Just Me & More Salon Wins Show of Hands: Black-Owned Business Edition
WHEELING, W.Va. – Feb. 9, 2023 – After four local business pitches, Just Me & More Salon walked away with the most votes, winning Wheeling’s special Show of Hands: Black Owned Business Edition. Owner, Rica Dabney, took home $6,070 for her hair salon located on Market Street in Wheeling.
Show of Hands is a community-supported crowdfunded event hosted by Wheeling Heritage. Each presenter had a one-minute video, produced by the Wheeling Heritage media team, that played before they gave their four-minute pitch. Online voting was also available for those who could not be in attendance in person.
In her pitch, Rica introduced her salon and the services she offers. She told a heart-touching story of moving her salon chair and products to the lobby area so a member of the bridal party would feel included, as the way to get to the service area is not handicap accessible. Rica plans to use the prize money toward removing the steps to make her shop accessible for everyone, along with getting better signage and cleaning up the front of the salon.
“There are no words to say. I am truly honored and humbled to win Show of Hands,” said Just Me & More Salon owner, Rica Dabney. “Show of Hands is a great program for us small business owners to enhance and improve our small businesses in Wheeling. Because of this, I am to make my salon accessible for everyone!”
The event’s other presenters included:
- Movers 4 You
- LittleBlessings Childcare Facility
- Vondel Bell
Scott Schenerlein, Wheeling Heritage’s Executive Director, said “Congratulations to Rica and to all the contestants.” Schenerlein continued, “Thanks also to our sponsors and attendees as their support is key in so many ways to making this event a success. Hosting this event is vital for our small business community here in Wheeling. Not only can this help change the course of a business, but to show that our community is behind these businesses is huge.”
The next Show of Hands is scheduled for April 17 at the Wheeling Artisan Center Downtown. Businesses can start applying to be a presenter at our next Show of Hands by visiting Wheeling Heritage’s website. Applications for the next event are do by Friday, March 10. Since its creation in 2014, Show of Hands has given over $111,000 to projects and businesses that make Wheeling a special place to live. Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, also contributes to each event.
About Wheeling Heritage: Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
