Camden, NJ – Wednesday, March 11, 2026
LAEDA Celebrates Women’s Business Academy Graduates: Session 104
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, ten driven and passionate individuals celebrated a significant milestone by completing LAEDA’s Women’s Business Academy (WBA) – Session 104. Over nine intensive weeks, these aspiring business owners dedicated more than 72 hours to learning from industry experts, refining their business plans, and preparing to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
The graduates represent a vibrant and diverse mix of industries, including home health care services, spa and retreat experiences, finance and education services, payroll and employment compliance consulting, contracting equipment and supplies, beauty salons, restaurants, Mexican grocery stores and ice cream parlors, gift and novelty retailers, and vegan baked goods and foods. Each came with a unique journey defined by passion, resilience, and determination.
Jamila Powell, Program Director of the Women’s Business Center, congratulated the graduates and highlighted that this cohort marked the 9th session of the Women’s Business Academy. She also recognized LAEDA alumni April and James Ward, founders of Creative Content OnDemand, who were present to document the celebration. The couple leads a New Jersey–based multimedia marketing company providing video production, photography, social media management, and public relations services, helping businesses tell their stories and grow their audience. Their presence helped capture the energy and accomplishments of the newest graduates. On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the Cherry Hill Public Library April Ward will be presenting at Networking Opportunity & Fireside Chat: “Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for Small Businesses.”
Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA, delivered an inspiring message encouraging graduates to continue building momentum in their entrepreneurial journeys. He spoke about the power of networking, the importance of strong business systems, and the role a solid foundation plays in long-term success.
He stressed that maintaining organized records and strong finances is essential for any business owner. As he reminded participants, “Having a good foundation, good record keeping, and strong financials is the driving force for your business. Do not get behind the wheel without these.”
Mr. Lamboy also spoke about the importance of understanding where a business begins or recognizing when it is transitioning to the next stage. He highlighted how pricing plays a role in how customers perceive value, noting, “The perception of quality often comes with price, and how your products or services are valued is reflected in your pricing.”
He concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to remain committed to strengthening and growing their businesses. “Keep working in your business and build your business. There is a difference between working in your business and working on your business,” he shared. Mr. Lamboy also reminded graduates that LAEDA remains a resource for them moving forward, emphasizing the pride the organization takes in seeing its clients succeed and encouraging graduates to stay connected as their businesses grow.
LAEDA continues to support entrepreneurs at every step of their journey, offering the tools, guidance, and community connections needed to turn ideas into successful businesses. We celebrate the accomplishments of the Session 104 graduates and look forward to seeing the impact they will make. The future is full of opportunity!
List of books:
● Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
● The E Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
● Traction by Gino Wickman
● What To Say When You Talk To Your Self by Shad Helmstetter
● Applebee’s America by Douglas B. Sosnik and Matthew J. Dowd
● How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
● Know Your Value by Mika Brzezinski
● Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
● The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Robert Baylock, Da’Vinci Paris House of Fashion (From LAEDA’s Women Business Academy Winter 2025 Session 101)
Among the night’s special guests was Robert Baylock, CEO of Da’Vinci Paris House of Fashion. A proud alum of LAEDA’s Women’s Business Academy Training Program, Baylock shared insights from his personal journey and offered advice to the graduates.
He emphasized the importance of networking and staying connected: “Your business card is like your ID—keep it with you always. Your best friend is networking.” Reflecting on his experience with LAEDA, he noted, “I learned a lot about where I was winning and where I was losing. You don’t have to do everything on your own—take the knowledge and guidance with you; it will help.”
Baylock encouraged graduates to nurture the relationships they form in the program: “Stay in contact with your new family that you created here at LAEDA because we create these relationships for a reason. Know your friends in the business world.” He also highlighted the importance of character and collaboration in business, explaining that “sometimes it’s necessary to pause, reevaluate, and work together.”
He described LAEDA as a source of “valuable gold” in the form of knowledge and support: “Information is key, and sometimes you have to slow down and also look at your people. Roll the dice when you are feeling lost and call LAEDA.”
Baylock also shared his entrepreneurial growth beyond fashion, noting, “I also started my own security firm, Wick Protection & SECURITY LLC, and I am hiring people in my store. In business, you will wear different hats, and time and patience are essential ingredients.”
His story resonated as a reminder that building a business requires persistence, adaptability, and leveraging the support networks around you—values at the heart of LAEDA’s programs. Learn more about Da’Vinci Paris House of Fashion at: https://www.instagram.com/dvpfashionhouse/ Visit at: 1450 S 9th St Camden, NJ 08104
Networking Queens: Crystal Lewis & Barbara Hall-Bryant
Another highlight of the evening was the presence of LAEDA alumni Crystal Lewis and Barbara Hall-Bryant, co-owners of I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC, a full-service beauty and wellness business based in Camden, NJ. Graduates of EDTP Session 62 (October 2012), the two entrepreneurs reflected on their journey and the determination it took to grow their business.
Crystal also spent time engaging with students in the room, networking and sharing encouragement with aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the event.
Their salon focuses on individualized service and holistic beauty care, offering services such as hair restoration, natural hair care, customized foundation blending, skincare, and wellness products.
Crystal also offered advice to the entrepreneurs in the room. “Value yourself now, not later,” she said. “Be mindful of your environment, keep your social media professional, and don’t just bring people into your business—guide them. Follow the systems you put in place.” Learn more about I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC at: www.isayyessalonandspa.com
Before the night concluded, LAEDA staff offered final guidance to inspire graduates on their entrepreneurial journey:
● “Make the most of every learning opportunity.” Apply what you learn and continually refine your business strategy.
● Stay connected. Relationships with LAEDA and fellow entrepreneurs create a long-term support system.
● Treat your business like a living project. Revisit and revise your business plan as your business grows.
● Finish your business plan and follow through. Implement, review, and repeat.
● Surround yourself with positive people and take care of yourself.
● LAEDA is here for guidance. Use this as an opening door to the many services, counseling sessions, and resources LAEDA offers, and keep us involved in your milestones and events.
This guidance reinforced the message that building a successful business requires action, support, and persistence—and that graduates have a trusted partner in LAEDA as they move forward.
The LAEDA staff also discussed the importance of networking, shared updates on LAEDA initiatives, and spoke about what lies ahead for the students and the organization following the nine-week business training program. Jamila Powell, Program Director of the Women’s Business Center, explained that after entrepreneurs complete their business plan, the next step is putting it into action. “Now you have a business plan and you want to implement it,” she said, also highlighting LAEDA’s Alumni Initiative Network, which allows alumni to stay connected and “utilize each other’s services” while continuing to support and grow with one another.
An Invitation to the LAEDA Community
As LAEDA celebrates the accomplishments of Session 103; the journey does not end here. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected through the LAEDA Alumni Connections Facebook Group, a space to share milestones, promote services, and support one another’s growth.
LAEDA also offers continued education opportunities throughout South Jersey—from short-term seminars to full-length training programs offered three times a year. These programs are tuition-free for those who qualify.
Interested in starting or growing your business?
Visit www.laeda.com or call (856) 338-1177 to learn more.
Follow LAEDA on social media @LAEDA1987 (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter).