Ryia Blow is the owner of Daily Dignity Day Center LLC, a place that strives to provide a warm and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive and reach their full potential. We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training program.
LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
“I’ve long felt a calling to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite pursuing various roles within the field, I often found myself seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment. After managing hospice care for over 126 individuals, serving as a service coordinator across multiple states, and engaging in various consulting positions, I still felt a yearning for something more. It was my dear friend Shaneek Witherspoon, now my esteemed business partner, who proposed the idea of creating a day program. This vision to make a lasting impact on the human services landscape resonated deeply with me, igniting my passion for entrepreneurship.”
LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
“My grandfather’s influence as a paraprofessional supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities left a lasting impression on me from a young age. His dedication, care, and compassion deeply resonated with me, shaping my values and aspirations even in my youth. Witnessing firsthand the impact of his work inspired within me a strong desire to ensure that this population receives the highest level of care and support possible.
Throughout my experiences, I have seen the incredible progress that can occur when individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with the right resources, support, and opportunities. It is this belief in the transformative power of proper care and assistance that fuels my passion for this field.
Moreover, my involvement in this work feels like a meaningful connection to my late grandfather, allowing me to honor his legacy in a profound and personal way.”
LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending WBA. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
“Participating in the Women’s Business Academy (WBA) was undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences I’ve encountered. It pushed me to delve deeply into my business, to question the authenticity of my vision and mission, and to explore how best to communicate that conviction to others. Throughout this journey, my mentor, who initially recommended the program, provided invaluable encouragement, urging me to persevere through the obstacles.
For me, the real ‘ah-ha’ moment came during the pitch session when we had to present our business ideas to our peers. I will admit that I did not perform as well as I had hoped. It was a wake-up call that propelled me to delve further into my industry, to understand the hurdles faced by others in the field, and to brainstorm innovative ways to elevate the current standards.”
LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
“We’ve encountered numerous hurdles along the way, from navigating the complexities of building code requirements for our leased space to meeting the diverse expectations of regulatory bodies overseeing our business operations. Learning the intricacies of Medicaid standards and familiarizing ourselves with the dynamics of a new county added further layers of challenge.
Yet, perhaps the most daunting aspect has been establishing meaningful connections with stakeholders to raise awareness about our facility. Against the backdrop of significant changes, including budget cuts in local schools, reaching out to those most affected has proven to be a formidable task. While we recognize that our efforts may not be top priority for some, we remain steadfast in our commitment to extend our outreach to as many individuals as possible.
Despite these challenges, we have been fortunate to have some individuals already choose our program. This serves as a powerful motivator for us to continue our mission of ensuring that everyone in need has access to our services.”
LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
“We’re in the process of assembling a list of candidates to join our program. Our official start date is set for June 3rd, at which point we will notify applicants of their acceptance. Alongside this, we’ve conducted several open houses and are planning a community event to showcase our services and the comprehensive offerings of our program.”
LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with passion, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your vision into reality.
More about Daily Dignity Day Center LLC:
“Our mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live a life with dignity under their terms and within their capabilities. We strive to achieve this by providing person-centered programs and services that foster an environment to promote growth, independence, and community engagement. Through our crafts, music activities, social interactions, and community involvement, we aim to identify and foster the unique interests and abilities of each individual we support. At Daily Dignity, we hope to create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and enhances the overall well-being of each individual”.
Ryia Blow can be reached at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (856) 629-1403 from 8am – 6pm ET
Visit the Location at: 1034 N Main Street, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Website: https://www.dailydignitynj.com/
About the Women’s Business Academy (WBA):
The Women’s Business Academy (WBA) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance.