Representation counts. It’s not just a motto or a saying. For Caeresa Richards, owner of Ecodessa, it’s a way of life that has evolved over the long road to the present day.
“Before I started Ecodessa, I was an engineer. I worked in engineering for a while,” he said. “During that time, I’ve always been interested in fashion, and I always envisioned myself owning a boutique when I retired.”
What he considers an “early retirement” has turned into a successful store with customers from all over the country. Salt City‘s downtown roots have led to Ecodessa as a brand becoming something that makes a living.
“I wanted to do this to start a conversation and encourage others to see themselves as downtown business owners and take risks to open businesses there, because it really is a risk,” he said.
This risk is increasingly becoming a benefit as the trend of minority-owned businesses is on the rise in downtown areas. Take, for example, All Things Plush on Jefferson Avenue, owned by Ciarah Richards.
“Being in this amazing spot downtown has caught a lot of people walking back and forth,” he said.
All Things Plush has ever been a home customization operation that helps represent history and passion.
“I always sold when I got to high school. I took a fashion class and it was more embroidery,” Ciarah said. “Later in life, after I had my son who turned 8, and I thought it was age or my grandma made me pajamas and stuff.”
As part of a Black Equity and Excellence grant created by New York’s Central Community Foundation, grants from the Ecodessa retail incubator were born, and five businesses in prominent downtown storefronts are run by proud women of color.
“It means a lot because I built it from the ground up. I went from my house to a downtown store, which for a black woman in business means a lot because there aren’t a lot of black women downtown,” Ciarah said.
For many, downtown is coming back to life, more like a community as a whole.
“I feel like there’s been a renaissance of black women business owners lately, so it means a lot to be a part of that,” Richards said.
“I feel like what I brought was awareness of a challenge in our community,” Caeresa added. “I’m glad that people notice that I’m so excited. I’ll be very happy if that’s the only thing I did downtown.
Caeresa and Richards understand that initial ownership is half the battle. Five Incubator Grant winners and many more are creating a network of Black business owners that will stand the test of time with mentorship and resources.
