Biz Plan Competition

2006 Winners

Independent Means is pleased to announce the winners of the 2006 DollarDiva® Business Plan Competition:

Dr. Mi by 18-year old Danni Zhang of Malden, MA

In January, 2006, Danni Zhang combined her musical expertise with her business savvy to create a piano instruction company with the quirky name of Dr. Mi. Employing high-tech gadgetry along with traditional instruction, Ms. Zhang sends each student home with an MP3 recording featuring their own rendition of a piece alongside her performance of the same selection. By listening to the contrasting recordings between lessons, students reinforce their own learning and deepen their appreciation of music and technique. Ms. Zhang plans to donate 10% of her time and revenues from Dr. Mi to the YWCA of Malden, to support piano instruction for low income students.

Fizzalae Botanical Blends by 16-year old Fantashia Stevens of Cleveland, OH.

With the slogan, “Wash Away Today for a Better Tomorrow,” Fizzalae Botanical Blends produces and sells a unique line of homemade bath and body products including soaps, lotions, bath salts, and more. Fizzalae’s current marketing approach focuses on word of mouth and the distribution of flyers and business cards to local businesses and churches. Future marketing plans include promoting products to local hotels, the establishment of a website, and the distribution of free samples to targeted audiences.

GadgetSleeves by 19-year old Katelin Shea of Roslyn, NY

In 2005, when Katelin Shea began her freshman year at New York University, she had her new laptop in tow and needed a carrying case that would fit both her personal style and her technical needs. After an extensive search, she came up empty handed and decided to create her own solution. Soon all of her friends wanted custom cases, and a business was born with the help of a $500 start-up loan from family. GadgetSleeves currently designs and produces functional, stylish and fun protective sleeves for laptops, iPods, cell phones, cameras and more. The sleeves are marketed at street fairs, fundraising events, bazaars, craft shows and on-line at www.GadgetSleeves.com.

Honorable Mention Award Winners