Four Black-Owned Businesses Compete in the Next Show of Hands
WHEELING, W.Va. – Jan. 18, 2023 – Wheeling Heritage announced today that four Black-owned businesses will be competing for the next Show of Hands event on Feb. 8 in honor of Black History Month. This special edition of Show of Hands will feature four black entrepreneurs who will showcase the products and services they offer our community in hopes of taking home the top prize.
At the event, owners of the following businesses will be making presentations:
Movers 4 You: Daniel Pearson created a local and long distance full service moving company located here in Wheeling. Employing local people, Movers 4 You keeps most of their work local in Wheeling, giving the city a new enlightenment on the packing and moving business. Movers 4 You hopes to win Show of Hands to invest in a new work truck and supplies, along with media and news advertising.
Little Blessings Childcare: Tarrika Jenkins with Little Blessings Childcare helps to educate the future kids of Wheeling while providing childcare to Wheeling residents. By winning Show of Hands, Jenkins plans to purchase new furniture, supplies and an outdoor play area for the children.
Just Me &More Salon: Rica Dabney has established herself in the Wheeling beauty business. Focusing on hair extensions, color, braid, make-up, waxing and more, the salon offers birthday parties, holds focus groups on keeping healthy hair and provides information for breast cancer. Dabney prides her salon in helping to make women and men of all ages and race feel better about themselves. Just Me &More Salon hopes to win Show of Hands to add a nail station area with partitions, new workstations, signage for the building and advertising.
Vondel Bell: Vondel Bell is a professional portrait artist, painter, muralist, graphic designer and clothing designer. He uses his brand, VISIONARY to motivate indiduvals to reach their full potential, in whatever area they pursue. He uses his artistic ability to bring vibrant and color art to the city through murals, portrait paintings and pop-up shops for other clothing brands. If voted the winner of Show of Hands, Bell plans to expand his clothing brand and investing in art supplies.
Wheeling Heritage recognizes Black History Month and honors the successes and struggles that the African American culture has had throughout the U.S. According to the Small Business Administration, Black-owned businesses make up over 3 million businesses in the U.S. In Wheeling alone, there are over 20 small businesses that are Black-owned businesses.
Show of Hands has awarded more than $105,000 to support small businesses and projects in Wheeling. In addition to program sponsors, attendees pay $5 at the door to vote on the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The presenter who receives the most votes will be awarded more than $4,000 from our Friends of Show of Hands, plus door donations, to put toward their project.
This program is generously funded by Orrick, our corporate sponsor, and our Friends of Show of Hands. Orrick donates $1,000 to each Show of Hands while our Friends of Show of Hands contributes $250 to each event. Friends of Show of Hands includes Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Brian Joseph- Touchstone Research Laboratory, Warwood Armature, H. Lawrence Jones and Sue Blevins, Rabbi Joshua Lief & Rebecca Lief, Sikora Montessori, Bridgeway Capital, Will and Tracey Turani, Dan Joseph, Wheeling VW-Subaru, FXB and Barb & Fuzz LaRue.
If interested in becoming a Friend of Show of Hands, please contact Cassie Minder at cminder@wheelingheritage.org.
The next Show of Hands event is scheduled for Feb. 8 on the third floor of the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street in Wheeling. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with presentations starting at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring $5 cash for their opportunity to vote. Online voting will be available closer to the event date.
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.
