The District Chronicles

Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Business

Burnt orange walls serve as the backdrop for pictures hanging in the front-end of HomeGrown Creations, an art gallery and gift shop on U Street in the historic Northwest Washington DC neighborhood. Even the restrooms, with mural paintings of a jungle on the walls reflect the store's eccentric atmosphere.

Melissa Taylor named her store HomeGrown Creations as a tribute to the original works of local artists featured there. "I wanted the name to reflect the contents of the store. The art is created by local artists, hence the name 'HomeGrown.'"

A New York native, Taylor always had a love for art and admired the creative culture in DC as a student at Howard University. After graduating in 1986 with a degree in Fine Arts, Taylor stayed in the city to fulfill her dream. At 42, she left her job as a dispatcher and became a full time visual artist creating pieces through paint, film and raw materials. HomeGrown Creations opened its doors to the community in November 2005.

The road to starting an independent business was not easy for Taylor. When she couldn't get a start up loan from her bank, she used money from her 401K and contributions from friends and family to raise $50,000. "There are rough days and months," said Taylor. "The first day was excellent. The first month was frightening; I went many days without a customer."

Even with the obstacles, Taylor said she never felt like quitting and that the joys of entrepreneurship overruled her fears. "For the first time in my life I'm doing something fulfilling. I don't feel like I work. I have a sense of purpose."

HomeGrown Creations sells items including handcrafted jewelry, gourmet dog treats, and three-dimensional artwork. Taylor said most of the sales come from repeat costumers and she has set up a rewards system for these valued patrons.

Taylor also strives to incorporate community participation with the store's newsletter, 'The HomeGrown Herald' which currently has 498 subscribers. In the newsletter, there are stories about the customers, store events, and short stories.

Customers also have the opportunity to be a part of the "HomeGrown" community through various activities held at the store. Creative Corner classes taught by members are open to customers as well as 'Blab Fest,' Friday night discussion group and 'Monday Night Theatre' where local playwrights can rehearse original acts.

Taylor has come a long way from her first sell, a pair of $15 Body Candii earrings to her recently sold painting entitled, 'Cuttin Up' priced at $475. Lynne Smith-David, bought the painting and was pleased with the three-dimensional piece of a woman dancing with her hands up, one foot lifted from the ground.

For future entrepreneurs, Taylor advises, "be willing to sacrifice and compromise. Become disciplined and focused and have an unrelenting belief in yourself and what you are selling."

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