Start Small, Dream BIG Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream

Propelled to a sense of responsibility at the age of 6 by the sudden death of his father, C. Anthony Parker stumbled into entrepreneurship at a young age. From paper routes, to setting up a landscaping business on foot, to opening four car dealerships by the age of 23, C. Anthony was constantly evolving his business enterprises. And he did it all without graduating high school, getting financial support from banks, or using credit. Now, 21 years after founding his first dealership, C. Anthony has learned a lot, he has great credit, and he knows how to build strong and resilient businesses.
On this episode of Start Small, Dream BIG we hear from C. Anthony Parker about his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur, how he educated himself outside of the conventional school system, and how his desire for financial stability increased his tenacity and resilience in the face of challenges and failures in business, leading him to his latest successful company, Elk Auto Spa.

When Tiffany Nordé met her husband on the dance floor of a mutual friend’s party, she didn’t know that over a decade later she would leave her career in higher education to start a new career in this long-held pastime of dance. When COVID-19 hit just as her new business was taking off, she had to quickly re-structure her classes, embracing the outdoors and the rise of virtual classes that we all know so well by now. In doing so, she kept her business afloat.
On this episode of Start Small, Dream BIG, Tiffany discusses the role that dance has played in shaping her life, the importance of mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey, and how her background in Intercultural Ministry shapes her outlook and work.

When COVID-19 hit, Caryn Clopton was in a better position than many of her fellow small business owners because her cleaning company, Excel Cleaning Services, specialized in disinfecting spaces. They were therefore classified as an essential business and were able to continue their services through those uncertain early months of the pandemic, without a single employee contracting COVID.
On this episode of Start Small, Dream BIG, Caryn discusses her winding path to entrepreneurship (which included a high school passion for flying planes), how mentorship has helped her sustain her business, and her plans for expansion.

After finding reprieve from a month-long bout of the flu in 2016 through juicing, Najee Ellerbe spent the next 2 years researching and gaining certifications in juicing for health. In 2018 he started his business Everybody’s Juice in his home city of Washington, DC.
On this episode of Start Small, Dream BIG, Najee discusses founding a business, how he finds support in his networks, and Everybody’s Juice’s place in the DC community.

With vision, dedication, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Tarsha Scovens laid the foundation for Let's Go Outdoors, a community organization devoted to encouraging people of color to experience nature. In 2012, Tarsha won the Turning Point Prize, which funded Let's Go Outdoors and paved the way for Tarsha and her twin sister Keisha to follow their life's passion.
On this episode of "Start Small, Dream BIG," Tarsha discusses her evolution as an entrepreneur, her organization's impact on the community, and how her American dream took shape.

Elizabeth Isele is the Founder and CEO of The Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship.

She is an expert storyteller, speaker, and author. Her work celebrates the global impact of entrepreneurs in the longevity economy. Longevity economy entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing portion of the economy powered by individuals over 50 years. Elizabeth’s work views the American Dream as an intergenerational effort requiring teamwork, resilience and courage.

Listen to this week’s episode of Start Small, Dream BIG to learn more.