I Came for an Award. I Left With a Network

I walked into the MARLS NYC 10th Anniversary Awards Dinner expecting a beautiful evening of celebration. After all, I was being honored with the Go Getter Award, which meant a lot to me as an entrepreneur who knows firsthand what it takes to keep going, even when business isn't businessing the way you'd like. But what I didn't expect was to leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of community, connections, and the people who have been building businesses in our neighborhoods long before entrepreneurship became a trending hashtag.

Baby, that room was ELECTRIC! If there was ever a reminder of the power of Black-owned business networking in Queens, this was it. I was surrounded by business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who are literally keeping our neighborhoods running. What made it even more special was finally putting faces to businesses I'd been supporting for years. Imagine spending your money somewhere and having absolutely no idea who's behind the brand until you're standing next to them at an awards dinner! Hearing their stories and learning what inspired them to start their businesses was a reminder that there's so much more behind a storefront than the products or services being sold.

Of all the speeches that evening, businessman Michael Duncan's impacted me the most. As the owner of Jamaica Breeze on Merrick Boulevard, with another location on Linden Boulevard, he spoke about the importance of protecting Black-owned businesses and why he felt compelled to help organize business owners rather than continue watching businesses struggle in their own communities. His words immediately took me back to my childhood, when I would accompany my dad to Jetro as he shopped for inventory for his store. At the time, I was just a little girl tagging along with her father, not fully understanding the responsibilities or sacrifices that came with running a business. Standing in that room listening to Mr. Duncan, I couldn't help but think about my dad and all the other entrepreneurs who worked tirelessly to build something for themselves and their families. I guess entrepreneurship has been part of my story longer than I realized.

The evening also brought out local elected officials, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who had the room laughing when he jokingly gave himself a West Indian spin on his name. Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson was also in the building and made sure he introduced himself to everyone in the room, including me! He further supported Snap Scene and showed our photobooth some love. And I have to give Vivian of BuyCheapCentral.com his flowers! As the evening's everything, he did an incredible job articulating the mission of the merchant association and why supporting local businesses goes beyond simply spending money. It's about relationships, visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow together. Between the speeches, the cultural connections, and the conversations happening throughout the room, the evening became so much bigger than an awards ceremony.

Here's where it gets interesting. It's been less than a month since that evening, and I'm already reaping the benefits of the connections made in that room. Not because I walked in trying to sell something, but because I showed up, listened, engaged, and allowed people to learn who I am and what I do. As the founder of Snap Scene, I've learned that entrepreneurship isn't just about how hard you work. Sometimes it's about who knows you, who remembers you, and who's willing to say your name when an opportunity presents itself.

Receiving the Go Getter Award was an honor, but being surrounded by people who are building businesses, creating opportunities, and investing in our communities was equally rewarding. It reinforced something I believe more entrepreneurs need to embrace: Networking isn't always about making an immediate sale. Sometimes it's about building relationships that create opportunities long after the event is over.

So here's my takeaway. Join that merchant association. Attend that networking event. Introduce yourself. Support that local business. You never know which conversation will open a door you haven't even knocked on yet. Thank you, MARLS NYC, for the recognition and, more importantly, for continuing to create spaces where small businesses can make big connections.

And to my fellow entrepreneurs, keep going. Apparently, there's an award for that too! 🏆

Did I forget to mention Snap Scene provided Photobooth services? Check out some of the fun that was had!

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Photos featured with the exception of the photobooth photos were captured by R.Etienne of @gcphotos.inc.