If you follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, you know that, as an entrepreneur, I often have the privilege of traveling to amazing locations for business meetings and, along the way, meet with incredible people. Recently, I completed the second of two research trips to Savannah, learning the landscape and considering new collaborative opportunities for Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC. The city is both relaxed and vibrant, making room for the arts, business, and education. Entrepreneurs and the expertise, skill, and support they bring to the community are welcomed and enjoyed. Some of the greatest learning about the city has come from other entrepreneurs. I congratulate their amazing contributions to the city and extend gratitude for their generosity!
- Joni Saxon-Giusti purchased the Book Lady Bookstore 20 years ago from the former woman owner. She and her team, including Chris, have great local facts and a wonderful collection of new and used books to share. Thank goodness they ship so I didn’t have to buy another suitcase!
- Mashama Bailey and the entire Grey Restaurant team provided a warm welcome and amazing nourishment. Please read the book, “The Black, White, and The Grey,” written by Mashama and her business partner and friend John Morisano. It tells the story of their lives and their convergence to make the old Greyhound Bus Station into a redemptive story that takes us beyond (but not to forget) the legacy of the colored waiting room that existed in this building.
- Whitney Hall is the owner and curator of HallofSneakz. I came of age as sneakers moved from just another pair of kicks to serve as both art and function. I have always had an appreciation, but lately, I am paying attention in a different way. The sneaker game was so amazing during my recent trip to Venice, Italy that I started asking people to let me take pictures of their sneakers. Whitney has been collecting sneakers for a long time and has built quite a following. She exemplifies the ideas that businesses grow in a variety of ways. She began with an online store and now has put down roots with a brick and mortar presence that you can find on your walk from Forsythe Park as you head to the Riverfront.
- Robin and Andy Napoli at Jones & Bull spent 10 years visiting Savannah from their home in Chicago and sourcing items for their beautiful store which opened in May 2022 in the Savannah Historic District. This is hands down one of the most charming home and style decor shops ever to be found (they let me crash their opening party)! Go by to wish them a happy one year anniversary and pick something unique and vintage to take home. I hold the distinction of being their first shipping customer!
- I had an unexpected and super fun stop into Pop Vault, which is owned by Ricky Patel. He hails from the UK and in a few short years has created a great business concept that caters to the young and old that love anime and gaming. You can find cards, games, posters, and even food and treats from Japan. Pop Vault is now in three Georgia locations: Brunswick, Hinesville, and Savannah. The team is knowledgeable and welcoming. It was great to talk business and learn how Pop Vault is creating value and success.
- Daniel Kaminsky is an historian and trained attorney who moved back home to Savannah to open the Savannah Galleries in 1968. While the shop has thousands of square feet of stories from all over the world, Daniel is the best story, having sustained a business for over 50 years! Stop in to meet Daniel and the Assistant Gallery Director, Paula. Make sure you have some time to linger to learn about the furniture, paintings, tapestries, and all things Savannah. You will be famished after your extraordinary visit, so have your reservation for the Pink Lady restaurant made in advance and walk the two blocks over to enjoy a great meal.
Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC is a certified National Supplier Development Council Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Administration (SBA) Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) woman-owned company. The company is comprised of a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm; Looking Forward Lab, a media content company focused on Gen Z, which partners with corporations and higher education systems to offer a full-service learning engagement model that delivers workforce development solutions; and Cooper + Lowe, an incubator for women interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship and thought leadership using the tools of a company that has successfully scaled.
