It’s a great day for 100 small businesses in Greater Jacksonville and surrounding areas. 👏 Today, Comcast announced the newest recipients of its nationally recognized grant program, Comcast RISE. These local entrepreneurs are about to embark on an educational journey, with hopes of bringing their businesses to the next level. For a full list of the 2024 Comcast RISE recipients including the 100 small businesses in Greater Jacksonville, click here. Meet a few of the winners below. 👇
Let’s learn more about just some of the newest Comcast RISE recipients.
Carisa Brown, Owner of Jazz Poetry Café
Carisa Brown is the owner of Jazz Poetry Café, described as a mobile, modern-day cabaret designed to bring patrons back in time. With a moody atmosphere, live band and poetry readings, the experience is designed to evoke nostalgia and make you forget about today’s worries.
Brown never saw herself being an entrepreneur but after studying business and getting her start in the music industry, she felt called to something more. She started out as a “momager” to her son and soon got requests to manage others. With a pool of talent under her wing, Brown created No Fear Productions.
Brown, a Jacksonville native, wanted to create a way for her talent to thrive without having to leave the city. She started Jazz Poetry Café seven years ago to give her artists the exposure they deserve. Now, Jazz Poetry Café has locations in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Brunswick with mobile events across the country. Brown takes a selfless approach to running her business and is all about supporting her community.
“Businesses who invest in people last. I invest in people before I invest in myself,” said Brown. “If I can help one person, then I’ve done my job.”
Moyishe Ken Moore, owner of International Blades & Shears
International Blades & Shears is a decade old, vintage-style barbershop and shaving parlor that mixes the old school art of barbering with modern practices to deliver personalized experiences. This small business is owned by veteran Moyishe Ken Moore. Moore currently operates two locations in Jacksonville, one in Historic Avondale and another in Downtown LaVilla.
The services offered at International Blades & Shears include haircuts, shaving and skincare. Customers can find beard trimming, facials, hot towel shaves, traditional or tailored cuts.
Moore expressed how excited he is to start using the resources that Comcast RISE will provide for him and his business.
“I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish with this grant,” said Moore. “I am particularly looking forward to the professional business consultation and how much we can grow from it. This is also going to allow us to be get more involved and give back to our local community.”
Sherene Phillips, Owner of Honie Bees Boutique and Treats
Sherene Phillips grew up in the kitchen, learning the love of baking from her mother and grandmother. Baking is simply in her DNA. As she got older, the craft remained as an important part of her life. While Phillips worked in the corporate world, she routinely made baked goods for loved ones. The hobby quickly grew into a businesses and got too big for her home. The success led Phillips to open the first Honie Bees Boutique and Treats storefront in 2017.
Through social media and word of mouth, Honie Bees kept growing in popularity.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned as a business owner is networking, networking, networking,” said Phillips. “Using the tools available to you can take your business to the next level.”
Today, Phillips sells her cakes online including custom cakes for parties and weddings. She’s also developed creative concepts like “Cake in a Can” which she sells to local Jacksonville stores and “Cake Parties” that allow everyone to try their hand at cake decorating!
Pedro Reyes, owner of PYR Millwork
Founded in 2019, PYR Millwork is a family-owned and operated small business led by Pedro Reyes. Today, this local small business employs seven full-time employees and provides additional work seasonally throughout the year. PYR Millwork specializes in home renovations, as well as the creation and installation of custom interior carpentry. Some of their work includes accent walls, cabinets, closets, coffered ceilings, entertainment centers, floating shelves and pantries.
Reyes and his family are originally from Venezuela. They have been in Jacksonville seven years. He credits the opening of PYR Millwork to his father, whose support drove Pedro to take a leap of faith to become an entrepreneur.
“PYR Millwork exists thanks to the support of my father.” said Reyes. “He encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and open my own business despite my fears and insecurities. Now with Comcast RISE, I want to expand the reach of my company and contribute to the economic growth of the community I live in.”
To learn more about this program, visit www.ComcastRISE.com.
