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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