Dazzle Creations
Carolyn Howard, Owner and YEI Graduate
Dazzle creations
Dazzle Creations is a kids party planning business that believes in "over the top" affordable parties specifically designed with youth in mind. In addition to party planning services, Dazzle Creations custom makes birthday outfits including tshirts, tutus, shoes, and accessories. It is founded by Carolyn Howard, a 24 year old mom from Ward 8. She plans to expand her market share using etsy, social media campaigns, and Groupon. If you are planning a kids party in D.C., you can find her previous projects and work on instagram.
X.O. By Xio
Ashley Garland, Owner and YEI Graduate
xo BY xIO
X.O. By Xio is a hair care business that believes in “curls and confidence” and strives to empower young women to be confident in their natural hair. It is founded by Ashley Garland, a 21 year old D.C. licensed stylist from Ward 7 .All of her our products are made from natural ingredients and sulfate free. Ashley has experience working with all hair types and clients which has recently included our current president's daughter. To book an appointment with Ashley or purchase her hair products please email xiomaragarland@gmail.com
Miss T and Co.
Tamara Russell, Owner and YEI Graduate
MISS T AND CO.
Miss T and Co is a event planning business that believes in “every last detail”. Mrs. T and Co specializes in bartending and beverage catering. It is founded by Tamara Russell, a 24 year Alcohol Manager from Ward 7. She plans to expand her products by bottling her own handcrafted "Mocktails" and finding a distributor to help her secure and fulfill national sales. If you are planning a wedding, baby shower, or professional gathering in D.C., you can find her previous projects and work on instagram.
CURRICULUM
PRODUCT ACQUISITION
YEI students learn how to:
- acquire products (through donations and purchases) that they can later sell online in our SwapSHOP
- research the market value of products and and are empowered to decide the best marketplaces on which to buy and sell items.
SALES & MARKETING
- Students learn how to market products for sale in online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy and Craigslist.
- YEI students learn valuable skills in product pricing, profitability, marketing, and professional communication.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
YEI students learn valuable customer service skills in an authentic business environment, including:
- responding to customer queries,
- ensuring on-time shipment, and
- seeking customer feedback.
SHIPPING & LOGISTICS
YEI students:
- manage our inventory of donated and purchased items and
- learn how to package and ship products to customers across the United States.
SHOP WITH US
YEI Enterprises (POPSHOPS) are in-house businesses at Youth Entrepreneur Institute.
These businesses educate our students and provide them with a practical collaborative work experience, as well as creating revenue to support ongoing programming. Students who are a part of an in-house business take on an array of entrepreneurial tasks including research, product development, marketing, negotiations, customer service, and sales.
NativeSHOP
NATIVE is a social enterprise created & run by Youth Entrepreneur Institute. We train and hire "Native Washingtonians" from East of the River DC to create socially & culturally relevant artist products. Products are conceived, designed, manufactured, and sold by YEI students. You can purchase items by shopping with us.
PrintSHOP
Print Shop (PS) is a business that develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of products that incorporate art and fashion, from custom printed t-shirts to tutus, all handmade. Products are created and sold by YEI students. You can purchase items by shopping with us.
MakerSHOP
Maker Shop (MS) is a business that develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of products that incorporate digital imaging and personal fabrication, from greeting cards to iPhone cases to laser engraved picture frames, all using the latest technology. Products are conceived, designed, manufactured, and sold by YEI students. You can purchase items by shopping with us.
CosmeticSHOP
Cosmetic Shop (CS) is a business that manufactures and sells a variety of natural body care products including soaps and bath bombs. Products are created and sold by YEI students. You can purchase items by shopping with us.
SwapSHOP
SwapShop (SS) is an online resale business. Students sell items donated or consigned to YEI using online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. Best-selling items include computers, video games, and iPhones. Students engage in all facets of the business, including research, item listing, customer service and correspondence, and packaging and shipping.