Detroit Business Owner Receives Congressional Record for Her Contributions to The Detroit Community

It's not average that business owners are celebrated by receiving an award from Congress. After 10 long years of hard work, time and effort spent, that's exactly what happened for Detroit's own, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams. Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly presented the award to business owner of Ask Jennyfer, over the weekend. An event that was standing room only, filled by supporters, family, friends and other small business owners. Not to forget those who she's helped to make their businesses successfully as well, as Jennyfer is becoming a business mogul in her own right. As various people spoke on program, you could see the large impact that she has left on so many in the Detroit and Metro Detroit Area.

Located in Corktown, All Things Detroit, from entry to the event space love and positive vibes were felt the entire time. Even Congressman Shri Thanedar was excited and smiling from cheek to cheek to be presenting the award to Jennyfer. Once he finished speaking to crowd of people that was filled with about 50 or more guest, a champagne toast was raised in celebration.

One thing that the Congressman shared with the Telegram Newspaper, he said, "Jennyfer embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community empowerment. Her dedication to uplifting small businesses in Michigan is truly commendable. As we approach the 10th anniversary of All Things Detroit, I am thrilled to shine a spotlight on Jennyfer's remarkable achievements and contributions to our local community." By the way, "All Things Detroit Day" become a holiday, January 2020. The purpose is to support small businesses, to get out and shop.

As the day continued, many of those who spoke to share their sentiments, continuously expressed how Jennyfer came into their lives and helped to change it for the better. One small business owner, spoke about how Jennyfer came into her life when she was newly divorced and was a single mom of five children. Now she considers the two of them to be friends. Some speeches, left an emotional impact that had eyes watery in the place.

Both Congressman Thanedar and Jennyfer Crawford-Williams carved out time to share with us about the day, how they felt and what it meant to them.

Clifton, Telegram Reporter: Tell us how today feels with winning this award?

Jennyfer: Today feels amazing, doing something that you love and being able to see all of your hard work pay off after 10 years, I just feel speechless.

Clifton, Telegram Reporter: Over the past years, what exactly have your done to get you to this point in life?

Jennyfer: My passion is people and I've built a community of small business owners and all we wanted to do is be successful and build our businesses, to put in that work and pour into people, that is what has made me successful.

Clifton, Telegram Reporter: Tell the people exactly what your business are?

Jennyfer: Yes, I am, Ask Jennyfer, so the name is Ask Jennyfer and I am the creator of All Things Detroit. All Things Detroit is a small business showcase, where we have a showcase twice a year, that I have been hosting for 10 years. Attendance includes 200 businesses and 14,000 customers in one day.

Clifton, Telegram Reporter: Why did you make the decision to celebrate Jennyfer; what does it do for you?

Congressman Shri Thanedar: I have seen the growth of small business. Under the leadership of President Joe Biden, the fastest growing segment of small business is black woman owned businesses. Ask Jennyfer, is a testament of that! She has lifted them and has given them the tools that they need.

Clifton, Telegram Reporter: Is there still room for others with visions, hopes and dreams to become entrepreneurs still or is the market over saturated?

Congressman Shri Thanedar: No, no, no, there is a lot of good ideas and we want people to feel that entrepreneurship is a career path that's accessible to all and not just to the privileged.

Jennyfer left us with her final thought and advise to those aspiring to becoming a business owner, "Anything is possible as long as you do the work, that's a key thing. Bet on yourself! I always say that chances make champions, and you better bet on yourself."

This year, "All Things Detroit Day" will be April 7th at Eastern Market. It'll also be the 10th anniversary celebration as well. If you have time, join them that day!