Jennyfer Crawford-Williams Photo Credit: ATM Dee Hughes Photography
Detroit’s love for small businesses runs deep, and few know that better than Jennyfer Crawford-Williams. As the founder of the Detroit-based branding firm Ask Jennyfer, she has spent the past decade empowering local entrepreneurs through innovative platforms and events, turning passion into prosperity for small business owners across the city.
As National Women’s Small Business Month is winding down, Crawford-Williams is ramping up, and is transforming Detroit’s small business scene with her signature event All Things Detroit, returning to Eastern Market on November 3, 2024. Drawing over 14,000 shoppers and showcasing more than 250 local vendors, Crawford-Williams has built more than an event; she’s cultivated a thriving community that extends year-round through the All Things Marketplace in Corktown and curated events across the city.
All Things Detroit emerged a decade ago from All Things Marketplace, a community hub where customers can buy locally crafted products while entrepreneurs can develop their businesses, market their items, organize or participate in community gatherings, utilize shipping and fulfillment services, and ultimately connect their products with a broader audience.
“Here I am born and raised here (Detroit), and I see all of these people moving in and starting these businesses,” Crawford-Williams said.
“I asked myself, what if I did these events to support women in business, Black-owned businesses, or businesses just in Detroit?”
Crawford-Williams advises aspiring entrepreneurs to “take a chance,” emphasizing the importance of betting on oneself before expecting others to believe in the vision.
Looking back, even Crawford-Williams mentions that she would have done a few things differently when starting her business.
“I would plan better. I would find an accountant faster than I did. I would have considered the type of team I want to work with,” Crawford-Williams said.
“Over time, I learned I can’t do everything – even if I wanted to. Talking about my purpose and delegating work has been important.”
Crawford-Williams shared four essential steps she’s learned throughout her journey as Detroit’s Small Business Advocate. These four pillars have led Crawford-Williams to create a successful career, not only for herself but for the business owners she’s advised and continues to collaborate with all along the way.
1. Be Ready to Work Hard
“Being an entrepreneur in Detroit takes guts, it takes hard work and determination. You have to be consistent. Detroit is amazing. It is growing. A lot is happening, “Crawford-Williams said.
“That’s not going to help you just because you are an entrepreneur. You have to do the work. You need to determine what kind of entrepreneur you want to be. What will you add to the ecosystem here?”
2. Anticipate Challenges and Face them Head-on
“Being a woman in business is hard,” she added.
“There are pitfalls if you stand up for yourself. But you have to have a vision and you have to speak up and be accountable.”
3. Put Together a Plan
Crawford-Williams said anyone starting a business needs a solid business plan and idea of what they can achieve and what resources they need.
“You might have funding or support but if you don’t have a plan, it won’t benefit your mission,” Crawford-Williams said.
4. Be Consistent and Act on your Goals
“Consistency is key and I don’t like to hear a lot of excuses. If you don’t have the money or are not sure where to start, look into what you can do that’s free,” Crawford-Williams said.
“You can use social media – create a post or a reel to get your message out. You can read a book and research the work or industry. You can network with others.”
Crawford-Williams explained how she found it challenging to communicate her mission and vision effectively. So, she created a solution: she created a community of hundreds of small business owners supported by thousands of people, yet she’s constantly sharing her story with a new audience.
“(Business owners will find that) there are challenges related to understanding how to get funding, plan for taxes, or manage cash flow,” Crawford-Williams said.
“Whether you’re having a hard month or you’ve been distracted, the difference is that you push through it,” Crawford-Williams said.
All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Eastern Market Sheds 3, 4, & 5
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information and tickets, visit events.allthingsticketing.com
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