Damian Ferek
President, The STICK Company, STICK Tattoo Company and CasketWraps. com
Tell us about your business.
The STICK Company is a marketing and branding agency celebrating 10 years, STICK Tattoo Company is a distinct tattoo and body piercing shop, and CasketWraps. com helps create personalized memorials to honor the life of a loved one.
What inspired you to start your own business?
An entrepreneur at heart, I have had ideas of business startups that go back as far as my high school days. As my career progressed, I knew I was inspired and motivated to have my own company, but it took being fired from a job to give me the final push to dive into our agency full force.
How has being located in West Virginia been beneficial to you?
When you are located and operate in West Virginia, the entire state welcomes and supports you. No matter which part of the state you are located in, my experience has shown that everyone wants to help and support one another. However, it’ s not a state that tolerates the less-than-determined entrepreneur. Because our region is comprised of some of the hardest working individuals in the nation, there is not a high tolerance or acceptance if you’ re not putting forth full effort.
What advice would you give other West Virginians interested in entrepreneurialism?
First, work hard. By that I mean absolutely and utterly work harder and smarter than anyone. Being an entrepreneur is a 24 / 7 / 365 commitment that will absolutely put your grit to the test. Second, trust your instincts. Third, get involved. West Virginia is a very community-oriented state, and our residents respond well to those who help give their time and resources to others.
Tara Price Owner, Black Draft Distillery
Tell us about your business.
Black Draft Distillery is the first grain-to-glass distillery in Martinsburg, WV, since the Prohibition. Founded in December 2013, Black Draft produces handmade, smallbatch bourbon and whiskies using local, all-natural ingredients. The name Black Draft is in honor of the family’ s draft horse, Biscuit; our farm; and the horse barn where the distillery resides.
Why did you choose to start your business in West Virginia?
We were excited about the prospect of making a product that is distilled in-state and growing a business from the ground up. My husband, Glen, who works full time in the federal government, was able to grow and expand the business while teleworking from home during the first years.
Tell us about the obstacles you faced and the resources that were available to help you.
Our biggest challenge is relative to being a small alcoholproducing business in this state. We’ ve been very fortunate to have a lot of local and community support here in the Eastern Panhandle, but there is definitely a need for more support in state legislation to help us grow and develop. In addition, we’ ve found resources within the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and through our local U. S. Department of Agriculture office as a value-added producer to help with expansion efforts.
What advice would you give other West Virginians interested in entrepreneurialism?
First, do your homework before you spend a dime. Second, grow at a pace that is challenging but not overwhelming to you. Third, be unique. Produce something that will make you stand out from the crowd. Fourth, if being an entrepreneur is calling you, start today. It is a great time for starting a business in this state, and finding the right niche for you is the biggest hurdle you will face.
Morgan Rhea Beals Designer & Founder, Morgan Rhea
Tell us about your business.
At Morgan Rhea, we handassemble luxury leather goods.
Tell us about the obstacles you faced and the resources that were available to help you.
An obstacle we have faced has been sourcing leather and hardware. If I was in New York City, I could just walk down the street to source my leather or buy a buckle. One day I was searching for a buckle for a messenger bag I was making and drove all around town and could not find what I needed. I have researched what the local stores offer, and I shop them when I can. I always try to shop local to help support fellow entrepreneurs.
What advice would you give other West Virginians interested in entrepreneurialism?
I would say go for it. Just because sourcing is not always within reach, the tradeoff is worth it because I’ m able to live here in the state I love. For me, that outweighs having my business anywhere else. If you can stay focused and believe in your goals, you can achieve them. Don’ t be afraid to ask for help.
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