Grant Winner Turns Clubhouse Introduction into Thriving Small Business
What could $3,000 do for your business? For Monet Dyson, winning the Flourish Media Small Business Grant fueled the growth of Dipped N Color, an art subscription box for children. In this interview, she shares how the grant impacted her business and the most important investments she made.
At Flourish Media we want to help the next generation of businesswomen achieve their dreams. That mission will be on full display Feb. 17 - 18 at the Flourish Media Conference in Miami, FL, where we will offer tools and strategies for women entrepreneurs to learn tools and strategies to build successful online brands. Because our ethos is all about putting our money where our mouth is, we are celebrating this annual event by giving away three grants to emerging and established women entrepreneurs for $1,000 each. One grant will be given to a random ticket holder, so be sure to get your ticket here.
How did winning the business grant change the way you saw your business?
Winning changed the way I saw my business because it furthered the validation of my business and who I serve. It meant that others saw something in the brand that I'm working hard to bring to life.
Why did you decide to apply?
I decided to apply because there was a need financially to accelerate the growth of my business.
How has winning the FMC Small Business Grant improved your mindset around applying for other opportunities?
Winning the FMC Small Business Grant improved my mindset around applying for other opportunities because it gave me the confidence to stop second guessing myself and just go for it.
How has your business changed since the day you won the FMC Small Business Grant?
Wow! My business has changed tremendously. It provided me with the funding to hire a brand and marketing strategist so I can articulate my business more clearly and distinguish it from other similar businesses. I was also able to rebrand my business by creating a more appealing logo, new business cards, new product offerings and a better website.
What is your next big milestone within your business?
The next big milestone within my business is launching my "Paint with Me '' subscription box that includes a themed paint kit of all tools needed to paint together on a monthly basis. This launches in January for parents with children between the age 2-6 years old to connect and create together.
What’s something you’ve been working on in your business that you want the world to know?
In addition to the "Paint with Me" subscription box, I have also been working on my website and customers now have the ability to book me to host their own paint parties for select dates and times under the "Paint Party Pack" product.
FMC private Facebook Group has grown significantly in the recent years, how are you using that Facebook Group to help your business flourish?
I am utilizing the Facebook group by taking advantage of the many great grant opportunities that are posted within the group, connecting with other business owners, tuning into lives that provide us strategies we can use for our business, helping one another, and praising each other on our accomplishments.
Why should other women small businesses owners apply for the FMC Small Business Grant?
Other women small business owners should apply for the FMC Small Business Grant because not only will the grant help you financially but having the chance to connect with the amazing women of FMC and putting yourself out there to grow. You won't be disappointed.
The Flourish Media Conference Small Business grant is open to anyone who identifies as a woman and is over the age of 21. Applicants must submit an executive summary, 90-day business plan to enter and upload a 30-second video to Facebook or Instagram. Apply here.
