Maria Carnevale, president
Maria Carnevale was destined to be a small business owner. As a junior at Johnston High School she felt the urge to go into business for herself. She didn’t know when it would happen, but just that it would. The high school DECA program, designed to introduce young teens to the business world, was an elective for her class. Maria decided that this was something that she wanted to explore. The program was a tremendous asset. She not only learned how to be an entrepreneur, but she and her classmates developed a T-shirt business as a class project.
Maria was also very talented and she had a second hobby that involved craftmaking. While she did not consider herself to be an artist, she enjoyed creating with her hands. It was during a West Coast vacation that she noticed several trendy hobby shops. She visited as many of them as she could.
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She noticed that these craft shops were not just places for people to buy knick-knacks, but rather, they were meeting places where customers would interact with each other. This socialization was part of the creative interaction among the clients. While creating, painting, glazing and finishing pottery items to would bring home, they made new friends.
In fact, age was not a barrier. The young and old alike found a common ground at these festive gatherings where color and culture met. They relaxed together to create exceptional pieces of baked glassware that later hung on walls and with these creations came many stories and camaraderie.
Maria had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, social stature and economic class. She was intrigued that this random interaction would allow people to gather socially, to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. It literally gave a new meaning to the phrase “coming together.” This business, which was a learning experience, allowed strangers to share a common interest in a relaxed setting.
The success was evident on the faces of the participants who were meeting new people and learning how to be creative at the same time.
Maria saw that these businesses were booming. She believed this was something that could be successful in Rhode Island.
Deciding to give it a go, Maria looked for a location and a way to finance the business. She approached the Service Corps of Retired Executives for help and guidance. She leaned from SCORE that she was eligible for assistance under the SBA’s Women in Business Pre-Qualification Loan Program. Pre-qual, as it’s called, provides potential small business owners with a helping hand.
This handholding process is facilitated by SCORE volunteers. It is their responsibility to assist the applicants throughout the program to the point of financing. The SCORE person assigned must pre-determine eligibility and assist in ensuring that the business has a sufficient business, marketing and financial plan.
Marilyn Bogue, one of the SBA district office team leaders works with SCORE and the Pre-qual program
Using “Automate Your Business Plan” Software which is available in the SBA’s Business Information Center, Maria began to develop her dream. She also used the reference library to determine the cash flow projections and balance sheet information that is required as part of the business plan.
The development of the business plan helped Maria to understand the financial needs and marketing strategies for this business to be successful. She determined it would take about $40,000 to start the venture. The loan primarily provided working capital, inventory, equipment and leasehold improvements to the location in East Greenwich.
Maria knew that her business was on the right track. During her first year the customers’ interests were varied. She hosted a number of birthday parties with great results. With this initial success she has now combined a retail storefront with a back room where she can provide privacy for her guests who book social events.
She has continued working with the long-term potential of the business, revising the business plan and adding a “Kids Camp” for the summer. Maria has also completed a training program at a local school where the students painted 450 tiles.
Maria’s best advice to other budding entrepreneurs is to follow your dream and never give up.
