ENTREPRENEUR feature: GRACE TAPPIN of move with grace
Grace Tappin A Brooklyn Native has been a long-standing member of the Brooklyn Business community, having opened her business Move with Grace over 12 years ago, offering daily yoga and other classes. When Grace came to the Women’s Enterprise Action Loan Fund in 2012, she wanted funds to complete the work for her juice bar expansion to her Yoga studio and advice to grow her business.
Helping to fund the juice bar was just the beginning of WEALF’s long relationship with Grace. Sarah Frank, Grace’s mentor, has been there to assist, providing guidance on management and business strategy.
In the last several years as Myrtle Avenue has flourished, Grace has continued to upgrade her studio through second and third loans from WEALF. Most recently, Grace relocated to a larger space up the block adding a large juice bar, with an expanded menu including salads, acai and smoothie bowls and more. She branded the store with colorful signage and added retail items to the mix, and provides rental space for the entire wellness community.
Grace is an active member of her community working with local businesses, NYC children, at-risk youth, and seniors. Aspiring entrepreneurs often come to her for advice and motivation due to her longevity in business.
Her words:
“My parents migrated to this country and were able to give their children the best education possible. I built this business to take the baton and create a foundation for my future children and generations. Movement, music and yoga is very important to me, but representation in a community that was once left behind and bringing together two different worlds to a common ground is the icing on the cake. The learning in yoga is endless and the information we share about healthy foods often stays without clients for a long time. We are changing lives and changing the way business is done by making the community individuals not just feel, but to BE a part of the whole. Finding mentors in Business is rare and I will always be grateful for WEALF's mentors and their willingness to share their great wealth and experience with women who are just beginning their business journey.”