Detroit’s entrepreneurial heartbeat resonated Thursday as the 12th annual Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown crowned G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs as the victor. The woman- and minority-owned business captured the $100,000 grand prize from Comerica Bank to fulfill their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar shop. The victory, held at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, marked the culmination of a thrilling journey of public voting, business pitches, and heartfelt deliberation.
G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs, founded by Tiffany Cartwright in 2018, offers a beacon of hope for underserved individuals, especially women who have survived domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as returning citizens. After losing her job and determined to soothe her daughter’s eczema with natural ingredients, Cartwright developed a series of organic body scrubs that have since become synonymous with empowerment. Her business provides not only luxurious skincare but also training, jobs, and mentorship opportunities.
Now, with this prize from Comerica Bank and the support of TechTown, G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs will open its doors in the Rosedale Park community, inviting Detroiters to experience their vision firsthand. Christianne Malone, assistant VP for economic development at Wayne State University and TechTown Detroit’s chief program officer, was elated: “TechTown is incredibly proud of G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs on this remarkable entrepreneurial feat and well-deserved win. We’re thrilled to be part of their continued journey and have the utmost confidence that each of these Top 4 businesses will add a unique vibrancy to Detroit’s small business landscape.”
Over 13,500 votes were cast to determine the four finalists, including Harry Rich Clothier, Khana, and Roller Skate Detroit, alongside G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs. They pitched their ideas live to a panel of judges, supported by families, friends, and their community. All three runner-ups were awarded $10,000 grants from TechTown’s Small Business Support Hub grant via the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President, applauded all the finalists: “Comerica Bank recognizes the dedication and grit of every finalist that advanced to this stage of the competition. It is truly commendable, a testament to the bright future in store for each of these businesses entering Detroit’s small business economy.”
This year’s contest has brought Comerica Bank’s total contributions to Hatch Detroit to more than $1.1 million since 2012. G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs joins an illustrious group of previous winners such as Sister Pie (2014), Baobab Fare (2017), and Little Liberia (2022).
Comerica Bank, Michigan’s longest-serving bank with a 175-year legacy of supporting communities, provides crucial financial services and supports charitable organizations across the state. Their strategic collaboration with TechTown Detroit has nurtured over 6,000 businesses, creating thousands of jobs and raising hundreds of millions in funding.
Hatch Detroit, which joined TechTown in 2022, has supported over 50 businesses, providing mentorship, exposure, and funding to create over 500 jobs and inject over $10 million into the economy.
With this year’s contest behind us, the future looks bright for G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs, which is poised to transform its award into a thriving business. Visit HatchDetroit.com to learn more about this incredible story and the inspiring businesses paving their way in Detroit’s revitalized entrepreneurial landscape.
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