December Aviatra of the Month: Rachel Roberts, The Yoga Bar

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Rachel Roberts discovered the importance and power of yoga over 20 years ago. Then, after traveling the world and studying with some of the most talented yogis, she knew she wanted to open her own yoga studio.

In October 2010, that dream came true, and Rachel Roberts opened The Yoga Bar in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Yoga is a traditional, non-hot yoga shala, offering a full menu of Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative and mindfulness classes. Yoga Bar offers yoga retreats in places as exotic as Bali and as close to home as Hocking Hills, Ohio and is home to Northern Kentucky’s premier teacher training program, Bija Yoga School. The Yoga Bar has also been voted the best yoga in the region.

Rachel went through the Aviatra Accelerators program in 2015 and was awarded a $25,000 low-interest loan. In addition to receiving the capital she needed, Rachel also got the tools she needed to grow her business.

Since going through our program, Rachel has built The Yoga Bar into a thriving hub for community involvement and charitable fundraising. Her clients include partnerships with The Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati, Newport on the Levee, as well as some of the area’s most respected employers.

“When it came time to grow my business, I wanted to do so on the most solid footing I could. I attended the Aviatra program to develop my expanded business plan and learn to navigate the financial implications of growth. The course was like a mini-MBA and gave me the tools I needed to take the next step, including accessing the capital my businesses needed.”

– Rachel Roberts, The Yoga Bar

Click here to make a donation in honor of Rachel. 

November Aviatra of the Month: Sonya L. Moore, Moore Planning & Consulting LLC

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After working as a corporate leader for two Fortune 500 companies, Sonya Moore quickly saw the gap between what made businesses flourish and what made others fail. In 2017, she took that knowledge, her 25 years of experience, and marketing, operations, human resources, and learning and development expertise to reinvent herself and launch Moore Planning & Consulting LLC.

Moore Planning & Consulting LLC is a virtual administrative consulting and support firm committed to helping small business owners and small teams gain peace and order in their business. As the owner and CEO, Sonya and her team works with clients to get to the root of administrative problems to turn ideas into income with strategy, build structure with processes and automation that fit their budget, and provide support. She also helps clients create consistent communication and turn chaos into systems, reducing overwhelm, saving time, and increasing income so they can spend more time as the CEO instead of the Worker.

Sonya participated in the Aviatra EXPLORE® program in 2015. While she entered the program with a different idea, she took the information she learned to build her current business. She now has been working in her business full-time for three years, launched a seven-week course called Idea to Income™: From Your Brain to Your Bank Account, and became a co-author in a #1 Amazon best-selling book, Entrepreneurial Elevation: 31 Strategic Lessons & Personal Stories From Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs.

“The Aviatra program helped me create the foundation of my business, Moore Planning & Consulting LLC. I had a different business idea in mind when I took the course in 2015, and through that course I learned it would not be a viable business, so I abandoned it. However, I used the same information to launch my current business.”

– Sonya L. Moore, Moore Planning & Consulting LLC

Click here to make a donation in honor of Sonya. 

October Aviatra of the Month: Michele Tibbs & Melyssa Kirn, Grainwell

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In 2013, the Kirn sisters collaborated and made their parents a wooden sign for Christmas. When the beautiful sign brought their mom and dad to tears, they knew they had something special.

One year later, the sisters started their business, Grainwell, and began designing and creating wood-centric, one-of-a-kind products from quality material. To no one’s surprise, Grainwell exploded in popularity, and the team quickly grew out of their shop in their parents’ garage and relocated to their own woodshop and boutique. But, in order to continue growing, they needed more funding—and that’s when they found Aviatra Accelerators (then BGV).

The Grainwell sisters participated in Aviatra’s 8-week LAUNCH® cohort in 2016. During those eight weeks, they accessed the resources they needed to build a solid business and growth plan. At the end of the program, they were awarded a low-interest loan that they used to expand their wholesale opportunities and marketing efforts.

