SPQ Beauty Spotlight: Iyana Tennon Owner of Yana’s Eyes | By Simone L. Lee

Yana's EyesI recently had the pleasure to speak with Iyana Tennon, creator and owner of Yana’s Eyes a makeup brush line. Yana’s Eyes brushes are for everyone no matter your level. Tennon’s product line is not exclusive to brushes, but lashes, glitz for the eyes and body care essentials. We chatted via IG video, about her fabulous brush line, life in Florida and what’s next for her. Continue reading

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Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Brittany McDonald and Dr. Moshood Martins of Precision Orthodontics have partnered to provide free public wifi in Uptown.

Dr. Brittany McDonald and Dr. Moshood Martins

Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Brittany McDonald and Dr. Moshood Martins of Precision Orthodontics have partnered to provide free public wifi in Uptown.

As a result of COVID-19, now more than ever, access to the internet is critical for both work and school leaving people heavily reliant on technology. Coupled with the financial strain many families are facing during these times, there can be a gap in access.

To help bridge this gap in access, Dr. Brittany McDonald of Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh and Dr. Moshood Martins of Precision Orthodontics worked with Meta Mesh Wireless Communities to provide free, fast, and reliable public Wi-Fi to the Uptown Community. The initial site for installation of this pilot project is on Jumonville Street and Fifth Avenue providing over 200,000 square feet of coverage, including a homeless shelter for women with dependent children. The service will be supported for 5 years.  Continue reading

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Historic Fairview Park | By Marcia Liggett

During an era where segregation was openly thriving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, many African Americans created lasting fond memories at Fairview Park.

It became a place of recreation and entertainment for African Americans who, at the time, were not permitted to swim in pools or enter dance halls at venues such as Kennywood Park.

Fairview Park Board president Anita Jackson-Lowe, affectionately known as “Miss Anita,” explained how the park came into existence. “The Monongahela Valley Sunday School Association assembled in 1918 to acquire land to provide a place of recreation for our Black children.” The group eventually purchased 106 acres of land in Delmont, Pennsylvania, during 1945 from George Emricko for $35,000. They currently own 55 of the original acres, having sold some to pay levied taxes. Continue reading

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SPQ Business Spotlight: Jamal Etienne-Harrigan | By Evangelist Terina J. Hicks

Terina J. Hicks: What is the name of your company, and what services or products do you offer?

Jamal Etienne-Harrigan: The Smokey City’s 412 BBQ is the name of the company. We split the brands we offer, with 412 BBQ now being only Food/BBQ based and then Uncle Jammy’s being the Sauce and Dry Rub lines.

TJH: Why did you decide to start this particular business?

JE-H: I decided to start the business back in 2008 when I lost my job at Quaker Steak and Lube. I had been making sauces for friends since 2005. I finally made it official in March of 2015.

TJH: What obstacles did you face in a startup; what resources did you use?

JE-H: Cash and lack of knowledge were the most significant obstacles; they go hand in hand. Anytime you start something from nothing, the R&D is going to be off the charts and expensive; working with food and consumables makes it even more difficult. I used two different SBDC in two cities. I visited with SCORE, URA, Paramount Co-Op, Riverside Center for Innovation, and of course, the Business Center at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh. I believe beyond all else, you should max out all free resources before you attempt to quit your day job. I have a new appreciation of the phrase, and I understand why – because people aren’t aware of everything a business needs to produce to cover your paycheck and benefits.

TJH: Why did you choose this organization to assist you with your business needs, and how were they able to help?

JE-H: I went to several organizations over the 5+ years in business, but it’s only been at this point where I have been aggressive in assimilating relevant information. Each organization had a part in upgrading our knowledge. We received funding from the URA, which required a business plan (they provided outside consultants to help with Technical Assistance). We also used Paramount Co-Op to polish the plan we initiated with the University of Pittsburgh. The Business Center at Carnegie Library is where we received help with traditional and technical data related to our field. Riverside Center for Innovation assisted with the review of the fundamentals, we revised our business plan, relearned about other segments of our business (e.g., accounting, insurance, sales and more), to refine our approach.

TJH: How long has the small business resource department been in existence at the Carnegie Library; what services are available for small/startup businesses; are these services available at all library branches?

JE-H: I can’t tell you how long they have been in existence, but I can tell you the Book-a-Librarian program is what I used, and it was well worth it. I couldn’t have compiled raw data alone without the Library’s assistance. I believe they offer this program at their branches.

TJH: Where can our readers find your products, and do you plan to expand?

JE-H: Our products can be ordered online at www.UncleJammys.com. You will find our products at Whole Foods (Wexford and South Hills), Tom Friday’s Meat Market (Brighton Heights), Olive Tap (Strip District) and, Janoski’s Farm (Clinton); keep checking our website as we are at work to place our products in more area stores.

TJH: Share your contact information with our readers.

JE-H: The Smokey City’s 412 BBQ | P: 412-944-2974 | UncleJammy@412BBQ.com |

www.412BBQ.com | www.UncleJammys.com

This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2020). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.

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Minding Your Business: Structured Strategies LLC | By Dessie Bey

“Whether it’s in a training workshop, one-on-one coaching or during an action-oriented strategy session, clients will leave with the necessary tools and insight needed to address specific issues and can expect to be inspired and re-energized.” Structured Strategies works to help teams and frontline leaders (directors, managers, supervisors and small business owners) organize the noise and infuse a culture of growth, effective communication, and accountability.

Kesi Howard, CEO and founder of Structured Strategies says “watching the fruits of my labor come to life is both exhilarating and scary. Freedom to grow and concentrate on things that bring me professional happiness excites me because we often exist in the workplace based on how others tell us to exist. It is so satisfying to have the freedom to exist in a way that feeds my soul and closes loops in how businesses coexist with employees, customers, and communities.” Continue reading

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We Got Issues: Oodles O’ Noodles Babies | by Pierre Pinson

The chow hall was serving pork for dinner. I crushed up two packs of noodles and poured them into my bowl. I realized that I had been eating noodles since I was a small child. With my pops missing in action and my mom at work, I had to learn how to boil water and make noodles. It was the natural order of things, a rite of passage. It dawned on me, Oodles 0′ Noodles were one of my first lessons in independence; a lesson that ultimately prepared me for the cycle of abandonment that I was to experience. Continue reading

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SPQ Music Scene: Nicole Mitchell Gantt, Hail to Pitt!! | By Brian Suber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On July 1, 2019, the University of Pittsburgh’s Music Department embarks on a new era. On this date, the university will introduce the William S. Dietrich II Endowed Chair in Jazz Studies Professor Nicole Mitchell Gantt as the director of Jazz Studies and director of the Creative Arts Ensemble.

Since it’s baseball season, it’s fitting to use a sports metaphor, the University has hit a home run with their latest appointment. In fact, it hit a bottom of the ninth inning, two-out walk-off grand slam! Professor Gantt is a giant of an artist and a veritable beast of a player, composer, and bandleader. Continue reading

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An Offering: Green Empress Juice Spot and Diasporic Boutique | by Dessie Bey

  “I was told I had cells that were becoming cancerous. I went on a two-week juice cleanse and decided to be vegan. When I revisited the doctor, my cells were normal and I had optimal health,” said Ebony Naimah Zanuwa. Ebony is determined to create a health and wellness atmosphere for the community after several of her family members suffered from depression and died from cancer and diabetes.

Ebony’s first job was at Wendy’s, “After eight hours I had sore and swollen feet. I thought about how I would do things differently if I were the boss.” Inspired by her grandmother who owned a mom and pop store, Ebony also desired to make money and have freedom simultaneously.

“My grandmother had eight children and took care of business. Nothing stopped her. She was and still is the strongest woman I know.” Continue reading

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Something OLD…Something NEW |The Project Love Coalition by Sheila Beasley

This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2019). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved. Click article for larger view.

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Khamil Scantling | Transplants Transforming Pittsburgh

This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2019). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.

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