Before connecting with Start Small Think Big, LaParis Phillips opened their Brooklyn Blooms floral boutique with a mission to serve their neighborhood with uniquely curated blooms while maintaining sustainable practices. Soon after opening their first location, LaParis had goals to scale their business and provide their beautiful flower arrangements to other surrounding communities.

“The most rewarding part about volunteering is meeting a fantastic group of passionate, incredibly talented entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their dreams for their businesses!

I left a corporate environment to get closer to entrepreneurs and growth. My experience has enabled me to deploy my B2B skills flexibly from a larger company setting to a smaller, more entrepreneurial one.”

“The most rewarding part of volunteering with Start Small Think Big was connecting with diverse small business owners across different industries. I truly enjoyed listening to their entrepreneurial stories, visions, and solutions. In addition, the appreciation of volunteers by small businesses and SSTB made this experience even more memorable.

“Start Small Think Big’s small business community are some of the most talented and innovative people I have ever met doing this work. Hearing what inspired them to open their own business is always intriguing – whether through random occurrences, in possibilities, through technology, from others, or themselves.

“I flex-think better than ever since small businesses share a unique story with different challenges requiring tailored strategic support. I hear each situation and respond in real-time, so my ability to connect, listen, digest, and provide guidance is more vital.

“I have loved the aspect of working with a small business. There are so many organizational challenges - from overseeing people to running operations to managing a sales pitch— which have been new to me and insightful to learn. I have enjoyed interacting with my small business owner - she is a creative and intellectual individual with an evident passion for her business.

“You do not have to be an expert in your field to offer valuable advice. A basic understanding of your profession can help small business owners navigate the uncertainty in front of them.

"Providing increased financial clarity and support to small business owners, especially during the pandemic, has been very rewarding.

Working with business owners has improved my communication and overall business acumen, as it's challenged me to explain and apply financial concepts on a different scale"

“There is such a tremendous need for the services Start Small Think Big provides to its clientele. I am grateful that I can support under-resourced entrepreneurs and business owners in underserved areas by providing information that hopefully facilitates their better understanding of the daunting "ins and outs" of California employment laws that even small companies face daily.