12/09/2020
To highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Alpha Phi Delta, specifically, the Epsilon Zeta chapter, we wanted to share the various businesses that our brothers created.
First is BlackPearlByNique, co-founded and run by our vice president Brother Darrius Thompson and his girlfriend. This business started when Darrius' girlfriend wanted to make money off her crafting talent. Darrius entered the business to help fund the projects and actively sell the products online and on social media. In this business, they sell shea butter and coconut oil-based products including, candles, hand soaps, lip balms, Epsom salts, and bracelets. The COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed down their progress, but they were eventually able to gain a following and make more money. You can purchase products at www.blackpearlbynique.com, and follow on social media blackpearlbynique on Facebook and Instagram.
Second is SpanishwithFrank, founded and run by our president Brother Franklin Salazar. After experiencing employment trouble attributed to the pandemic, Brother Salazar wanted to find a way to make supplemental income. His solution was to teach people Spanish, a language he has grown up with his whole life. In this professional environment, a multilingual candidate is an appealing choice to future employers. With Franklin's lessons, you learn how to speak the language formally and professionally, but also informally and friendly. To date, SpanishwithFrank is going strong. You can sign up for lessons at www.spanishwithfrank.com
Finally is PaddlesByAce, which is the chapter's brainchild. The Epsilon Zeta chapter is experiencing a reawakening of what it means to act as a fraternity member in this world. One resolution from this metamorphosis is the idea of creating a business based on all of us. In this business, we will be creating customizable fraternity paddles used by other Alpha Phi Delta chapters and sororities to bring their pledges into their respective chapters. A paddle is a special connection between the older and newer members of the chapter. It is an instant souvenir that held dearly by everyone involved. With this business, we help build our identity as a chapter and help other chapters grow as well. You can check out our work on instagram.