Rev-Up MKE is NWSP’s annual “Shark Tank”-style small business competition that brings together local entrepreneurs, residents and community leaders to foster economic growth within the Near West Side of Milwaukee. A prime example of economic development programming, Rev-Up MKE attracts new businesses and sparks interest and development in the commercial corridors of the Near West Side. At the same time, the competition engages residents and community members by encouraging residents to vote for the business models they want to see in their neighborhoods.
Brittney Rodriguez, founder and owner of CeLani Skin & Wellness, was the winner of the Rev-Up MKE 2023 competition and has now opened her own storefront in Concordia 27, in the heart of the Near West Side. For almost a year now, Brittney has invested the competition prize money, provided by Town Bank, into growing her business and received expert guidance from Near West Side Partner’s mentors.
As she approaches her 1-year anniversary of winning the competition, we sat down with Brittney to discuss her post-competition experience and the impact Rev-Up MKE had on her business.
How has Rev-Up MKE positively benefited your business trajectory?
“I applied for the competition with a business plan and a great concept, but would have never guessed that winning – and the guidance throughout the process – would have led me to where I am today. Tom’s expertise, along with support from Near West Side Partners, helped me to develop a solid plan with limitless opportunities. One of the greatest parts was the introduction to the organization Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee that aligned with my mission. My business is now a part of a greater mission and located in a beautiful new space that I am proud of. I was given the opportunity to successfully scale and acquire everything I needed.”
What advice do you have for aspiring businesses participating in Rev-Up 2024?
“Anyone that is selected to be a part of the process should take advantage of all the guidance. Learn your business, develop it with as many details as possible, and embrace the experience. Be prepared to put in the work and you will see how much your business can grow. The potential to win is seriously just the icing on the cake. I came to pitch night already feeling like I won!”
What is something you want people to know about your business or about you personally?
“My business is fueled by my own passion to bring life-long wellness to not only myself but to everyone around me. CeLani Skin and Wellness is more than the average esthetics business, as I focus on both physical and mental aspects. ‘Clear Skin, Clear Mind’ is truly the epitome of what I am trying to bring to the community, and I am hopeful for future opportunities and success.”
What attracted you to the Near West Side?
“I learned so much about the Near West Side throughout the competition and knew that it would be the perfect place for my business. The community is so diverse and there are so many individuals who could benefit from the services that I offer. The work that NWSP does within the community is unmatched, and I became very interested in joining what really is a movement to better the neighborhood and the city overall.”
This fall, NWSP looks forward to once again hosting the seventh annual Rev-Up MKE competition. Save the date for September 10, 2024! Find additional information on past winners, judging criteria and how YOU can vote for your favorite business pitch that night, all on the NWSP website.
