Camden, NJ – Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Ten driven and passionate individuals recently celebrated a major milestone, officially graduating from LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) – Session 105. 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.
This cohort represents a vibrant and diverse mix of industries, including:
- Limited-Service Restaurants
- Apiculture-sells 100% raw unfiltered honey
- All Other Personal Services
- Professional & Management Development Training
- Full-Service Restaurants
- Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers
- Landscaping Services
- Offices of Real Estate Agents & Brokers
- Residential Property Managers
- Caterers
Each came with a unique journey defined by passion, resilience, and determination.
Words of Wisdom from LAEDA Leadership
Jamila Powell, Program Director of the Women’s Business Center, opened the evening by congratulating the graduates and reminding them that the hard work is just beginning.
“The learning and the information was just the start,” Powell noted. “This is just the beginning. I encourage you to keep pushing and encourage others to join the program.”
Powell then welcomed Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA, who delivered an inspiring message focused on building momentum, establishing strong business systems, and laying a solid foundation for long-term success.
“Do not go back to your old life; do not lose your momentum; keep working on your business and start implementing your business plan,” Mr. Lamboy urged. “The beginning foundations have been taught, now let’s keep using that knowledge and those tools. Do your push-ups and apply what you learned. Build on your strengths and hire your weaknesses.”
Mr. Lamboy also emphasized the importance of strategic pricing and understanding a business’s lifecycle.
“The perception of quality often comes with price, and how your products or services are valued is reflected in your pricing,” he explained, reminding graduates to recognize when their business is transitioning to its next stage.
Mr. Lamboy also reminded the graduates that LAEDA is always here to support them, noting how proud the organization is to see them succeed.
Alumni Spotlight: The Networking Queens
Crystal Lewis & Barbara Hall-Bryant – Co-Owners, I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC
A major highlight of the evening was celebrating LAEDA alumni Crystal Lewis and Barbara Hall-Bryant (who was unable to attend but cheered on the class in spirit). As graduates of EDTP Session 62 back in October 2012, the co-owners of I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC reflected on their 14-year entrepreneurial journey and the determination it took to grow their full-service beauty and wellness business in Camden, NJ.
Crystal spent the evening engaging with the room, networking, and sharing powerful encouragement with the new graduates. Their salon focuses on individualized service and holistic beauty care—offering everything from hair restoration and natural hair care to customized foundation blending, skincare, and wellness products.
Reflecting on her own beginnings, Crystal shared:
“I did not know the business, and I never saw the books. The teachers at LAEDA kept me lifted and helped me with the moving parts of running a business. Stay true to yourself, go to your township meetings, and give back to the community—they will tell you who you are.”
She also left the graduates with actionable advice for the future:
“Value yourself now, not later. 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.”
To learn more about their incredible business, book an appointment, or explore their holistic services, visit: www.isayyessalonandspa.com
CEO & Staff Recommendations: The Entrepreneur’s Bookshelf
To keep the graduates growing, LAEDA highlighted these essential reads for any business owner’s library:
- 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
Roadmap for the Future: Next Steps for Session 105
Before the night concluded, the LAEDA staff offered a final strategic roadmap to ensure the graduates stay on the path to success. The team emphasized that moving forward; everything they do should focus on three critical core areas: (1) Sales & Marketing, (2) Admin Systems & Finance, and (3) Production & Product Development.
The staff left the graduates with these key takeaways:
- Make the most of every learning opportunity: Apply what you learn and continually refine your business strategy.
- Treat your business like a living project: Revisit and revise your business plan as your business grows. Finish the plan, follow through, implement, review, and repeat.
- Protect your mindset: Surround yourself with positive people and take care of yourself. The journey is not over, and there is always something new to learn.
- Stay connected: Use this graduation as an opening door to the many services, counseling sessions, and resources LAEDA offers.
Jamila Powell also highlighted the LAEDA Alumni Initiative Network, which allows alumni to stay connected, support one another, and collaborate.
“Now you have a business plan and you want to implement it,” Powell said, explaining that the network is the perfect place to “utilize each other’s services” as they grow together.
An Invitation to the LAEDA Community
As LAEDA celebrates the accomplishments of Session 105, 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.
Are you 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 and X).