According to the US Census bureau, there are more than 1,000 businesses owned by African Americans located on the Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Most of these are “micro-businesses” being led by entrepreneurs. They are owned and operated by one person and he/she is the only employee.
They are truckers, DJ’s, real estate investors, cleaning services, taxicab operators, lawn care services, barbers, caterers and beauticians.
A list of black-owned businesses is published once a year by Delmarva African American Pride Magazine.
We are proud to bring you a profile of one of those entrepreneurs, who is also an MCE client.
Client Profile
When Deangelo Johnson got his first job in retail, he knew that someday, he’d own the store. Almost twenty-nine years later, his dream has come true.
Last June, Johnson opened Mr. C The Men’s Shop, a high fashion men’s clothing store that offers fashion, business and casual clothing, shoes and accessories for all sizes. It’s located at 723 Roland Street in Salisbury, in the shopping plaza behind Walgreens and next to the Giant.
The 45-year-old entrepreneur from Bishopville worked for the former Mr. Curley’s in Salisbury for 21 years before venturing out on his own.
He attributes his faith in God for giving him the courage to take the leap. “I wanted things to happen quickly, but I had to wait until God’s time,” Johnson said.
Maryland Capital Enterprises also played a key role in helping Johnson launch his business.
“MCE was a great help to me,” Johnson said. “I had the money to buy the business. But I didn’t have money to buy new merchandise. With the loan from MCE I was able to buy new merchandise for my Grand Opening.”
What advice does he have for young black businessmen out there?
“Have faith, believe in God, have a plan, and have the money set aside for what you plan to do,” he said.
He quotes Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.”