The District Chronicles

Issue date: 7/13/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Kofi Tyus could never find a Mother's Day card with which he was truly satisfied. So one day, more than 30 years ago, he had the idea to create his own Mother's Day card. Armed with a degree from Howard University's art program and his passion for art, Tyus realized that there was a whole group of people who were being ignored in the gift card industry.

Kofi Tyus, opened Kofi Tyus Studios with the idea that he could sell his art to African Americans. In the mid-'70s, few cards catered to the African-American market.

Tyus began his journey into art years before the Mother's Day when he couldn't find the appropriate card. In high school, Tyus had always been very enthusiastic about art. One of his teachers noticed this unyielding passion and set up an interview with professor James Porter, head of the art department at Howard University. Tyus impressed Professor Porter and was awarded a scholarship to attend Howard. Upon graduation, Tyus tried to sell his art, but he could not find an outlet that would display it.  He began making original gift cards and selling them at local stores-- most of them Black-owned drugstores.

In the beginning stages of his business, Tyus continued to do freelance work and drew a few comics for local newspapers. "I had to do something to keep the bread on the table."

While Tyus had a hard time trying to get stores to carry his cards he did consider quitting and finding other jobs. "But I knew I'd always do something with art."

Tyus' gift cards are mostly sold in Black-owned boutiques, such as Caribou Book Store in Prince George's, Md. A wide variety of his artwork is on display and available for sale in his studio, which also serves as his card manufacturing shop. "I sell my art at boutiques and as gift cards because I want to market art that's affordable."

Tyus also showcases his art at various exhibits in the Washington, D.C., area. He has been showcasing his work at art exhibits since he was an undergraduate student at Howard University. However, he loves running his own business. "I'm able to do my art and take chances as an artist. Not many people get to take chances creatively on their job," Tyus said as he beamed with pride.

He still finds his job exciting and loves being able to do his own work. However he finds that the business is quite time-consuming. But he doesn't mind. "I get to do what I love."

Tyus offered advice for those seeking to start their own businesses in the same industry: "Make sure you have an edge that you can appeal to people with," he said. Have an organization or a group of people with similar ideas to support you.

"Some people are artists and some are business people," Tyus said. "I just happen to luckily be both."

Location: 1706 Gales St. NE Washington DC
Phone: 202-397-2982

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