We talked to owners of three small businesses that thrived during the pandemic. They share advice for others who want to start a business and succeed.

By Raye Townsel

Quincy Smith, owner of the clothing line Choose2B, started his business in 2016 and left his other jobs to focus on his business the following year. His motivation? “Freedom,” he says. “I worked a lot of years working for other companies, making money for other companies, and really wanted to make it for myself.”

He would often go to sporting events, family events and schools to help promote and build his business. But once COVID-19 hit, he wasn't able to go to those places and promote his business because no one wanted to go outside.

Instead of letting covid destroy his business, he switched gears by making masks. “I was able to pivot and keep my business alive and grow more through making masks and helping the community through the masks,” he says. “I started off doing decorative masks — matching Jordans or other shoes — and once things slowed down and we grew, we started making some for other businesses.”

Covid affected many small businesses in a negative way because they didn’t have many in-person ways to promote their business or opportunities for people to buy their products. But Smith saw what was growing in the economy (masks) and used his business idea to his advantage by making custom masks.

“It doesn't matter where you're at, you need to find your customer, and a lot of businesses miss out on their target audience,” he says.

LaQua Loyd, 46, owns a real estate company with 16 employees in Ferndale.

Loyd says she wanted to own a business since she was a teen. She has been in real estate for about 20 years and has had her own business for almost three years.

She says her business was not affected by COVID-19. “In fact, 2020 was my best year,” she says. “My business grew in a positive way.”

She says her central location helps her business. “I am in the heart of Metro Detroit,” she says. “We can easily do business in the outer cities and Detroit, but location is still very important.”

Thomas Townsel, 50, of Detroit, owns an auto transport company called Townsel Auto Transport.

Townsel has owned Townsel Auto Transport for four years, and this isn't his first or only business. “I always wanted to work for myself, and Townsel Auto Transport is my fourth business.”

Talking about covid, Townsel says the pandemic had a positive effect on his business.“Business increased for me,” he says.

Townsel says the main obstacle was “it took a lot of money to start the business. And you need money for equipment.”

Unlike Smith and Loyd, Townsel’s business is nationwide. “While it is based in Detroit, we go coast to coast and tip to tip,” he says. “We cover all 48 states, and it is good we are based in Detroit because a lot of cars are made in Detroit.”

Many people ask successful business owners, “What advice do you have for people who want to start a business?” Smith, Loyd, and Townsel shared their thoughts on what is needed to start and have a successful business.

Smith says you have a vision and make sure it's clear. “What is your purpose as a company? Identify what you want to do and write down what you’re willing to do and what you have to sacrifice,” he says. “The action is the most important piece you have to move. Don't worry about trying to be perfect because nothing is ever going to be perfect.”

Townsel says the most important thing is to never give up. “Starting a business is a leap of faith, a lot of work, not always glamorous, but can be very rewarding,” he says.

“When starting a business, you need to do your research. Make sure the service or product is needed, know your competitors and give more value than received monetarily,” Loyd says.