Dayton entrepreneur Tae Winston has had a busy 2022 with growing events and opening a fourth storefront concept to support entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The District Market opened this fall in the Oregon District. The 1,200-square-foot marketplace has room for up to seven local startups to sell products from hot food, both regular and vegan, to smoothies, ice cream and other desserts.
Winston also operates Dayton locations for The Entrepreneurs Marketplace, a pop-up shop store for small businesses; The Entrepreneurs Shoppe which features items for sale from 22 small businesses; and The Entrepreneurs Connection with education and resources for local retailers.
Winston shares her personal outlook for 2023:
How would you assess your organizations' performance in 2022 and what were some of the highlights?
I would say my performance in 2022 was amazing. I had around 4,000 people attend my Wright Dunbar Day event and over 5,000 for Fashion Meets Food Truck Rally. I also opened District Market this year and was able to provide that new space for 6 different restaurants.
What’s your outlook for 2023?
My outlook for 2023 is going to be all about diversity and bringing my community more together. Seeing Dayton become a better place and putting us all together to win.
What are the biggest challenges you’re currently facing and how are you addressing them?
My biggest challenge is working to get sponsors. I have huge events and have been talking to people and trying to figure how to get big companies involved.
What are you most excited about for the new year?
I’m most excited about new opportunities coming with a new year. Dayton is growing every day and the thought of new adventures and growth makes me really excited.
What new initiatives for the community are you planning/working on for 2023?
My new plans for 2023 is expanding to a bigger space to support more businesses and also getting on more community boards to give my input and really give back.
What’s your favorite Christmas/holiday song?
I love the Boyz II Men song "Let it Snow." It’s something about that song that puts me in the holiday spirit.
What’s your favorite Christmas/holiday movie?
"Elf" is for sure my favorite Christmas movie and "This Christmas."
