Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Kelly.
Hi Albert, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Al Kelly but most know me as “Dj Beazo” (B-Zo). I built my brand in the Sumter, SC area by DJing and hosting social events. As I got older the less social events I was doing because I wanted to focus on events that were special or overall impactful. As an entrepreneur, I’ve used vending as a way to create income for myself which is finding pop-up shops or attending local flea markets to sell goods. What I noticed about the vendor events they would have a large amount of vendors but not a lot of support from the community coming out shopping. So, I knew with my brand being well known plus my experience in marketing and promotions I could make a change for small businesses that utilized vending to sell goods. Several small business owners suggested I host a vendor event and after studying the market I did just that. My 1st vendor event was a July 18th, 2020 in the middle of the pandemic named “Retail Therapy”. We only had 15 vendors and allowed a certain number of shoppers but it was very successful. I choose the name retail therapy not only because some great shopping is really therapy for most people but just that fact that shopping in person was still popular. It’s always a joy to shop, socialize and fellowship. Some of our retail therapy supports have said when they attend these events, they see people that haven’t seen in years. So, we are contributing to the wellness of the community in so many ways with this organization. We have since had several events and the brand is now coined “Retail Therapy The Small Business Network”. We are here to help small businesses, especially new start-up business learn, grow a customer base, and earn money.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly is has not been a smooth road but there is beauty in a struggle building something you believe in. RT took off like a rocket and was really unexpected. The demand for events outweighed my ability and that’s still a challenge we face today. We hope to have our own venue soon so we can have events more frequently. If any serious person (s0 of business would like to invest please make contact. Some other challenges is we face is funding because it takes a lot to host and promote these events. We have several other things we face but it’s all growing pains of any small business. One of the best things I was able to do was build a strong team. Imagine one person managing 50 vendors and setting up the whole event, talk about stressed. So, I’d like to give special thanks to my assistant Tamya Berry & head event coordinator Meta Stukes. Honestly, without them, Retail Therapy could not have made it this far. I’m going to do something very special for both them one day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Serial Entrepreneur
I’m still an active disc jockey. I host my own social events and provide music for weddings, birthday parties, schools, cookouts, clubs, and bars.
I also have a company So Rocky Promotions which we specialize in marketing and promotions. We create logos, digital flyers, business cards, posters, and more. I am most proud of Retail Therapy because it really took on a life of its own and helps the community, especially minority business owners. What sets us apart from others is our customer service and always over-delivering for clients.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the fact that Sumter, SC is indeed growing & more people are starting small businesses. What I like least is we are so far behind there isn’t a lot of assistance & opportunities for minority businesses. We are on the right track and Retail Therapy will continue to be a contributing factor. We will be hosting small business workshops starting June 5th at Silver Spoon Event Center in Sumter, SC.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.retailtherapytsbn.com
- Instagram: RetailTherapy.TSBN
- Facebook: Retail Therapy The Small Business Network
- Twitter: RetailTherapy.TSBN
- Youtube: Retail Therapy The Small Business Network
Image Credits
EyeWonder Portraits
