The winners of the first-ever Village Launch Pitch Competition are united by their experience in Greenville’s grassroots entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The participants in the pitch contest all graduated either from Nasha Lending, a non-profit that issues micro loans to under-resourced entrepreneurs, or from Village Launch’s Business Entrepreneur Academy, a 10-week cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all backroads.
The winners of the pitch contest, a collaboration between Village Launch and St. Matthew UMC, took home cash prizes, in addition to the affirmation from their peers in the local business community.
Lashonn Edmunds
Winner of the $10,000 St. Matthew UMC of Greenville Grant
CAIRS Shoes is the brainchild of Lashonn Edmunds, who wanted to create fashionable shoes that don’t sacrifice comfort for style — especially for those who have various afflictions on their feet. From pregnant women to those with diabetes, the shoes provide “true stretch” technology that stretches in four directions, allowing for expanded flexibility in a stylish design.
The products especially serve those with lymphedema, an affliction that causes the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked, including the feet, making stylish shoes downright impossible.
Edmunds hopes to change that, and she is currently working alongside Michelin to source materials for her designs.
“Our tagline is, ‘It shouldn’t hurt to look this good,’” Edmunds said.
Jennifer Spears
Winner of the $5,000 SC Community Loan Fund Grant
Jennifer Spears was a massage therapist for years when COVID-19 forced her to hit the brakes. After returning to school to study herbalism, she is opening her new mobile tea bar, The African Violet, later this year.
“When people try my tea, they realize how delicious it is,” Spears aid. “I intentionally blend my teas that way to surprise people and change their assumptions.”
The African Violet mobile tea bar aims to fills a gap in the beverage market, especially at events that cater to coffee, sugary soft drinks and alcohol.
“I have the ability to really customize tea for people and blend it just for them,” Spears said.
Shayla Sadler
Winner of the $2,500 SC Community Loan Fund Grant
While there are plenty of personal training programs available today for physical health, Shayla Sadler realized there was a missing piece in the market: personal training for the mind.
Her mindset coaching program, Empowered for Purpose, aims to change that by creating a private online community that combines practical lessons, community support and mindset training for women.
“You hear people all the time saying, ‘If you change your mindset, you change your life.’ But you don’t always know what that means and what you’re supposed to be doing,” Sadler said.
ReShay Drummond
Winner of the $1,5000 SC Community Loan Fund Grant
ReShay Drummond and her business partner Kevin Simpson both have years of experience in the armed forces — Simpson as an Iraq War combat veteran, Drummund as Marine Corps veteran.
Now they’re using that experience to offer firearm instruction, with a focus on creating an environment for Black women who may be new to gun ownership.
“So many of these firearm owners don’t know enough about safety,” Drummond said. “We need to change that by offering safety training in a way that creates a sense of community for people to engage and feel comfortable learning.”
Target One Firearm Training also educates firearm owners in the rules and regulations for firearm ownership.
Sabrina Reeder
Winner of the $1,000 SC Community Loan Fund Grant
Sabrina Reeder spent years away from her hometown of Greenville, and when she returned, she realized there was so much more to discover.
That’s why she created a new way to replicate the sense of discovery for longtime residents and visitors alike.
Great Greenville Discovery is an event-based program that functions as the “Amazing Race” of Greenville, combining tourism adventure with supporting local businesses.
“It’s helping businesses increase their visibility while also creating that sense of play that people might lose when they live in a city so long without realizing how special it is,” Reeder said.
