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With Divine Inspiration Dawn Kelly's Nourish Spot Brings Healthy Food Choices To South Jamaica & Queens
Dawn Kelly, is making her mark in business history in South Jamaica. She is continuing a legacy of innovative entrepreneurs in the area of Southeast Queens and Jamaica, NYC. Her entrepreneurial prospects are looking very promising.
Kelly follows in the footsteps of highly successful almost legendary business owners from the the area like Russell Simmons, 50 Cent, and Daymond Johns of FUBU and TV fame, Richard Parsons (former CEO of AOL/Time Warner), and Essence Owner and Co-founder of the billion dollar Sundial and Shea Moisture brands Richelieu Dennis. She tells an engaging story of modest but noteworthy beginnings with a grand vision of the future of her business.
The U.S. SBA's (Small Business Administration) New York District Office selected Dawn Kelly, owner of The Nourish Spot in Jamaica, as its "Microbusiness Person of the Year for 2019." According to the SBA "a microbusiness is a company that’s been in business at least one year and employs fewer than five employees."
Kelly follows in the footsteps of highly successful almost legendary business owners from the the area like Russell Simmons, 50 Cent, and Daymond Johns of FUBU and TV fame, Richard Parsons (former CEO of AOL/Time Warner), and Essence Owner and Co-founder of the billion dollar Sundial and Shea Moisture brands Richelieu Dennis. She tells an engaging story of modest but noteworthy beginnings with a grand vision of the future of her business.
The U.S. SBA's (Small Business Administration) New York District Office selected Dawn Kelly, owner of The Nourish Spot in Jamaica, as its "Microbusiness Person of the Year for 2019." According to the SBA "a microbusiness is a company that’s been in business at least one year and employs fewer than five employees."
Kelly was selected as SBA’s Microbusiness Person of the Year, for her unique, innovative and creative health food store. This is very impressive because a SBA representative for the area noted that there are over "1 million businesses in the region where Dawn was selected as Microbusiness Person of the Year."
It has been reported that "people discouraged Kelly from starting her company, fearing that the neighborhood would not support a health food business, but she followed her dream and is proving that her creative leadership and unique idea can make the business a success." Despite the fact her prospects for success were questionable to some Kelly is feeling divinely inspired to go forth with her vision.
Dawn Kelly also relies on very dedicated family members to help her reach her goals and develop a truly standout business. She credits beginning the business with invaluable assistance from her "30 year old son Owen (he created the logo), and my 28 year old daughter Jade (she is a trained chef and created most of our menu selections)."
The Nourish Spot boasts a nutritious selection of natural fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, salads, soups, sandwich wraps and more. I was able to get Dawn to take a little time from her busy schedule and answer a few questions about her background and the future direction of her business. Her interview follows below...
Dawn: I was born in Harlem Hospital. My parents moved to Astoria, Queens, in early 1960s. We then moved from the Ravenswood Houses, to Cambria Heights, and I entered the 2nd grade at P.S. 147Q now Ronald McNair Elementary School.
Dawn Kelly also relies on very dedicated family members to help her reach her goals and develop a truly standout business. She credits beginning the business with invaluable assistance from her "30 year old son Owen (he created the logo), and my 28 year old daughter Jade (she is a trained chef and created most of our menu selections)."
The Nourish Spot boasts a nutritious selection of natural fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, salads, soups, sandwich wraps and more. I was able to get Dawn to take a little time from her busy schedule and answer a few questions about her background and the future direction of her business. Her interview follows below...
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| Dawn Kelly At Her Nourish Spot Location |
Kamau: Can you tell us a little about your background and life growing up in Southeast Queens?
Dawn: I was born in Harlem Hospital. My parents moved to Astoria, Queens, in early 1960s. We then moved from the Ravenswood Houses, to Cambria Heights, and I entered the 2nd grade at P.S. 147Q now Ronald McNair Elementary School.
My family, mother, father, young brother, sister and I then lived in
Cambria Heights, until we moved to Laurelton, immediately before I entered Martin
Van Buren High School. I played softball for Cambria Heights Sports
Association, even playing on a championship team before going off to
college.
I worked as a baby sitter and then as a cashier at, Consumers,
the first grocery store on Merrick Blvd and the Belt Parkway.
Graduating with honors from high school at sixteen years young, off to
Howard University I went.
Ridgewood Savings Bank on Merrick Blvd and
Francis Lewis Boulevard gave me my first student loan. Every time I
drive past that bank, I smile. They financially empowered me to go away
to an HBCU.
Kamau: What inspired you to go into your present business in the South Jamaica?
Kamau: What inspired you to go into your present business in the South Jamaica?
Dawn: My role at Prudential Financial Inc. was
eliminated and I wasn't ready to retire. After grieving my job loss, I
received divine guidance and inspiration to create a juice bar and with
God's help the idea and concept manifested. It was challenging to get
the entire project completed but I am proud I was able to succeed.
Kamau: What are some of the menu choices you offer in your nourishing eatery?
Kamau: What are some of the menu choices you offer in your nourishing eatery?
Dawn: I offer
smoothies, natural juice blends, greek yogurt parfaits, fruit cups,
protein waffles, salads and sandwich wraps. In the winter, we offer soup
and oatmeal.
We offer ginger, radish, turmeric and wheatgrass shots,
whole fresh fruit, as well as fruit and nut bars. You can see a full menu
for your review.
