Minority-Owned Business Membership Contest Winners

Five minority-owned businesses were awarded membership to Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce through a partnership with TD Bank.

This is the second year the chamber and TD Bank held the contest during the month of May as part of celebrations for National Small Business Week and continues the chamber’s efforts to support and engage minorities in business in the Myrtle Beach area.

TD Bank is sponsoring the cost of one year’s dues for five businesses owned by people from a marginalized or underrepresented demographic. The winning businesses and their employees have full access to all benefits of chamber membership including a listing in the business directory, free job listings on our Job Board, discounts through our money-saving programs and invitations to networking events and education classes.

The winning businesses, who were drawn at random, are: Juice Crush LLC, Lucid Coast Candle Bar, PUPUPDOGTREATS, Ron’s RV Services and The Son of a Barber.

This membership initiative was provided by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, in a continuing effort to celebrate diversity, support and engage minorities in business, and provide opportunity in underserved communities.

“TD Bank is committed to helping create a more inclusive future for those who live and work in the communities we serve, and we understand how important small businesses are to our local and national economy,” said Ryan Spagnolo, relationship manager for TD Bank. “We are proud to collaborate with the chamber and provide this opportunity to these five minority-owned businesses in the greater Grand Strand. We look forward to seeing the continued success of the local businesses and supporting them as they grow.”

Of the business owners who applied, 35 qualified and five were selected at random on June 1 and notified by June 15. The MBACC board of directors finalized their membership on June 21.

Qualifications for the contest required the business be 51 percent or more owned by a minority, marginalized or underrepresented demographic such as: Black or African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Subcontinent Asian, woman, veteran, LGBTQ, or disabled person. In addition, the business must be located in Horry or Georgetown counties, legally operating for at least one month and cannot be current investors with the chamber.

Learn more about the winners

Juice Crush, LLC is a Black and woman-owned business led by sisters Labria Strong and Shaquashia Coleman. More than a juice bar, the sisters are spreading a healthy movement and working toward crushing health disparities in the community. They serve cold pressed juices, smoothies and more. You can order their fresh juices online or find them inside the ESA Fitness at 515 9th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach.

Lucid Coast Candle Bar is a DIY candle making and wine bar located in the heart of the Arts & Innovation District at 512 8th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach. It is locally owned and operated and represents the LGBTQIA community. Lucid Coast Candle Bar is an experimental retail concept where you can make the candle of your dreams from start to finish with help from their candle makers. They also sell handcrafted natural home fragrance products including wax melts, room sprays and car fresheners.

PUPUPDOGTREATS is a woman-owned business selling healthy and homemade treats for your furry friends. Owner Jennifer Ancell started making treats for her own dogs because she wanted to serve them the freshest and healthiest treats possible. That personal mission blossomed into a business. You can find Jennifer and the PUPUPDOGTREATS at various local markets across The Beach and can order online at pupupdogtreats.com.

Ron’s RV Services is a Native American owned business providing mobile maintenance and repair services for recreational vehicles in the Myrtle Beach area.

The Son of a Barber is located on Howard Avenue in The Market Common and is Latin owned. They provide classic barbering services including haircuts, skin fades and shaves with straight razors. Whether you want a traditional or modern hairstyle, The Son of a Barber has you covered.