Keisha Branch is a recent graduate of Savannah State University and a new business owner — having opened Fine Designs Boutique across from the university on Skidaway Road.
One of the first things the young entrepreneur did was to join the recently organized Greater Savannah Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce for support and mentorship. The chamber is recruiting new members and will hold a spring open house Friday evening.
“Even though I have been planning this business for a long time, actually jumping in and doing it is still a little scary sometimes,” said Branch, who graduated from SSU in 2010 with a degree in public administration and has been working in fashion retail for years.
“I started working at Hollister when I was in school and, a few years ago, started buying and selling shoes online.”
But what she really wanted to do was open her own boutique.
“I started writing a business plan,” she said. “I started buying fixtures and other things I would need and storing them.”
Fine Designs Boutique opened about a year ago and Branch has been pleased with the reception so far.
“I feel like we’re beginning to pick up steam and develop a following,” she said.
Late last year, she saw a notice for a holiday open house for the Greater Savannah Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce and decided to attend.
“I liked the idea of a minority chamber that could offer support and mentoring,” she said. “I joined immediately.”
Chamber co-founder Sandi Reese said her organization has the same goals and ideals as larger traditional chambers.
“It’s all about connections and collaboration,” Reese said. “But we also recognize that one size doesn’t fit all.”
Making connections and finding mentors is essential for a young business owner like Branch, Reese said, but many find membership in the “big” chamber too expensive starting out.
The Black & Minority Chamber now has about 20 member businesses, Reese said, and will hold a networking open house Friday night in an effort to recruit more.
The event, “Belong to Something Greater,” will begin at 6 p.m. at the historic Huntingdon Home in downtown Savannah. Admission is free.
For the past 10 years, Reese has worked as an independent contractor for a local nonprofit organization, serving as a management consultant in charge of overseeing business operations and organization planning and development.
As CEO of the Greater Savannah Black & Minority Chamber, she hopes to share her knowledge and experience with those entrepreneurs just getting started.
Bill Hubbard, president and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, said he has spoken with Reese on several occasions and is supportive of her efforts.
“Businesses need chambers,” he said. “If Sandi’s group can fill a need that works for them, we’re all for that. Lots of companies are members of multiple chambers.”
Reese said her group also intends to join the larger Savannah chamber, a move Hubbard would welcome.
“The more the better,” he said.
“We all need to work together.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT:“Belong to Something Greater!” an open house and networking event sponsored by the Greater Savannah Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce
WHERE: Huntington House, 501 Huntington St.
WHEN: From 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 24
RSVP: To info@savannahblackminoritychamber.org
ON THE WEB
For more information about the Greater Savannah Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce, go to www.savannahblackminoritychamber.org.