Since 2016, Grainwell has continued to find success. In 2017, they separated their boutique from their woodshop to streamline production and allow for more space. And most recently, in 2021, they opened a second boutique in Hyde Park. The sky is the limit for Grainwell, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!

“We had a wonderful experience with Aviatra. We started a business without a business background, and the program helped us learn, plan, and grow in ways we weren’t previously aware. Aviatra connected us with amazing mentors who helped us grow and we were in contact with for years after. We love being a part of such a wonderful group of women!”

– Michele Tibbs, Grainwell

Click here to listen to Michele’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Michele & Melyssa.

September Aviatra of the Month: Taren Kinebrew, Sweet Petit Desserts

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Taren Kinebrew served in the Army National Guard for seven years and obtained her BS in Information Systems with a minor in accounting, all while climbing the corporate ladder as a programmer/analyst for IBM. After leaving corporate America in 2008, she decided to use her skills as a businesswoman and her gift as a 3rd generation baker to open Sweet Petit Desserts.

Sweet Petit Desserts is a bakery specializing in mini desserts focusing on events and vendors in the Cincinnati area. Taren’s desserts are embellished with tastes made from scratch with the finest ingredients. By creating simple flavors and unique artistry, she encourages my customers to lose themselves completely in that sweet sensuality of it all.

Taren discovered Aviatra (then BGV) in 2012. She participated in our program and was a finalist in her cohort. Her experience with Aviatra was invaluable. She had amazing mentors, and going through the program changed her life. It allowed her to fully live out her dream, which was to open a brick-and-mortar store.

Sweet Petit Desserts’ collection of bite-sized desserts continue to please the palates of Cincinnati locals, but Taren recently accomplished another major milestone. In June 2020, she opened Cream and Sugar Coffeehouse in Evanston. Neither of these ventures would’ve been possible without the help and support of Aviatra Accelerators—and we can’t wait to continue to watch her grow!

“My experience with Aviatra was invaluable. Going through the program changed my life and allowed me to fully live out my dream of opening a brick and mortar store.” – Taren Kinebrew, Sweet Petit Desserts

Click here to listen to Taren’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Taren. 

 

August Aviatra of the Month: Allie Clegg, Allie’s Walkabout

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When Allie Clegg was nine years old, she started walking dogs in her neighborhood to earn some extra spending money. After regularly walking dogs for two years, she knew this was more than a hobby (and something she wanted to pursue seriously), so she officially started Allie’s Walkabout.

Over the years, Allie’s Walkabout slowly grew into a professional doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming business. The company had early success, but Allie wanted it to be bigger and better—and she couldn’t do it alone. She stumbled upon Aviatra Accelerators (then BGV) at a networking event and was instantly inspired after hearing the compelling stories of previous alums. She knew she wanted to be a part of our organization, and she joined our cohort in 2013 and was accepted into our LAUNCH® cohort in 2018.

Throughout her time with Aviatra, Allie gained valuable insight, accessed incredible resources, and felt empowered to accomplish her goals. Now, Allie’s Walkabout has an 8,000 square foot facility on 4.5 acres—that they own—with 24 employees, including five groomers. They average around 90 dogs a day and are working to install doggy-safe turf in the outside yards and build a membership-only dog park on the property. They’re a complete hands-on but off-leash facility and have been voted “best place to pamper your pet” for the last four years. Allie couldn’t have accomplished all this without the help of Aviatra Accelerators, and she’s so proud to be part of our community.

“Aviatra helped my sister, mom, and I feel empowered and encouraged to accomplish our goals with the help of other women in a male-dominated world. I formed many great relationships, feel more involved in the community, and have been inspired to push past my fears and achieve my goals.” – Allie Clegg, Allie’s Walkabout

Click here to listen to Allie’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Allie. 

July Aviatra of the Month: Abbie Guthier, OKOTA Wedding Design

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After earning her wedding planner certification and degrees in graphic design and photography from Xavier University, Abbie Guthier combined all of her passions and founded OKOTA.

