May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and our latest small business spotlight focuses on three local small businesses. These three small businesses serve families in the Chesapeake, VA area and beyond. Read on to find out more about Enchantalot, Filipino Accents Clothing and Accessories, and Klassic Doughnuts and see how you can support them.
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Lily Greco, owner and founder of Enchantalot LLC
I asked Lily to introduce us to her princess character business, Enchantalot, and here is what she had to say!
Enchantalot was a project a long time in the making. I spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas and curating the costumes and supplies. I just wanted everything to be “just so” when we officially launched even though I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect. Starting a new business never is. You can’t control everything. I officially filed for the LLC and bought the domain on January 1st of 2023 and we’ve been making magic ever since!
Right now, if you email us, I’ll be the one answering. I wear a lot of different hats. I’m a performer, manager, and I’m also in charge of making sure the costumes stay in tip-top shape. The character entertainment industry is HUGE. There are big businesses with huge staffs but mostly there are small ones. We’re still very new so that’s part of the reason why I’m doing so much by myself. As our clientele grows, I’ll probably have to get some help. Right now, I’m mainly focused on hiring more performers who are enthusiastic about supporting our mission. I aspire to have a diverse cast that can accurately portray characters of color.
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As much as I love working behind the scenes, I’m a performer at heart. I really enjoy getting into character. When I’m performing I take on the character’s mannerisms and her unique voice. It’s like improv acting. The performing aspect is something I’m very passionate about. To me, it’s just as important, if not more important than fancy gowns (although those are fun too).
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Advice for aspiring business owners?
Don’t be afraid to accept help! You probably want to be self-sufficient(which is great!) and it may seem intimidating or even embarrassing to ask questions or accept help when it’s offered. Don’t feel ashamed. It doesn’t make you any less of a girl boss. I had a friend help me develop my website, friends have helped me take photos, and I’ve found an amazing community of other small business owners online who have answered my questions. There are also resources for small businesses in your area. Take advantage! There are people out there who want to help your small business succeed.
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Melanie Sanchez-Fajardo Perone, owner of Melanie Perone Designs and Filipino Accents Clothing and Accessories
Read about Melanie's journey as a small business owner, in her own words.
After 18 years in the sign industry as a graphic designer, I took a leap of faith in 2020 and started my own business, Melanie Perone Designs. My passion for art and crafting led me to this new chapter. I specialize in logo designs, banners, business cards, vehicle wraps, personalized gifts, home decor, and more. It's truly been a rewarding journey so far, and I'm grateful to be doing what I love.
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In 2022, I proudly launched Filipino Accents Clothing and Accessories, a brand that celebrates and shares the beauty of Filipino culture through fashion. My goal was to create more than just stylish pieces. I aimed to craft educational tools which would promote cultural awareness and appreciation by incorporating iconic Filipino images and delicacies in Tagalog, with English translations into my designs. I am hoping to empower the Filipino community to proudly showcase their heritage. The custom jewelry, traditional and branded clothing, and home decor accents the unique touches of the Filipino culture, embodying my company's mission to inspire Filipino pride and unity.
The most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship for me is witnessing the joy and excitement on people's faces when they discover my merchandise. Seeing my creations bring happiness to others is truly fulfilling. Additionally, I relish the opportunity to connect with fellow small business owners, sharing experiences, building meaningful relationships within our supportive community, and encouraging each other to reach our full potential. These moments make all the hard work worthwhile!
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When I dream, I dream big! In 2024, I brought a bold vision to life with my concept of "The Jeepney Boutique." My idea inspired the transformation of a shuttle bus into a vibrant jeepney mobile shopping experience. Jeepneys are a popular mode of transportation and an iconic symbol of Philippine culture. I travel to local vendor markets, sharing not only my products but also a piece of my heritage with the Hampton Roads community. By combining brand awareness, cultural connection, and fun, I create an immersive experience that draws people in and inspires pride among the Filipino community. Many have said that they are thrilled to see their Filipino culture being represented. With the Jeepney Boutique's colorful design and infectious energy that surrounds it, it is quickly becoming a crowd favorite, spreading joy and excitement wherever it goes.
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The Hochstetler Family, owners of Klassic Doughnuts
Owned and operated by the Hochstetler family, the name "Klassic" actually comes from the names of the family members:
- Karisa
- Lavon
- and
- Shane
- Sequoia
- Ian
- Chase
The story of Klassic Doughnuts, as told by Karisa Hochstetler
In 2018, we as a family were looking to make a little side income and wanted something that we could do together on the weekends. We talked about and looked at many different ideas.
Our church's youth group had made doughnuts as a fundraiser a couple times and people loved them and always asked if they could make them more often. So we decided to look into what it would take to start a little doughnut business.
We knew some friends who had a doughnut business for their full time job so we asked them lots of questions. As we started learning what all was involved with a doughnut business we quickly found ourselves getting into it deeper and deeper. We discovered there was a lot of paperwork to be completed and equipment to be purchased. Once we had finally completed all the paperwork and purchased all the equipment which turned out to be a lot more items and more expensive than we originally planned, we were ready to get started making some doughnuts.
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We started out loading up all the equipment (tent, mixer, fryer, tables etc.) in a small trailer and our tan dodge caravan. It was quite a process to get it all loaded and unloaded but we quickly figured how to do it quickly and efficiently. We would set up our tent on Saturdays at different locations a couple weekends during the summer and fall. It was very enjoyable working together as a family and there was something each of us could do even the youngest at only 8 years old.
In 2019 we set up the tent on Saturdays as well as picking up a Wednesday evening market.
Then at the end of 2019 we took the leap and ordered a custom food trailer to use instead of the tent.
In 2020 when Covid started we were unsure how the season would go but we decided to just start and do our best to figure out how to make it work with all the covid restrictions and uncertainty. We used the tent until the trailer was finally ready to go in the fall of 2020.
During this time of trying to get the business off the ground and on its own two feet my husband was working full time which made for a crazy schedule.
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Then in May of 2021 my husband quit his full time job of 20 years to start the new season so we could go full time making doughnuts out of the trailer. Our two oldest Shane and Sequoia started working full time as well and we started going out Tuesday - Saturday.
We love our customers and think they are the best ever. It warms our hearts seeing customers' faces as they are getting their “doughnut fix” as well as seeing our customers in line interacting and connecting with other customers. We love seeing all the posts people make about and with the doughnuts.
A business like this brings challenges and one we face daily is trying to make doughnuts fast enough so that our customers don't need to wait in a long line. As a solution we recently purchased a new bigger trailer that is on the way so hopefully we will have it ready by the fall. It will have two fryers so we will be able to make doughnuts more quickly!
A family business is such a joy but it can also be stressful working with family. However we do enjoy working together and seeing how efficient and organized we can be together. We also love the many various discussions that happen at work and playing games like "would you rather." As we continue to serve the community, we want to bless all those we meet and serve.
Thanks once again to these three local small business owners for sharing your story with Chesapeake, VA and the world!
If you are a small business owner in Chesapeake, VA please claim your FREE business directory listing HERE.
