Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Denise Smith-Archer, Founder of Miracle by DAS, LLC., located in Landover, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am Denise Smith-Archer, owner and founder of Miracle by DAS, LLC, which originated in 2001. I started “Miracle” as a middle school student. What began as an art company centered on fabric-painted clothing, murals, and computer-aided graphics, has since evolved into a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education company. Miracle by DAS’s mission is to cultivate the next generation of culturally responsible STEM professionals through educational resources, activities, and consulting.

Our target clients are parents and school systems, while the ultimate recipient of our products and services are often children. The firm's premier product is its Black Gems in STEM: Academic Success Workbook series. Miracle by DAS continues to grow and build on the Black Gems in STEM workbook series with the Black Gems in STEM Treasure Hunt, kits for the Black Gems in STEM Summer Program, and additional workbooks in the making.

Tell us about yourself

I came from a family of small business owners. My grandfather, with a third-grade education, designed and built houses. He transformed communities through his masonry work and his ability to hire young men in the community. My grandmother ran a cleaning company at the Watergate. My mother ran an accounting company.

My father has worked for decades in minority business development, helping small businesses get the proper footing to excel and flourish. So, becoming a small business owner came naturally. I found my opportunity to step into business as a 7th grader when I started "Miracle" (the name came to me as I flipped through a magazine and saw an advertisement for the WNBA team, the Orlando Miracle).

The idea for the business was birthed out of my love for art and the growing requests from family and friends to do artwork for them. Starting a business would help me to at least break even. The business started solely as a t-shirt design company. In high school, I decided to incorporate computer-aided graphics and murals into the list of services. As I grew older, my art became less meaningful to me, and I started losing interest in my work. But Miracle had become a part of me - less of a business and more of a conduit for me to carry out my life's purpose.

Suitably, the transformation of Miracle, now Miracle by DAS, has reflected my personal growth and refined understanding of my passion. In college, my artwork became more culturally relevant. Since graduate school, I have married art with my passion for education and my expertise in engineering. Miracle by DAS now develops Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education materials, provides STEM education consulting, and hosts STEM-centered events.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date is the Black Gems in STEM Summer Program. Here are some numbers that provide a snapshot of how the program went:

  • 4 weeks (plus prep and closeout)
  • 42 students
  • 1 lead instructor
  • 2 supporting instructors (+2 drop-in instructors)
  • 4 classroom aides
  • 10+ activities per week
  • 5 full sponsorships
  • 2 partial sponsorships

Our team planned and executed a program that genuinely engaged parents and students. Some activities included an escape room, 3D printing, electric circuits, a chemistry experiment, and coding and robotics. In addition to the technical topics, students learned about history, entrepreneurship, inventions, and patents.

They sharpened their critical thinking, creative planning, organizational, and teamwork skills. As a starting point, we are delighted with how the program went. We debriefed and conducted a post-program survey, gathering great feedback to incorporate as we plan for next year's program.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a small firm, wearing many hats is a common way to minimize costs. But it is exhausting and sometimes prohibits growth. Finding the right balance between hiring or contracting and "doing it myself" has been challenging. This is especially true for marketing. I want to grow and reach more people, but I don't want to break the bank.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Keep overhead low.
  2. Identify where there is a need.
  3. Be consistent.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://miraclebydas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiracleByDas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraclebydas/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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