OKOTA is a wedding design company that specializes in all the aesthetic aspects of a wedding day. OKOTA offers photography, videography, floral design, invitation design, dessert bar design, and wedding day coordination to make the complete vision come together. Abbie prides herself on providing a way for busy couples to meet with one vendor they know and trust will understand their vision and help them execute it across several aspects of their wedding day.

Abbie learned about Aviatra Accelerators through the Cincinnati SCORE chapter and participated in our 2016 EXPLORE cohort. Through our program, Abbie gained a better understanding of business development, was challenged to expand, and built wonderful relationships with other female entrepreneurs in the tri-state area.

Today, OKOTA continues to thrive and allow couples to truly enjoy their engagement and planning process. Abbie recently opened a storefront and small venue in Covington, Kentucky, and OKOTA has expanded its wedding services even further by hosting bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, intimate weddings, and gatherings. Her experience with Aviatra helped make this possible, and she’s grateful to be part of such an encouraging community with never-ending resources and support.

“Aviatra allowed me, as a young entrepreneur, to better understand business development, challenged me to push my business expansion even further, and connected me to the right people to gain funding and support for opening a brick and mortar space for my business.” – Abbie Guthier, OKOTA Wedding Design

Click here to listen to Abbie’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Abbie.

June Aviatra of the Month: Emily Frank, Share Cheesebar & C’est Cheese

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After moving back to her hometown after 17 years away, Emily Frank wanted to be part of a changing and growing Cincinnati and carve out her own path as an entrepreneur. That’s when she started C’est Cheese Food Truck, an award-winning grilled cheese truck.

While Emily was building her business, her mom came across an article about Aviatra Accelerators (then BGV), and both her family and mentor encouraged her to apply for one of our programs. In 2011, Emily was accepted into our 5th cohort and gained unmatched knowledge and support that helped her launch C’est Cheese Food Truck.

But, Emily’s cheese-related ventures didn’t stop there. After having her food truck for several years, she was ready to expand and take her love of cheese to the next level. In 2017, Emily founded Share Cheesebar, a Pleasant Ridge cheese shop specializing in artisanal cheese & charcuterie, wine, and other fabulous goodies. Whether you’re an educated cheese lover or don’t know a thing other than you love it, Share Cheesebar is a welcoming spot for all.

From the classes and marketing opportunities to the mentors and networking events, Emily took full advantage of everything Aviatra had to offer. Her experience with Aviatra opened many doors that helped her build two thriving businesses, create countless jobs, and bring Cincinnati cheese lovers together.

Share Cheesebar is generously offering 10% off all retail sales during June. Make sure to stop by, grab a treat, and mention the Aviatra discount! 

“Aviatra Accelerators (BGV) was such a big part of my early success with C’est Cheese Food Truck. From the other students and the networking to the press and my SCORE advisor (who I still work with nine years later!)—all of it was instrumental in setting me on the right path to success and reminding me that I always have a network of fabulous women supporting me.”

-Emily Frank, Share Cheesebar & C’est Cheese

Click here to listen to Emily’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Emily. 

May Aviatra of the Month: Shauntel Dobbins, FinanciallyU

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After working in the finance industry for over 20 years, Shauntel Dobbins quickly became the go-to personal finance resource for her friends, family, and small businesses. One day, after giving a presentation to a local company, an attendee inquired about prices for a one-on-one financial coaching session. However, Shauntel couldn’t give an answer.

That’s when Shauntel got the idea to start her own business. In 2017, she founded FinanciallyU, a financial network, providing tools and resources about money management, credit building, asset building and savings strategies, tax preparation, and notary/signing agent needs. Since then, she has partnered with countless individuals to establish and maintain healthy relationships with money. Her clients often refer to her as their “financial therapist” because she provides a nonjudgmental atmosphere and inspires individuals to have prosperous thoughts that lead to prosperous results. She also teaches clients how behaviors relative to money lead to success or failure.

