anticipated revenues of $6 million. Upcoming films include Bury Me Standing and Exactly Like You.
Le Creatif
TYPE OF BUSINESS Interior Design
CEO/PRESIDENT Angela Page
LOCATION Atlanta
www.lecreatifdesigns.com
“I couldn’t deny it,” explains Angela Page of her decision to end her accounting career and pursue her love of interior design. Page, 33, who studied accounting in college, also made the difficult decision to go back to school to get a degree in her new field. In 2000, she founded Le Creatif, a company that specializes in custom home designs.
Thankfully, Page has never struggled to maintain a client base, thanks to Atlanta’s thriving housing market. “My main market has always been young urban professionals.” She notes that a resurgence of condominiums and lofts, and their decorating dilemmas, has boosted profits.
This year, there will be major changes for Page, personally and professionally. July is the estimated opening of Le Creatif Gallery, a two-story space that will display sample projects and retail custom textiles, bedding, and drapery. She projects this year’s revenues to be $650,000. A city girl at heart, Page is in the process of moving back to the city after years of suburban life. She is proof that it is never too late to find your passion. “I always thought I wanted to be corporate, but everything I touched turned into something creative.”
Teenpreneur Award NOMINEES
This award recognizes entrepreneurs age 18 and under who serve as role models and are committed to advancing the rich tradition of black business achievement.
BLG Publishing
TYPE OF BUSINESS Publishing
CEO/PRESIDENT Brandon L. Griffin
LOCATION Merillville, IN
www.blgpublishing.com
While the publishing industry has been glamorized in film and television, Brandon Griffin knows it takes countless hours of effort and determination. As publisher and editor of FyeBye magazine (For young entrepreneurs … By young entrepreneurs), the 18-year-old launched the premiere issue in September 2006 after two years of planning. The magazine has covered topics relevant to young adults, including self-help articles on networking, managing your credit, and how to start your own business.
In Griffin’s eyes, the publication is more than a labor of love; it’s an outlet for aspiring entrepreneurs and writers to come together for a common goal. Other companies have confidence in his vision. The first issue scored advertisements from Comcast and Wendy’s.
This fall, Griffin will be studying business marketing. However, BLG will not be far behind. Besides producing the magazine, Griffin will continue to design personalized Websites for individuals and businesses. In 2006, revenues were nearly $8,700, and Griffin plans to see increased profits throughout 2007.
In selecting the award nominees, a committee of BLACK ENTERPRISE editors and conference coordinators pored over hundreds of business plans and nomination forms. Once preliminary nominees were selected, be’s research department conducted further due diligence to determine the strongest candidates. For information on the 2008 Small Business Awards or to nominate a business or entrepreneur, go to blackenterprise.com.
Cotrac Co.
TYPE OF BUSINESS Retail
CEO/PRESIDENT Joel Williams Jr.
LOCATION Troy, TX
www.smartbuttonshoes.com
Most 13-year-olds don’t boast the title of entrepreneur. But for Joel Williams, creating a full-service business was not just the right thing to do, but