"I am happy to report that my business is taking off thanks to the First Step FastTrac Entrepreneur Program called Operation Jump-Start," said Cecelia Boos, owner of Creative Tile Design.

"The classes were instrumental in giving me the basic knowledge of how to successfully start and run my home-based business. The information presented helped me to thoroughly research my business feasibility plan and gave me the confidence that my idea was a good one,” Cecelia explained. “The grant that I was awarded has helped me tremendously! I now have the capability with the new computer and digital camera to take pictures of my work for presentation to prospective clients."

Cecelia currently is in the process of painting many tile samples and taking pictures to provide a portfolio for local designers and builders. In this way, she hopes to increase her business. She also is advertising her business in the local newpapers and printing T-shirts. Thanks to the grant award, Cecelia now has a great selection of china painting supplies, inventory and a new kiln.

"All of this was made possible by the generosity of the Operation Jump-Start grant and the classes taught by Bill Vickery," she said. "The classes and grant have allowed me to fulfill my dream of owning and operating my own business!"

If you are interested in custom tile pieces, please contact Cecelia at ceceliaboos@juno.com. She is able to custom-design a tile or match the design to a pre-existing pattern.

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