On January 23^rd, I got the opportunity to attend the grand re-opening of Zarkpas Purses & Accessories. For those who aren’t familiar, Zarkpas is a store that specializes in women’s handbags and clothing. The store is owned and operated by Tracy Garley, a Liberian native and longtime Detroit resident.

I got to know Tracy after she came to speak to our Challenge Detroit cohort at the Mayor’s office in October. Having sold apparel myself since college, I was intrigued by her business & wanted to find out more. She welcomed me into her circle with open arms and was the first to support & become a vendor for my new venture, BeautifulBLKFriday.com.

The re-opening was a joyous affair, complete with music, wine, West African cuisine & fashionable people. For me, the best part of the event was witnessing the results of determination & persistence. When the landlord of her previous store location raised the rent, Tracy found herself in search of a new home.

After countless months of searching, her prayers were answered, as she toasted to success & prosperity in her stylish new store on Witherell Street (in Detroit’s North End neighborhood). As I continue to work towards my own success, Tracy’s story reminds me that when one door closes, an even better one just might open.