In honor of Black History Month, the Greater Green Bay Chamber is putting a spotlight on Black owned businesses and offering ways to support them in a blog miniseries. Today, we highlight Latosha Greenleaf, Executive Director of Urban Cultural Arts & Event Center. Learn more about her business and her journey as a business owner by reading her answers to the questions below.
Introduce yourself and tell us about your business.
Hi, I’m Latosha Greenleaf, and I am the Executive Director of Urban Cultural Arts & Event Center, an art focused community center, as well Urban Cultural Arts Paint & Sip. We are located at 906 E. Walnut St., Green Bay, WI 54301.
Urban Cultural Arts offers a unique and inclusive art experience. Our goal is to create a constructive outlet for emotional expression using various art forms like painting, poetry, pottery, music, dance, comedy, cooking, and more.
What motivated you to open your own business?
The motivating factor in opening an art focused community center was my strong belief in the healing power of artistic expression and its amazing benefits for our community. Art is not just about creating beautiful things, it has the potential to bring about positive changes in people's lives. I am particularly passionate about how art can be a significant source of support for our youth, children with disabilities, and older individuals, both mentally and physically.
For our youth, engaging in artistic activities can be a powerful outlet for self-expression. For children with disabilities, art provides a unique avenue for communication and self-discovery, contributing to their overall development and for older individuals, artistic expression can be a source of joy.
Art and being creative in general have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and depression. It promotes mental well-being and offers a creative outlet that benefits us physically and emotionally.
Urban Cultural Arts is not just a business venture for me, it's a mission. The mission to provide a safe and entertaining space where art is not only accessible, but affordable for the families in our community and where art has no mental, physical or financial barriers.
What challenges have you faced/adversity have you overcome as a business owner?
I've encountered various challenges that required resilience and a lot of problem-solving. The most difficult was navigating through the initial stages of establishing the business, dealing with securing funding, and ensuring compliance with regulations. I am still focusing on overcoming these challenges by careful planning, seeking advice from mentors, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
Another obstacle was building awareness and attracting community participation. This requires persistence and creativity to overcome the initial skepticism and encourage people to embrace the center as a valuable community asset. It also required finding alternative revenue streams, and maintaining open communication with staff and the community while navigating through these adversities.
What are you the proudest of from your time as a business owner?
I take pride in my determination as a business owner, especially during tough times. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including the heartbreaking loss of my partner, big brother and best friend Thom E BHoy to suicide, and the challenges of managing a dynamic team where people come and go, I have not given up.
The ability to weather such emotional and professional storms showcases a deep commitment to the vision we had community center. Even when overwhelmed and overworked, I remained steadfast, driven by a passion for creating a space where art thrives and the community flourishes.
My proudest achievement is not just about the success of the business but about the unwavering dedication to its mission despite adversity. It reflects a commitment to making a positive impact on the community through the transformative power of art, even when faced with life's most difficult challenges.
We pay tribute to Black creators through education and artistic workshops based on their inventions. We Also celebrate their contributions with cultural awareness events incorporating poetry, art, food, and dance to make it interesting and get the community involved.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
The advice that I would give to aspiring entrepreneurs is to prioritize what matters to you, stay focused, plan meticulously, and don't hesitate to seek assistance. Educate yourself continually and stay adaptable to change. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your goals and values. Minimize distractions and prioritize your mental health. While entrepreneurship is challenging, remember to prioritize self-care and family above all.
What impacts do you want your work to have on future generations?
I want my work to have an everlasting positive impact on future generations. I hope to inspire creativity, create a sense of unity, and promote inclusivity within the community. I want future generations to view the center as a vibrant hub where diverse voices are heard, artistic expressions are celebrated, and connections are forged.
I hope that Urban Cultural Arts becomes a catalyst for positive social change for many years to follow. Whether through showcasing diverse perspectives in art, supporting local talent, or providing educational opportunities, I want our impact to ripple through generations, leaving a legacy of creativity, empathy, and community engagement. Ultimately, I envision a future where the seeds we plant today grow into a flourishing cultural and artistic landscape for the benefit of generations to come.
Is there anything special you do to celebrate Black History Month either personally or at your business?
Certainly, as a Black woman with Black children, and given the context of our community where our history is sometimes overlooked, it's crucial for me to actively engage in teaching our youth about our heritage both at home and within the broader community. Specifically, during Black History Month, we organize special events, educational programs and workshops to highlight the contributions and struggles of the Black community.
However, it's equally important to emphasize that our commitment to cultural celebration extends beyond February. Throughout the entire year, we make it a priority to commemorate the diverse cultures our community proudly represents. This ensures that the recognition and appreciation of our collective history and heritage are continuous, fostering a sense of inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity.
Check out Urban Cultural Arts & Event Center:
Visit their website: urbanculturalarts.com
Follow their social media:
Visit them in person: 906 E Walnut St, Green Bay, WI 54301