| Kearya Jasper orders a Pistachio gelato from Richard Martin at Simply Unique Gelato & Italian Ice. |
Richard and Diane Martin opened Simply Unique Gelato & Italian Ice, 106 W. Commonwealth St., Chandler, in November 2008.
Believe it or not, Simply Unique Gelato & Italian Ice is one of three black-owned retail locations (Urban Tea Loft, Inspirador) in Historic Downtown Chandler!
I knew I had share the Martins' story with PhxSoul.com readers because I know there are many aspiring African American entrepreneurs in the Valley of the Sun. You have to admit this is a Unique story ... how many black people in Arizona do you know with a gelato shop?
I hope our conversation featured below inspires you to visit Simply Unique Gelato & Italian Ice AND to pursue your dreams!!
Q: What inspired you to open your company?
A: When we came out here, we noticed there wasn’t anywhere you could go to get Italian Ice (which is big in Philly area). That’s when the business idea came to mind. We decided to do the gelato with it once we had a taste of it at another store. Gelato wasn’t very popular at the time, which was great because once it took off, it would be a hot seller.
Q: What kind of research was involved?
A: The hardest work was creating a business plan and finding funding. We researched how to get a license, form a corporation, etc. I attended training classes to learn how to make the gelato and gelato desserts all around the country (New York, Vegas, California and North Carolina). A lot of research was put into finding the right Gelato Company and equipment.
Q: How are you marketing your business to the community (in general)?
A: We are sending out flyers, coupons in the Chandler Santan Sun as well as the Arizona Republic. We placed ads in the Chandler High School newsp aper and we try to do fund raisers and special events. We were recently on Channel 10 (Fox10) Morning Show with Cory.
Q: What successes have you experienced?
A: Most of my success comes from doing special events and word of mouth.
Q: What challenges have you experienced?
A: Keeping customers coming in the door is the most challenging. You have to keep your product fresh no matter what. We try to keep coming up with ways to advertise inexpensively and keep the specials going.
Q: What is the best part of your business day?
A: The evenings are the best part of the day, when you get to talk with your customer base to see what their likes and dislikes are. Finding new ways to come up with flavors you think they might like. Finding out what they do and where they come from. You learn a lot just by listening to them and getting information on the competition.
Q: What is your favorite item on your menu?
A: Our 18 different flavors of gelato.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you've learned as a business owner?
A: You can’t always help those in need. Unfortunately you have to say no to sometimes, (fund raisers, free give always) especially the people you are advertising with. If its not working get rid of it. Not everyone is trust worthy, you have to be aware of the scams that may come up. Everyone wants to be your friend up until the time they get your money.
Q: What advice would you give to current and aspiring black entrepreneurs who want to open a business in the Valley?
A: Make sure you have a passion for what you want to do, then step out on faith and do it. Without passion, there is no vision for doing it correctly. Staying focused is key. Have a well-thought-out business plan. Find a person who has been or is still the business to mentor you. Believe me, you need guidance, direction and lots of prayer. Never be too proud to admit when you need help. Create a checklist of what needs to be accomplished before you start your business. Do your research and ask lots of questions! Stay humble!
To learn more about Simply Unique Gelato & Italian Ice, please visit simply-unique.biz.
First, I am glad I found this site! I just moved from Chicago to North Phoenix October 11, but stumbled across phxsoul just a few days before my move. The power of thought is amazing.
I will definitely make it a point to visit Simply Unique, because I really like gelato! Again with the power of thought: I like gelato so much that I recently almost got lost tracking down a newly developed shoppping mall that has yet to be discovered by my navigation system, to get a sample in a gelateria there...only to find that the shop was shut down! I was very disappointed. But now that I know Simply Unique exists, I don't mind traveling 45 minutes to get a taste. I'll learn more about Phoenix, anticipate purchasing some amazing gelato, and support an entrepreneur!
Congratulations, continued success, and see you soon!
Posted by: Nubia | October 17, 2009 at 17:52