Business
New Store Brings Beauty and Smiles to Downtown Warrenton
Paulette Burton wants to satisfy the beauty and personal needs of her customers with Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.
A ceremonious cheer and applause could be heard over a block away when Paulette Burton flipped the open sign on the door of her anticipated store, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles located in downtown Warrenton.
A long-desired retail store in the area, she is eager to satisfy the beauty needs of enthusiasts who no longer wish to travel to neighboring counties for quality hair care products.
Currently lining her shelves are the traditional items you would find in a beauty supply store: wigs, weaves, hair conditioners, hair dye, brushes, and in her display case, beard kits for the fellas who wish to keep their facial hair soft and maintained.
Burton calls Sweetie’s a “community store,” and she emphasizes her point by including two boards in her store that allows customers to write suggestions, product recommendations and to provide feedback.
Before opening her doors in Warrenton, the Washington DC native’s entrepreneurial pursuit had already garnered a reputation.
A buzz, you can say around what else she would be selling in her store.
Originally located in Norlina before becoming mobile, her store concept left some local residents… “concerned.”
Upon walking in, one would immediately notice a bold red curtain with black drapes in the back of the store. A forbidden area to anyone under the age of 21, behind the curtain is where the “Smiles” in her business name comes into play.
Geared towards a “mature” market, customers looking to kick their behind closed doors action up a notch can find massage oils, romance kits, s*x toys, and more on the shelves in the enclosed area.
Long before her grand opening on a Sunday afternoon that also included a celebratory champagne toast, Burton was visited by local officials. She stated that they informed her as long as those select products were kept hidden from younger eyes, she would be in compliance with local regulations.
So, with that being said, if you find yourself searching for a wig to switch up your look or want to spice up an evening at home (or both), be sure to stop by one of the most unique shops in Warren County history, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.
Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles is located on 220 S Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Store hours are Tuesday – Sunday, from 3:30-7:30pm. The store website is https://SmilesandSweetiesBeautySupply.com and for updates on new products and more, follow the store on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out photos from the Sweeties’ Beauty Supply and Smiles Grand Opening below:
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.
Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. It’s that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.
Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)
Business
‘Biz Kidz’ Shine at Warren Farmers Market
The Warren Farmers Market was abuzz with youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit as young business owners took center stage at the first “Biz Kidz” event.
This past weekend, the Warren Farmers Market was abuzz with youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit as young business owners took center stage at the first “Biz Kidz” event. These aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom were seasoned in the art of business, proudly displayed their products, impressing customers and vendors alike.
The following businesses were: Jaques, Jameya, Jaqeim, Jamaya, Jamara, and Jaquae Oliver of Oliver Kids Collection (decorated signs, and all natural, scented play-doh); Thea and Zoey Taber of Taber Treasures (crocheted coasters and potholders, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, bookmarkers); Jayden Andrews of JayRock’s Creations (hand-painted rocks); Kinsley Henderson of Sisterly Dreams Co. (cotton candy), and Olivia Burrows, who assisted as a 4H volunteer.
Whether we see them again at the Warren Farmers Market or at local festival, we look forward to seeing what these kidpreneurs do next!
Business
Duke Energy Foundation Grants VGCC $50,000 to Support Small Business Growth
The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it has granted $50,000 to The VGCC Foundation to support small businesses in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.
The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it has granted $50,000 to The VGCC Foundation to support small businesses in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.
The grant is part of $700,000 in new funding made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations like the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants, and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology, and improve downtown storefronts.
Now in its fourth year, the program has provided over $2 million in funding to small businesses since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant program has helped fuel a resurgence of entrepreneurial small businesses ranging from bookstores to restaurants in our state,” said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President for Duke Energy. “These small business grants ensure Main Streets across North Carolina are well positioned to benefit from our state’s unprecedented economic growth.”
Such businesses play a critical role in the state’s economic health and employ nearly half of North Carolina’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Small businesses remain the backbone of the U.S. economy, and in rural areas, they also serve as the heartbeat of our local economies,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “This monetary commitment enables Vance-Granville Community College to promote the entrepreneurial mindset and support budding small business ideas into real businesses within our larger community.”
The VGCC Small Business Center will select grant fund recipients through a series of workshops, one based in each of the four counties the College serves. Each workshop session will span four evening classes (10 total hours of instruction). The sessions will culminate with a five-minute pitch contest, after which five of the session’s 10 participants will receive a $2,500 award to support their small business.
Workshop dates and locations are as follows:
Sept. 16–19: VGCC South Campus
Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: VGCC Main Campus
Oct. 7–10: VGCC Warren Campus
Oct. 14–17: VGCC Franklin Campus
To learn more about this program and participant requirements, contact VGCC Small Business Center Director Carolyn Perry at (252) 738-3240 or perryc@vgcc.edu.
For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.
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