Phylicia Dove, owner of Black Monarchy
A new effort by Daemen College’s Office of Alumni Relations, the Alumni Virtual Market, will be launched on Nov. 1 to highlight and help increase awareness of the many successful businesses owned by Daemen graduates.
“This is a great opportunity for the Daemen community to learn about the various types of businesses that our alumni have started and to show their support for these small business owners,” said Kathryn Hammer, director of alumni relations. “We look forward to seeing this site grow as more small businesses are added.”
The Alumni Virtual Market will include a list of Daemen graduate-owned businesses, the name of the alum who owns the business, and links to learn more about each enterprise. Among the businesses currently included in the virtual market are Turner Crafted, a hand poured soy wax candles business, co-owned by Alan Turner II ’93; and Black Monarchy, a boutique store that features cultural clothing and jewelry made of raw authentic materials and authentic fabrics representing the world, owned by Phylicia Dove ’15.
Alan Turner, co-owner of Turner Crafted
“Small businesses create an atmosphere where people learn to believe again, dream again, and create again,” said Dove. “Daemen taught me that I can create change with what was already inside of me. As an ELC graduate, I learned being a transformational leader meant I could transform my community by catalyzing spaces of freedom and equity through fashion.”
In addition to information about the businesses, the virtual market will feature an Alumni Business Spotlight of the week that will showcase a graduate’s business. Daemen will promote the business spotlight on the alumni Instagram account @daemenalumni and partner with the business owner to also highlight it via their Instagram.
“We are thankful that Turner Crafted was spotlighted during the development of the Alumni Virtual Market,” said Turner. “Being highlighted this way prompted fellow alumni from across the country to purchase our candles. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting and seeking out Daemen alumni businesses for their upcoming holiday shopping.”
Daemen graduates interested in having their business added to the virtual market may contact alumni@daemen.edu.