Centro Community Partners Helps Program Graduates Small Business Dreams Flourish

Meet the Centro Community Partners Program Graduates

LR Altman

Visual Artist

LR Altman is an accomplished visual artist with an MFA in Sculpture and Glass from CCA. For years, she relied on representation from galleries to sell her work. But with the advent of social media, greater access to e-commerce platforms, and the recent pandemic, LR wanted to shift her focus to more direct sales. Her goal in joining the Centro program was to develop her marketing skills and increase promotions for her work. “It’s a really exciting time to be an artist because the whole field is shifting really quickly,” she shared in her final presentation. “When I started as an artist, the gallery people were the gatekeepers. Now with the internet, it’s possible to have more contact with people.”

Visit lynnerachelaltman.com/
Follow LR Altman on Instagram @lr.altman

Leah Ingram

Jewelry Designer

Leah Ingram’s laser-cut jewelry allows the wearer to express their gender and sexual identity with LGBTQIA+ vocabulary and without limitation. “I think something that makes my product unique is I sell my earrings in singles instead of a pair,” Leah explained. “I think that’s really important for queer people to have that option because we’re not just one thing, there are so many variations.” Leah joined the Centro program to validate their brand vision and learn how to expand their business. So far, Centro has helped Leah secure a Kiva interest-free business loan and will continue to provide guidance on financing opportunities.

Follow Leah on Instagram @shopqueerrings

Krystle Chipman

Future Cafe Owner

Krystle Chipman’s background in collaborative philanthropy has led her to envision the Discover Community Cafe, an Oakland coffee and food venue that will offer apprenticeships to people overcoming barriers to employment, as well as leadership, development and financial literacy training. When sharing her vision for the business, she said, “I want to partner with nonprofits that are anchored in the community and focused on workforce development, to help with recruiting apprentices. I just really want the cafe to be a space where people can build relationships with their neighbors.” Krystle’s reason for joining the Centro program was to develop the basic business skills needed to launch her cafe, especially those related to finance.

Tammy Welch

Fashion Designer and Seamstress

Tammy Welch came into the Centro program with one major goal in mind. “I want to learn how to run a successful business,” she shared before her first session even began. Now after the nine-week program, Tammy is that much closer to bringing her fashions and tailoring skills to the East Bay, having completed her very first business plan with Centro’s help. “Thank you everyone, it was a pleasure,” said Tammy during her final presentation. “This is something I’ll talk about for a long time. I received my certificate online in 2020—the year that was cancelled—and I was able to accomplish my business plan. I can’t believe it, but I did it!”

Leah Vass

Chocolatier

Leah Vass, the owner of Ta Bouche Chocolate, is a talented chocolatier specializing in high-end, designer chocolates and chocolate sculptures. She joined the Centro program with two goals in mind; improving her business operations and financial skills, and learning new tools for connecting with clients. Leah’s business is particularly suited for events and celebrations but COVID-19 has curtailed her reach in those areas. She hopes to use her Centro knowledge to adjust her business strategy. In the final session of the program, Leah shared, “This has been a really wonderful experience. It was just in the nick of time.”

Visit tabouchechocolate.com
Follow Leah Vass on Instagram @tabouchechocolate

Megan Quintal

Future Arts Venue Owner

As an experienced nonprofit employee, Megan Quintal is working toward creating a space for artists and performers to showcase their talent. Joining the Centro program was a jumping off point for her in developing a business plan and working toward securing a location. During the last program session, Megan shared that she had already framed her program certificate and is ready for the next phase of her business development thanks to Centro’s guidance.

Vanita Lee-Tatum

Centro’s Entreprenership Trainer

Vanita serves as an Entrepreneur Trainer for Centro in the Bay Area. She is a former Small Business Banking VP turned Visual Artist and Entrepreneur. Vanita believes in the power of artistic expression to inspire others to achieve their dreams. She holds a BA in Multicultural & Gender Studies from California State University, Chico as well as an MBA from the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College. Vanita is passionate about small business education as well as opening pathways to create economic opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs.