Congratulations to Cafe de Stir it Up, an Alaskan-based small coffee shop and eatery that offers dietary-restriction-friendly fare, for receiving one of five third-place prizes in Kapitus’ inaugural Building Resilient Businesses (BRB) contest! Cafe de Stir it Up has received $20,000 to help grow their business

The world at large has undergone a dietary revolution in recent years. As nutritional choices and restrictions become more commonplace, eating at restaurants and cafes harbors much less anxiety for all those with limitations. Cities like New York, London, and even gastronomically-traditional Paris have numerous vegan, gluten-free, and other restriction-conscious spaces. But under Alaskan skies, such great expectations ought to be adjusted … or should they? Enter Café de Stir it Up, owned and operated by Michaella Perez, the premiere locale for dietary restriction-friendly fare in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 “Some people wonder why we withstand -25-degree plus temperatures, but there is just something about the Golden Heart City that keeps us here,” said Perez. And the voters of Kapitus’s Building Resilient Businesses Contest agreed, giving Perez and Stir it Up enough votes to earn them a $20,000 grant.

After capturing minds and hearts in the BRB contest, now is our chance to learn more about the soul behind Stir it Up and what inspired a mom, entrepreneur, and visionary to bring dietary freedom to Fairbanks.

Authentic Inspiration

Stir It Up is a business born from inspiration rather than cold data. While a Starbucks or McDonald’s will go up on a corner because analysts calculated that area has the most foot traffic and potential for sales, Stir It Up came to be because a determined and business-savvy mother wanted to heighten the lives and experiences of those in her community. Dietary restrictions exist in a complex space where – until you, or someone you know well are faced with one – it can be hard to visualize how hard getting a good meal can be. Gluten-free, lactose mal-absorbent, vegetarian, vegan, keto, egg-free – it may sound like a fantasy to meaningfully serve these incrementally demanding restrictions, but according to Perez, it’s just part of the job.

After seeing one of her children deal with the unending blandness of most allergy-safe meals – white rice and salads can only last so long – Perez knew she could make dietary restrictions not just manageable but delicious and fun. “To survive in this market, you have to have a niche,” explains Perez. Café Stir it Up isn’t simply prepared for dietary restrictions; they are up to the challenge. “I realized that my community had a need: a place that truly understood dietary challenges,” Perez said about her business. With a gluten-free bakery and a collection of dairy substitutes on-hand, it is near-inconceivable for someone not to find the proper fix for their dietary lifestyle.

Power to the People, Power to Grow

In 2015, Perez and her team expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in Fairbanks, making the “café” in their namesake true to its merits. Now with increased capacity for customers and service, Café Stir it Up quickly became a community gathering spot for the Fairbanks community and everyone else willing to brave the cold. 

“Little did we know that we would be negatively impacted by a pandemic, major road construction, and shortages of revenue, supplies and employees,” Perez explained when talking about the challenges of maintaining Stir it Up. Cafés especially faced a share of hardships during the pandemic, and hiring troubles can quickly become hiring crises when the applicant pool only includes the greater Fairbanks area.

Keeping Cafe Stir it Up alive during the most challenging moments didn’t happen by chance or coincidence; Perez and her team put in the hours. Through engagement with their local community and a commitment to serve Fairbanks as best they could, Perez and her team got creative and survived as a result. Especially for those with dietary restrictions, Stir it Up stands for much more than a place to get good coffee and service. By having a business serve your needs, that business further justifies the legitimacy of your needs. Stir it Up gives a voice to a community that is usually restricted to much larger urban areas. While a dietary-restriction-friendly café may be a drop in the bucket in New York City, the people of Fairbanks know how lucky they are to have Stir it Up.

BRB for Growth

After submitting her video to the Kapitus Building Resilient Businesses Contest, Perez, and Stir It Up, found lots of love during the public voting phase. She and her team took home one of the five third-place prizes of $20,000. “We are ecstatic to win this prize,” Perez said. “So, to think…little old me in little ol’ Fairbanks won something and took third. This is huge for us. We are honored. $20k is going to help SO much.”

One of the many goals of the BRB contest is to enable small businesses to strengthen their communities. There are few better examples than Stir it Up and Perez when it comes to community empowerment. With these resources from BRB, Perez doesn’t just improve her business. With every coffee and meal served, Stir it Up fosters a home for dietary freedom.

Learn the stories of all of our small business winners:

BRB Stories: After Devastating Setback, Play Pits Takes First Place in Kapitus’ BRB Contest!

