Innerlight Holistic Healing, an organization that curates holistic therapies and wellness products, was named the winner of a small business pitch competition, the culminating event of the 2022 Bell Revival Business (BRB) program, a six-week course designed to offer Baltimore business owners the opportunity to receive the guidance, tools and support needed to grow revenue and affect positive change in their community. As the winner of the pitch competition, the company received $10,000 to support business development.
“This is the honor of a lifetime,” said Dr. Haneefa Willis-Johnson, the founder of Innerlight Holistic Healing. “I’m thankful to have received vital support and to have gained such valuable insights over these past six weeks that will help my business grow.”
Revival, an award-winning JdV by Hyatt Hotel, partnered with the Baltimore Economic Leadership League (BELL), a non-profit organization providing business owners with operational support and financial training, to develop the curriculum for the BRB program’s inaugural year. Ranging from food and beverage vendors to lifestyle consulting firms, participating businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them have gained essential insight on topics such as pricing model, profit margins, monthly expenses and operating revenue. The program, which began May 16th, and the culminating pitch competition forced participants to face their greatest business challenges and present solutions based on fundamentals such as accessing capital, preparing financial documentation and creating narratives necessary to attract funding.
The 2022 Bell Revival Business Program graduates include:
- Andrea England, The Business Connect Hub
- Bre’Anna Myles, Staycations Anonymous
- Chanel Fields, Sweet Fields
- Cheryle Ricks, The Women Empowerment Circle
- Emmalyne Head, Southern Belle Cleaners
- Haneefa Willis-Johnson, Innerlight Holistic Healing
- Jada Jennings, Cookie No Crumble
- Jakia Muhammad, SoleOrganizer
- Jamal Jackson, Hux Spirits
- Julie Dowling, Julez Let the Dogs Out
- Sonja Jackson, Tea Rose Pretty
- Sydney Newton, Sydney’s Ice Creams
The BRB program’s curriculum was created and taught by BELL Founder Will Holmes. On Monday, June 20th, participants celebrated completion of the program with a graduation ceremony facilitated by BELL Executive Director Rennard Brown. During this final session, entrepreneurs divided into small groups and presented customized growth plans and pitch decks to a panel of judges from the Baltimore business community. Judges included Kimberly Royster of Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, Jim Peterson of M&T Bank and Tim Smoot and Stanley Tucker of Meridian Management Group. These esteemed personnel provided feedback to business owners ahead of last night’s pitch competition. Video of the graduation ceremony can be found by visiting https://joinbell.wildapricot.org/news/12823960.
“Getting to know these inspired individuals and businesses has been an honor,” said Jason Bass, director of culture and impact at Revival. “I’m encouraged by participants’ desire to leave a positive legacy within their communities and their leadership development to make this goal a reality.”
As part of its “Revival University” initiatives, the BRB program aligns with Revival’s priority to highlight education- and growth-focused opportunities within Baltimore. Revival is committed to being a space that is inclusive and welcoming to all. The hotel’s social impact efforts include curated programming and events, such as educational workshops, thought-provoking conversations, art pop-ups and spirit-free cocktails. Revival prides itself on being more than a hotel through partnering with local minority businesses, engaging in philanthropic efforts and assisting the community wherever the need made be. BIPOC partnerships launched in 2021 include those with Lor Tush, Sole Wash, Black Acres Roastery and Art of Balance Wellness Spa. For more information on Revival’s community efforts, visit https://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/maryland/baltimore/hotel-revival-baltimore/community-impact.
About Revival
Revival is located at 101 West Monument Street, in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. The 107-room, 14-story boutique hotel is contributing to the renewal of the area through a vibrant guest experience, thoughtful design, and restaurants and signature bars. The property embraces Mount Vernon’s notable history of art and culture by featuring an extensive array of local artists and artisans. It also embodies Baltimore by showcasing local products, the city’s history, and native cuisine. Topside, the hotel’s year-round rooftop restaurant and bar, showcases the distinct flavors of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay. Revival offers four event spaces, totaling 4,000 square feet, accommodating a range of guests, from 10 to 200. The hotel is the first Joie de Vivre property in Baltimore. For more information, please visit www.jdvhotels.com/revival.
About JdV by Hyatt
A community for the spirited, light-hearted, and young-at-heart, JdV by Hyatt offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, welcoming all vibes, tribes and unique souls – effortlessly bringing people together with joy-driven service. Embracing its namesake, each property invites guests and locals to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Follow @JDVHotels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.jdvhotels.com.
About BELL
BELL provides the training, support and capital that small Maryland companies need to scale. Its programs help entrepreneurs understand credit, learn how to invest in their businesses, choose the right customer, determine pricing and hire the right people at the right time in their growth. BELL partners with individuals and businesses who share the perspective that investment in small, rural, woman-owned and minority businesses is important to the local and national economy and helps create stronger, safer, and better communities. For more information, please visit www.joinbell.wildapricot.org.
