Mentors: YOUNG SMALL BUSINESS

Jevata Herman

Jevata Herman

Summary of Qualifications Jevata Herman is the co-owner of Canvas The Salon, an upscale boutique salon in the heart of Historic Jackson Ward. She created the salon, formerly called Jeveta The Salon, in 2004 out of her passion to have more creative freedom and provide a unique space that embodies her journey as a stylist and business owner with a span of over 25 years. Jevata enjoys creating opportunities to inspire, inform and share her experiences to encourage other women, current business owners and aspiring business owners. As a small business champion, Jevata has helped others understand the importance of setting boundaries (and sticking to them), balancing the demands of business ownership and family, and prioritizing. Exposure, creativity and passion have allowed Jevata to stand out as a career entrepreneur in RVA. Richmond is a thriving birthplace for ideapreneurs and small businesses, and it offers a plethora of resources to meet the growing demands we often face along the way. Jevata recognizes the vital catalyst of connecting strategically in our community, and she enjoys serving as that link to aspiring creatives. From creating step by step strategies for business growth, knowing the importance of team building and when to ask for help, and bringing in the right resources, Jevata’s experience is invaluable. She has founded the Glamour Initiative, a creative collective that allows industry professionals to collaborate to offer scholarships, and has raised the standards consistently while nurturing the creative aspect of their businesses. Throughout her career, Jevata has primarily worked for herself. On a daily basis, she finds an opportunity to share “how to’s” or “where do I?” with other...
John Rabil

John Rabil

Summary of Qualifications John Rabil is the founder of Launch, a Richmond-based strategy and legal management firm. John is the founder of Launch, which provides Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel services to businesses. The firm is dedicated to developing and managing company strategy while simultaneously handling legal needs that arise in small business. Throughout his career, John has worked with some of the most well respected Fortune 500 companies including SunTrust Bank and Coca-Cola, helping him hone in on business and strategy skills. His true passion lies in entrepreneurship; helping companies start, grow and move forward. Want to meet with this mentor? Talk with your Lead...
Nathalia Artus

Nathalia Artus

Summary of Qualifications Nathalia Artus is the Regional Lending Manager at the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), the lending arm of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nathalia is responsible for promoting economic development through financially assisting all businesses, including small, women, minority and veteran owned businesses. Her work focus is to develop partnerships with financial institutions and economic development authorities in the Greater Richmond and Northern Virginia areas, aiming to provide businesses with resources and opportunities. A native Brazilian with over 10 years of experience in financial services, Nathalia has been living, working and playing in the Greater Richmond area for 6 years. Her passion for small businesses and nonprofits has prompted an extended interest in the community. Nathalia is actively involved, serving as board member of many nonprofit organizations and committee member of local chambers of commerce. In the last two years her work has led her to receive the Style Weekly Top 40 under 40 Award, the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce HYPE Icon Award in the Front Runner category and the Top Intermediate Lender Award for the SBA Richmond District office. Want to meet with this mentor? Talk with your Lead...
Lindsay Grant

Lindsay Grant

Summary of Qualifications Lindsay Grant is part of The Hodges Partnership, a PR & communications strategy firm based in Shockoe Bottom. With a career spent at PR and marketing agencies, Lindsay has the pleasure of advising clients – big and small – on how to approach their communications strategy. As a senior-level account director at Hodges, she focuses on strategic planning, writing, media relations, content marketing and internal communications. Clients over the years have ranged from local start-ups to household brands and nonprofit organizations all with varying budgets and unique goals. And at the end of the day, no matter the budget and resources, Lindsay believes that a smart communications strategy is within reach for every business. Her campaigns have won industry awards and her clients have turned into long-lasting business relationships. She’s a VCU grad, PRSA Richmond board member, APR certified and an adjunct faculty member at the VCU Robertson School of Media and Culture. She lives in the city and is known to cheer on all things Richmond, including the Rams. Want to meet with this mentor? Talk with your Lead...
Sarah Choi

Sarah Choi

Summary of Qualifications Sarah summarizes what she does best into three action-packed verbs: MOVE, DO and CONNECT. She specializes in marketing strategies focusing on social media and believes relationship building is at the core of any small business success. Sarah loves telling the right stories to engage core audience to solidify brand identity. She most recently spearheaded turning Shoryuken Ramen pop-up into a successful brick and mortar restaurant in support of Chef Will Richardson. Sarah dives into operational side of each business she helps to gain good understanding of its unique challenges to help develop effective solutions. A classic Type A extrovert, Sarah loves networking and find joy in connecting people and ideas. Want to meet with this mentor? Schedule an...