BRB Stories: Relying on Faith and Passion for Business Success

BRB Stories: Creating Libraries-worth of Unforgettable Memories!

BRB Stories: Healing Relationships with Body & Fitness

BRB Stories: Frères Branchiaux and the Fragrance Revolution

Fragrances and aromas can bring us back to our favorite moments. Whether under the protective charm of cinnamon and pine sap during the holidays or the essence of a seaside town and wet sand, a candle never fails to brighten even the most silent and grey days. The value and power of authentic fragrance are well understood by the team at Frères Branchiaux, a family-owned candle company currently based in Metro DC. In celebration of the Frères Branchiaux team’s 3rd place win in the Building Resilient Businesses contest, we at Kapitus had the pleasure of learning more about the inspiring story of three brothers and their parents who built an eco-conscious vegan candle company from the ground up.

Exclusively using soy and coconut wax, each Frères Branchiaux candle is hand poured with artisanal care. It is no exaggeration to say that lighting a Frères Branchiaux candle with your family is supporting a small business and strengthening a fragrance revolution calling for high-quality, natural products that enhance our own living.

Building a Business

The modern-day family business can be much more than a classic mom-and-pop shop, as exemplified by Frères Branchiaux. Let’s instead call it a brother-brother-and-brother shop; this is because the Frères Branchiaux story started with three brothers Colin, Ryan, and Austin who were faced with a big question. Their mother told the boys that they could make more spending money by either getting a job or starting their own business. Thank goodness they chose the latter. 

Celena Gill (mother of les Frères Branchiaux) explained that on top of making high-quality candles, she and her team faced several unexpected challenges when starting their business. “We had no idea of how to run an e-commerce business nor did we have any type of marketing plan,” explained Celena. “Most of what we learned was on Google and YouTube University.  After we figured out how to make candles, we had to figure out how to market them.  Because the boys were homeschooled, we were able to vend in major cities all around the country.  We were able to home in on our customers and determine our target market.  Our challenges helped us learn who our customer was and how to sell to them.”

Growing a Business

The Frères Branchiaux story is emblematic of a universal change in how our small businesses interact with their communities. By not engaging in ecommerce, small businesses don’t simply lose a revenue stream; they are shortening the potential of their community. Frères Branchiaux took this guiding concept in stride and even scored distribution for their candles in major retailers like Whole Foods and Target.

Any small business seeking national distribution is aware of the pitfalls and sometimes aggressive requirements from big-name brands for distribution, but Frères Branchiaux had some key advice for small business owners hoping to see their products on more shelves: “Start networking and getting connected to buyers.  Also, ask other business owners in Target about their process, their journey, and if they can share their buyer contacts. Apply for any local vendor programs or accelerator programs that would help you gain entry into department stores.  Also, make sure that your products are retail-ready—have proper packaging, UPC codes, ingredients (if necessary) and directions. Our CEO mom, Celena, leads the way in developing relationships and connections to launch in more retail stores.”

Building a Niche

Candles, like coffee or deodorant, are a market full of existing competition and big names who hold massive sway. From Yankee Candle to Harlem Candle Company, it’s clear that candle companies need a strong identity that consumers can identify with. Candles, by nature, are luxury products, so people need to be genuinely compelled to choose one candle over another. This is another fact Frères Branchiaux took to heart when building their business and brand.

Frères Branchiaux is family-owned, vegan, eco-conscious, and community-minded. And further, the team at Frères Branchiaux lives by these guiding principles. They make decisions not based on trend-chasing, but personal inspiration. That inspiration is more than present for Frères Branchiaux: “We care about the air quality in our home and wanted to create candles that would be as ‘clean’ as possible to everyone’s home environment. Austin, our youngest co-founder, has asthma so we had to make sure that any lit candle has the best ingredients for his health.  Soy candles are vegan, clean burning, and emit a better mix of fragrance and wax than paraffin candles.” In an ocean of impersonal brands, the value of personal inspiration cannot be overstated.

Further, consider the Frères Branchiaux recycling program. Co-founder Ryan explains that. “We are very invested in using renewable resources and reducing our carbon footprint.  Since we use glass jars, we thought it would be best to start a recycling program to encourage others to do the same.” After someone entirely burns a Frères Branchiaux candle, they can package up and ship the glass container to their Maryland base. Plus, processed returns can net the sender a $1 coupon for use at pop-ups or the Frères Branchiaux online store.