To ensure a strong foundation for FinanciallyU, Shauntel turned to Aviatra’s EXPLORE® program. During the course, she gained incredible support, insight, and connections that helped her take her business to the next level. Today, FinanciallyU continues to thrive, and Shauntel is working on a podcast and co-hosts Financial Fridays on Clubhouse every Friday at 6:00 p.m. She also just published her first book, Prospering Thoughts, which is available for purchase on Amazon.

“Participating in Aviatra’s EXPLORE® program was one of the best decisions of my professional life. The resources and tools I received expanded my outlook and took my business to the next level.”

         – Shauntel Dobbins, FinanciallyU

Click here to listen to Shauntel’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Shauntel. 

April Aviatra of the Month: Allison Chaney, Bare Knuckle Digital

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After spending 12 years working in digital marketing at a local Cincinnati SEO agency, Allison Chaney felt like she was hitting her head on the ceiling and had nowhere else to go. She knew she wanted to do more, but couldn’t at her current job, so she decided to go out on her own and freelance. That’s when she founded Bare Knuckle Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency offering website design, social media marketing, strategy, and SEO services. As a single mom, this was a huge leap of faith, and what she thought would be something small turned into something way bigger.

Allison knew almost everything about marketing, but not much about building a business. Fortunately, Aviatra Accelerators solved that problem. Through the Aviatra program, Allison learned how to successfully start and run a company, found seed money, and made invaluable connections that helped her create a significant part of her business.

In 2014, Bare Knuckle Digital was acquired by Red 212, a Procter and Gamble spin-off agency. However, Allison’s entrepreneurship journey didn’t stop there. She recently started her second company, Breakthrough Accelerator, an accelerator for impact-minded businesses. Both of these impressive accomplishments were possible thanks to the advice, education, and connections she received through Aviatra. Her experience with Aviatra gave her the confidence and knowledge she needed to build two businesses, increase her chances of success, and, most importantly, help even more companies accelerate and grow.

“Aviatra Accelerators (BGV) is the starting point of my success today. I discovered this incredible organization when I wanted to start my first business. The support, mentorship, and amazing networking opportunities I have received throughout the years have been priceless!”

 – Allison Chaney, Bare Knuckle Digital

Click here to listen to Allison’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Allison. 

March Aviatra of the Month: Robin Gentry McGee, Functional Formularies

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In 2005, Robin Gentry McGee received a life-changing phone call. She learned that her father had fallen and was suffering from a severe brain injury. His chance of survival was very small, and almost daily, the medical staff encouraged Robin to pull the plug.

One day, Robin read the ingredients in the feeding tube formula that was keeping her father alive; it was little more than corn syrup, and not one ingredient was real food. She immediately began looking for an organic whole-food feeding tube formula online and at local health food stores, but found nothing.

Robin decided that she needed to make a change. After much research she created an organic whole foods formula for her father. The formula contained 17 whole food ingredients with no added sugar. After just six weeks on Robin’s formula, her father’s health improved astoundingly. With time, he went from taking 17 medications daily, to taking just two. This is how Functional Formularies was born. Robin’s objective was to take Liquid Hope and manufacture it on a large scale, but she needed help. As an Aviatra, Robin found herself immersed in robust business education courses and surrounded by mentors and peers encouraging her to turn her dream into a reality. Robin sold her company in 2018, but Liquid Hope continues to save lives internationally.

“One of the best decisions I ever made when I decided to commercialize my product was to seek a business accelerator program. Attending this program was a game-changer for me and was instrumental in my success. 

Whether you’re just beginning to explore an idea for a business or product or are ready to take your business to the next level, I firmly believe you will find all the tools you need through Aviatra Accelerators!”

                       – Robin Gentry McGee, Functional Formularies  

Click here to listen to Robin’s “Her Million Dollar My$tery” episode.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Robin.