Established LGBTQ entrepreneurs in Syracuse are supporting aspiring members who want to open a business but acknowledge they still face prejudice and acceptance issues. They shared their experiences during the city’s first ever Economic Development Summit focused on the LGBTQ community. Business owners say anyone considering opening a business should seek out safe, welcoming places. Tattoo shop co-owner Jessica Cordero-Sheppard operates Collective Tattoos with her wife. She said following their passions and talents is bringing them joy; however, some within the tattoo profession haven’t welcomed them.
“Our reception has not been warm, but that's okay because it has been by the community. So, that huge challenge is immediately met by the reward that we knew would be there,"
Cordero-Sheppard said. "Which is in any of these other shops, I never felt safe enough.”
Jaleel Campbell is an interdisciplinary artist and designer who explores black queer identity through visual communication, sculpture, textiles and storytelling. Campbell’s credits include collaborations with singer Patti LaBelle and Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles. However, not everyone recognizes the established artist.
“Having to tell these organizations and really stand on it that I'm not a starving artist, you're going to pay the price, has been integral as well in my success as a small business owner specifically that caters to the arts,” Campbell said.
The career networking event for aspiring LGBTQ business owners recently took place at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse.