Building a Future

Thanks to the Building Resilient Businesses Contest, Frères Branchiaux took home a $20,000 prize to continue their mission of clean-burning, hand-poured candles for all. When asked what is next in store for les Frères Branchiaux, the team mentioned some major plans: “In 2023, we are launching in Sur La Table in February, pet products on HSN, and have collaborations with creative brands.  We are also opening our flagship store in Oregon next fall.  Our oldest co-founder, Collin, will be entering the University of Oregon in the fall as a starting cornerback on the football team—so we wanted to open one of our flagship locations where we would spend most of our time. “

Those interested in getting their own Frères Branchiaux candles can find them through the company’s online store or at one of several national supermarkets. And keep an eye out for news on the new flagship and more on Frères Branchiaux team’s social media.

Learn the stories of all of our small business winners:

BRB Stories: After Devastating Setback, Play Pits Takes First Place in Kapitus’ BRB Contest!

BRB Stories: Relying on Faith and Passion for Business Success

BRB Stories: Creating Libraries-worth of Unforgettable Memories!

BRB Stories: Healing Relationships with Body & Fitness

BRB Stories: Empowering a New Generation of Swimmers and Thinkers

Congratulations to TFTI Experience, a Houston-based small business that takes “selfies” to a whole new level, for winning the 2nd place prize in Kapitus’ inaugural Building Resilient Businesses contest! TFTI, which stands for “Thanks for the Invitation,” will receive $50,000 to help grow their business

Picture Perfect

TFTI launched its first “selfie” exhibit at the Marq’E Entertainment Center in Houston in 2018 and became an immediate success. The business creates specially designed rooms that are ideal places for individuals, families and friends to take selfies. TFTI then took their unique business idea to showrooms in Atlanta and Dallas. 

After surviving the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, TFTI took off by opening a 5,000 sq. ft. space in

TFTI’s Love Room has been the setting for many romantic gestures, including marriage proposals.

the Galleria in Houston which features 15 custom-designed rooms that provide unique experiences and backdrops for  customers to take the perfect selfies. 

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and if that’s the case, then we’ve created libraries worth of unforgettable memories with all of our guests,” said Bryan Andaya, founder and partner at TFTI. “TFTI is the original photo experience concept and we’re ready to create more. We are family-owned and started by first-time entrepreneurs who have learned so much since our opening back in 2018. All we need is the fuel to grow. Our name TFTI stands for the popular social media acronym ‘Thanks For The Invite,’ and we definitely want to thank Kapitus for inviting us to this wonderful opportunity.”

The Upside-Down

TFTI’s Upside-Down Room is one of its most popular attractions.

No, we’re not talking about the parallel universe in Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things,” but we are referring to one of the coolest rooms at TFTI’s space at the Galleria – the room that mimics an upside-down apartment. The ceiling consists of hardwood floors and a fully decorated Christmas tree. Wrapped boxes and basic furniture are bolted to the ceiling. Photos of guests are turned upside-down, giving the appearance that they are defying gravity. 

There’s also the cherry blossom room where guests can sit on a swing, as well as the space station room where customers can put on astronaut gear and pretend that they’re floating in a space station. These are just some of the creative rooms TFTI has created for its guests. 

“People come just for the upside-down room,” said Andaya, adding that the room will change once the holiday season is over. He added that the “Love Room” has been used for marriage proposals, and the entire space has been rented out for parties. The creativity of the business is still flourishing, despite the bumpy economy. 

Expanding the Lens

Andaya said that the company will use the $50,000 to enhance the specialized rooms by installing high-quality photo booths in them. 

“TFTI plans to use part of the winning funds to start building photo booth systems in our interactive rooms,” said Andaya. “This will allow guests to take high-quality photos and receive them via text message or email on the spot. Perfect for guests who may not have the latest phone or [hightest] quality camera.”

Part of the prize money will also be used to enhance the company’s marketing strategy, said Andaya, noting that online advertising is the company’s biggest challenge. 

“Our biggest challenge currently is the rising cost of online advertising spend. Most of our guests can be found on popular social media platforms, but with online privacy changes and rising costs, they are becoming more difficult to target,” he said. “We work to overcome this by doing continuous organic postings, reaching out to local influencers in our area for partnerships and focusing on interacting with potential customers organically by commenting and liking their posts.”

Moving Forward

Andaya and his partners plan for continued success and expansion for TFTI, which was a natural offshoot of another company Andaya launched nearly 12 years ago, Lucky Shots. The company rents out portable photo booths that can print out custom, branded photos and has been used for events for big clients such as the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, CITY CENTRE and the Houston Rodeo.

