Since 2020, women entrepreneurs from all over the country have applied for the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
Besides competing for a chance to win cash and prizes, finalists are forever linked with four other entrepreneurs. The diversity and caliber of fellow women founders surprised Nancey Harris.
Nancey and her co-founder, Tracy Vontélle Green, created Vontélle, the first African-American-owned and operated eyewear company to offer ethnic and cultural patterns. They met at Morgan State University and have been friends since. Nancey represented the brand at the 2022 Pitch Competition and was crowned runner-up, taking home $5,000 and in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing.
We caught up with Nancey almost a year after the 2022 Pitch Competition.
Enthuse Foundation (EF): What surprised you about participating in the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition?
Nancey Harris (NH): The most unexpected and rewarding aspect was the opportunity to network with a diverse range of successful professionals from various backgrounds. These women are stars in their respective areas, and I was given a chance to compete with them in the Enthuse Pitch Competition, and we came in second place.
EF: Since you were named runner-up, as part of your prize package, you received 20 hours of in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing. Could you describe that experience?
NH: We needed help to craft a strategic marketing plan. There were many ideas; it was almost like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what would work. The Enthuse Marketing team helped us understand which ideas deserved our attention, capital, and resources. The ideas were clear, specific, measurable, and feasible.
EF: That’s great to hear. How has your business grown since the 2022 Pitch Competition and Enthuse Marketing work?
NH: Wow, where do I start? This year has been since a whirlwind. Tracy and I were featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Additionally, Vontélle has partnered with a major retail chain and will be in close to 1,000 stores nationwide in 2024. Finally, we launched two new collaborations with Earline Sims Collection and Harlem Haberdashery and have another celebrity brand in the works.
EF: What a year! What advice would you give to another founder applying to the Pitch Competition?
NH: Be confident. You know your brand better than anyone else, so don’t be afraid to advocate for it. If you get selected, having your pitch memorized doesn't hurt. You've got this!
EF: You are right! You know your company best. What's on the horizon for you professionally and personally?
NH: Vontélle looks forward to securing government contracts and corporate partnerships. As NYC residents, we would LOVE to work with the Department of Education and local charter schools to offer eye exams, eyeglasses, and resources to kids in need. The children are our future; we want to ensure they see what’s on the horizon. We look forward to continuing to build a fantastic legacy brand that resonates with people worldwide.
The Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition is more than sharing a business with an audience; it’s about the connections made and the experience of meeting fellow women founders grinding daily. Her fellow finalists still inspire Nancey, and here’s your opportunity to connect with other founders. Apply to the 5th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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