Ignite Portsmouth Alumni: Candy Frazier
Candy Frazier went through the Ignite Portsmouth Boot Camp last summer. Candy, a local real estate agent, knew there would be lots of synergy between her job and her business idea: affordable interior design.
“I signed up for Ignite because it was a great opportunity to help start my interior design business,” said Candy. “Through Ignite, I learned how to write a business plan, market and pitch my company, and learn how to lean on mentors for help.”
Ignite is an 8-week entrepreneurship boot camp that provides participants with the tools they need to succeed. They learn about value proposition, the business model canvas, market analysis and customer validation, financial and revenue modeling, access to capital, marketing, branding, and business pitching. Additionally, participants are connected with mentors who will help them along the journey.
“This was a great experience. Ignite will help you network with the right people and get out of your comfort zone. Ignite showed me I could do it.”
“I had an incredible mentor who really helped me through the tough times of starting up my business.”
Candy has since launched her business, By Grace Interior Design LLC, and has had numerous jobs ever since.
“I have customers calling me, messaging me often,” she said. “I was so excited when I met my first customers. They asked me to complete a bathroom design remodel. Once I finished, they gave me a great big hug and thanked me for making the job so easy on them and taking out all the guesswork. They loved it so much they asked me to complete an even bigger project.”
“That word of mouth really helped spread the word about my interior design business.”
The next Ignite Portsmouth Boot Camp kicks off on May 11th. The event will run each Thursday from 6-8PM and culminate in a pitch competition with $10,000 up for grabs on June 29th. And this year, Ignite has expanded to five other counties along with a grand championship pitch competition between all the regional winners.
“This was a great experience. It will help you network with the right people and get out of your comfort zone. Ignite showed me I could do it.”