Learn the stories of all of our small business winners:

BRB Stories: After Devastating Setback, Play Pits Takes First Place in Kapitus’ BRB Contest!

BRB Stories: Relying on Faith and Passion for Business Success

Congratulations to Play Pits, an African American-owned producer of specialty deodorants made from all-natural ingredients, for being named the winner of Kapitus’ inaugural Building Resilient Businesses (BRB) contest. The Atlanta-based family business will receive $100,000 and 8 hours of complimentary educational consulting/advising sessions on its business. 

Embodiment of Resilience

Chantel Powell’s small business has endured the COVID-19 pandemic and a warehouse fire, making it one of the most resilient businesses out there.

For Chantel Powell, creator and CEO of Play Pits, resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a necessity. The four-year-old company suffered through the pandemic shortly after it was created – a period in which nearly 40% of all black-owned businesses were forced to shut down. As if that weren’t enough, in September 2022, its Atlanta-based headquarters and warehouse (where all of its inventory was stored) were completely burnt to the ground in a fire – a catastrophic event that left Powell and her family reeling.

In the aftermath, however, instead of giving up, Powell and her family members are determined to rebuild the business and will use their $100,000 prize to help do so, making  Play Pits the very embodiment of everything for which BRB stands..

“It’s by the grace of God that we won the Building Resilient Businesses Contest because in the last few weeks, Play Pits has proven that we are the personification of a resilient business,” said Powell.

A Family Commitment

Chantel Powell was inspired to launch Play Pits by her son, Kameron.

After spending nearly six years as an executive assistant at Viacom International Media Networks and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in fashion design and merchandising, Powell had picked up the skills she needed to pursue her passion for launching her own small business. All she needed was an innovative idea and a product to sell.

That idea came in 2017 when she picked up her six-year-old son, Kameron, from basketball camp. Like most active kids coming home after attending a sweaty sports camp, Kameron’s body odor hit Powell hard. 

“My exact words to him were, ‘You smell like a grown man!’” said Powell. She was determined to make him wear deodorant but didn’t want to use the typical ones that were filled with toxic chemicals. When she searched for deodorants that used natural ingredients, she found them to be boring products that she knew she would have to fight her son to get him to use them. 

Powell spent days in her kitchen using organic ingredients to make an all-natural deodorant that she felt comfortable with her son wearing. To her surprise, Kameron loved the deodorant and suggested that she make it for all his friends at camp.

“After my initial refusal, I quickly reconsidered once it hit me that Kameron had a genius business idea!” she said.

Hard Work and Self-Sufficiency

Like many seeking to achieve the American Dream, Powell put in a lot of hard work and $3,500 of her own money to start Play Pits. With no outside investments, she spent nine long months perfecting the secret formula to create the first all-natural deodorant free of aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances and other harsh chemicals found in most deodorant products, and one specifically designed for active kids. 

She officially launched Play Pits in March of 2018, and success came quickly for the new business. Powell saw 497% growth after just 20 months in business, with over 12,200 units sold. Play Pits soon had both out-of-state and international customers, and distributed through both Amazon and Target, as well as directly.

Powell also worked hard by engaging in one of the toughest types of marketing campaigns a business can engage in: word-of-mouth. Powell works extremely hard to market the company through social media and customer recommendations. She also doesn’t keep herself on the company payroll. “Every dime made is completely due to us bootstrapping our business, getting out there and hustling. It has been the best method for us to advance and grow Play Pits,” she said.  

“Quietly, Play Pits has become the nation’s largest 100% black-owned deodorant company,” said Powell. “This grant money is going to be invested in scaling our company by allowing us to purchase larger amounts of raw goods and materials at reduced costs, increase our marketing efforts into youth and professional sports, and to add knowledgeable professionals to help us meet customer demand by expanding our product line and increasing revenue.”  

More Than Just Survival

As Play Pits recovers and rebuilds from the devastating fire, its mission to educate parents about the

Paly Pits has endured the pandemic and a devastating fire to come back better than ever.

dangerous ingredients found in commercial deodorants and to provide a healthier, all-natural solution for their children, remains the same. The business is still seeking to grow both domestically and internationally, and to never forget where it came from. Since launching, Kameron has been named the company’s Chief Inspiration Officer and is still active in sports, while Powell continues to work hard to market and sell the company’s products. 

“As we start recovery from this tragic event, this grant money is needed now more than ever as it will play a key role in helping us to rebuild, replenish lost inventory/materials, equipment etc., while still allowing us to continue our initial expansion plans,” she said.