Small Business Profiles
Husband-and-wife duo create kitchen products that marry cheer and utility
Brandon and Julie Fuhrmann loved cooking in their Manhattan apartment’s kitchen — despite its extremely modest proportions. To maximize the kitchen’s utility, they started designing creative, space-efficient kitchenware and tools. Their innovations worked so well, they decided to share them with other design-conscious home chefs, launching online kitchenware shop Cooler Kitchen in 2014. Now in…
Son’s allergy inspires entrepreneur to launch healthful sorghum-based snack company
When Jessica Davidoff realized her son was severely allergic to corn — present in some 75% of America’s processed foods — she started experimenting with alternative grains to provide him with healthy, delicious snacks. Her breakthrough came with sorghum, an ancient “super grain” packed with nutrients and antioxidants. “It pops just like corn, but it’s…
A founder’s growth mindset brings scalp relief to suffering patients
After two decades working in corporate marketing — including a stint running a beauty-products brand — Sherrel Sampson wanted to use her product-innovation expertise to start her own hair-care company. Interested in providing ultra-gentle hair-care products to people with itchy, irritated scalps, in 2015 Sherrel started conducting research at farmer’s markets, speaking with potential customers…
How a High School Student Created a Flourishing Streetwear Business
With time to fill during the Covid pandemic, then-high school senior Michael King II dreamed of starting his own business. When he told his mother, Javonnia Jackson, she supported his aspirations and offered to partner with him. In 2021, the duo launched Michael Alexander Official, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based streetwear brand that also sells accessories…
From Brothers to Entrepreneurs: Hardmill and Readywares’ Digital Journeys
When Ryan Barrie worked at a restaurant during college, he wanted a rugged apron that would withstand the demands of daily use. Unable to find an apron that met his needs, he crafted a leather one and started selling aprons with the help of his brother Michael. The brothers launched their company Hardmill in 2012,…
Hand-Poured Candle Company Succeeds by Selling Online
In 2020, at the height of Covid lockdowns, Mikey Kim found himself without a job and confined to his apartment. What began as a hobby in his cramped Los Angeles apartment became Hemlock Park, a thriving all-natural candle business. As customer demand grew and candles overtook his living space, Mikey relocated to Reno, Nevada, taking…
Meet Frailey Woodworks: A Family Business Selling Nationwide with Online Tools
While living with roommates after college and serving as a campus minister, Asher Frailey began crafting custom furniture for his Fort Worth, Texas home. When a record console he posted on Facebook Marketplace sold immediately — and more requests for custom pieces came in — Asher, an architect by training, knew he had the beginnings…
Online Tools Help Share Italian Leather-Crafting Tradition Worldwide
A veteran of the high-end leather furniture industry, Luca Ricci found himself disappointed by the quality of many luxury consumer brands’ leather goods. Sensing an opportunity, in 2017, he launched his own leather goods business, The Dust Company. Handcrafted by a team of eight Italian artisans and featuring classic designs and colors, the Dust Company’s…
Chewing Gum Success: How Neuro Gum Uses Online Tools & Retail Strategies to Thrive
Ten years ago, Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen — elite athletes and best friends — had a bold idea: They wanted to make a product that improved people’s energy, focus, and productivity, but was more portable and effective than an energy drink. The result was Neuro Gum, an all-natural chewing gum containing energizing ingredients, including…
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