Welcome speech for Berry Hill Business Owners Association networking event
Specifically geared toward business owners who have opened stores within the past 12 months
Good afternoon, and welcome to the fourth annual Berry Hill business owners networking event. My name is Melissa Stephens of Melissa Stephens Nail Artistry. I share studio space with Laura B. Salon over on Columbine, between Clippers and the Juice Bar. As you know, Berry Hill is the smallest of Nashville’s satellite cities, but to paraphrase Shakespeare, though we be little, we are fierce! In this room, you will find entrepreneurs who were initially intrigued by the vibrancy of the neighborhood, but stayed because of the camaraderie.
I’ve worked all over Nashville, but I’ve never found a place like Berry Hill. Not only do we support each other as business owners, but the residents support us and recognize that our presence is vital to the appeal of the neighborhood. In turn, we invest in the neighborhood that buoys us. One of the main community drives that we do provides backpacks and other school supplies to the underprivileged children who attend our neighborhood elementary school. We gave out 100 backpacks last year and, with the 10 new members in this room, I hope to double that number this year!
According to an analysis performed by WalletHub.com, Nashville is ranked the 20th best city to start a business, the No. 2 city for young adult business owners and the No. 1 city for women-owned businesses. What we do is recognized on a national level, and we know that with every new business that plants its roots here, our star will only shine brighter. We’re excited to move into the future with you.
Not only do we have a presence on a national level, but we are influencers on a local one. Many of our members consult with the community development team that was recently implemented by Mayor Megan Barry. This team is specifically dedicated to the creative business environment that Nashville fosters, and there is no better cross section to provide feedback than Berry Hill businesses. After all, we have everything from health and beauty, restaurants, retail shops, recording studios, dentists and doctors within our borders.
As you can tell, I’m proud of the work we do and the impact we make. I know that everyone here is committed to carrying on that tradition. Welcome to Berry Hill. Welcome to the future.
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Melissa Stephens Nail Artistry is dedicated to bringing a fun and fabulous nail salon experience to today’s independent working woman. She knows that nail art is an extension of self-expression and believes that every woman should be free to experiment and discover how to best express herself. Learn more at melissastephensnailartistry.com
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