Studio, and N-ER-Sound Music Production. The company projects 2008 revenues will surpass $10 million due to Beauchamp’s opening up the playing field with not only the video game’s system compatibility, but also other projects such as a documentary highlighting the legacy of HBCUs.
RISING STAR AWARD NOMINEES
This award recognizes individuals, ages 21-35 whose outstanding skills, professionalism, and perseverance have established them as future business leaders.
Snobby Productions
TYPE OF BUSINESS Interior design
PRESIDENT/CEO Kelly Pryor
PRESIDENT/CEO Mila Santiago Jones
LOCATION Altadena, CA
www.snobbyproductions.com
According to Kelly Pryor and Mila San
tiago Jones, it’s OK to be a bit of a snob. The duo’s Altadena, California-based interior design firm, Snobby Productions, offers the everyday professional sophisticated style at reasonable rates.
The company, launched in 2005, maintains a chic and diverse clientele and handles projects of varying tastes and budgets. Notable clientele include NFL star Chris McAllister and former Spice Girl Mel B., among others. Overseeing everything from idea to implementation, Santiago Jones, 28, and Pryor, 27, take on interior and exterior painting, flooring, remodeling, and design.
While revenues in 2006 stood solid at $200,000, year-end 2007 proved to be even better, with revenues of more than $600,000. The two keep overhead low by advocating for the best prices for their clients as well as being unafraid to roll up their sleeves and work alongside contractors. They anticipate surpassing $800,000 in 2008 because of such ventures as the launch of their own decorative, custom pillow line. In 2007, Snobby Productions was selected as one of the best interior design firms in Los Angeles by online directory Citysearch.
Artyce Designs
TYPE OF BUSINESS Shoe manufacturer and distributor
PRESIDENT/CEO Candra Palmer
LOCATION Los Angeles
www.artycedesigns.com
All that glitters isn’t gold, but it may be Swarovski crystals. Los Angeles-based Artyce Designs is solidifying its place in the niche market of customized women’s shoes and offering women the ultimate say in what goes on their feet. The unique experience allow clients the opportunity to “build” their shoes, selecting height, material, embellishments, and comfort. Sizes range from 6 to 13 and custom tailoring is provided to ensure a perfect fit.
Chicago native Candra Palmer founded Artyce in 2002 and since then, the three-employee company has seen steady growth. In 2007, revenues reached $350,000. Palmer projects that revenues for 2008 will near the $500,000 mark as the company gains more media exposure and, ultimately, additional clients and partnerships. The company has partnerships with area hotels to offer Artyce Designs’ “bridal shower shoe party package” among their event hosting menus. With plans to launch franchise stores around the country, Palmer is proving her mettle as both a designer and entrepreneur-taking this niche market over one step at a time.
Lucid Enterprises L.L.C.
TYPE OF BUSINESS Beverage manufacturer & distributor
PRESIDENT Derek Halliman
LOCATION Atlanta
www.misth2o.com
Though it isn’t the fountain of youth, Mist H2O is definitely a refreshing new venture.
A product of Lucid Enterprises L.L.C., which manufactures bottled water for private companies as well as residential and retail markets, Mist H2O is bottled spring water harvested from Tennessee’s English Mountain Springs. Founded by 34-year-old Derick Halliman in 1997, the company’s revenues in