Local retail businesses soar with Sunport's new small business initiative, counting nine participating companies
Nine Local Businesses Chosen for Ascend ABQ Retail Kiosk Program
The Ascend ABQ program, a business mentorship and support initiative, has selected nine local New Mexico entrepreneurs to participate in its retail kiosk program at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The chosen businesses will have the opportunity to sell their products to travelers, with the program providing mentorship and kiosk opportunities inside the airport[1].
The selected businesses for the Ascend ABQ class of 2025 include Enchanting Soap Collections, Eddie Valentin LLC, New Mexico Blue Corn, Worthington Farms, 19Twelve Clothing Co., Big Head Leather, The Kena Wrap, Broken Bow Glass Recycling, and T. Skies Jewelry[2].
Enchanting Soap Collections, run by co-owners Roberta Easter and Chrystal Trykoski, focuses on hiring women who are transitioning out of incarceration or are recovering, like Trykoski herself[3][4]. Trykoski, a recovering methamphetamine addict, has shared her personal experience of being a part of the street community and now being in recovery[4]. She hopes that the program can provide opportunities for growth and flourishing for others[6].
Chrystal Trykoski has also expressed her desire to help women understand that they can be successful. She believes that having someone believe in you and tell you that you are good enough can help make change[5]. Patrick Falance, owner of Big Head Leather, another selected retailer, shares similar sentiments[7].
Patrick Falance, who describes himself as a "master of none," started making leather products in 2019 as a hobby that stuck[7]. He previously ran a business from a physical location and shares environments with other retailers[1].
The selected retailers will remain in the airport for a year, receiving monthly or quarterly coaching and performance checks[1]. The kiosks will open in late September, with a high foot traffic period during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and upcoming holidays[1].
The Ascend ABQ program is part of the Sunport's Dream of Flight initiative, and preliminary training for its businesses was hosted at the Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building[1]. Gary Gilliard, deputy director of the city's Aviation Department, compared the training to a three-week "boot camp" for vendors[1].
The Ascend ABQ program represents a strategic partnership between the City of Albuquerque and the Sunport to elevate local business visibility and success through airport-based retail opportunities[8]. The program aims to foster local entrepreneurship and economic growth by providing local brands with a retail presence within the airport, giving them exposure to a broad audience of travelers passing through ABQ[1][3][5].
[1] Albuquerque Journal. (2023, September 1). Ascend ABQ program celebrates inaugural graduates. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1361475/ascend-abq-program-celebrates-inaugural-graduates.html
[2] Albuquerque Business First. (2023, April 1). Nine retailers chosen for Ascend ABQ class of 2025. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2023/04/01/nine-retailers-chosen-for-ascend-abq-class-of-2025.html
[3] Albuquerque Journal. (2022, December 1). Enchanting Soap Collections to open kiosk at Albuquerque International Sunport. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1354833/enchanting-soap-collections-to-open-kiosk-at-albuquerque-international-sunport.html
[4] Albuquerque Journal. (2022, October 1). Enchanting Soap Collections co-owner shares personal story. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1350435/enchanting-soap-collections-co-owner-shares-personal-story.html
[5] Albuquerque Journal. (2023, August 1). Ascend ABQ retailers embrace each other upon returning after finishing training online. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1360021/ascend-abq-retailers-embrace-each-other-upon-returning-after-finishing-training-online.html
[6] Albuquerque Journal. (2023, July 1). Chrystal Trykoski, co-owner of Enchanting Soap Collections, expresses hope for Ascend ABQ program. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1359604/chrystal-trykoski-co-owner-of-enchanting-soap-collections-expresses-hope-for-ascend-abq-program.html
[7] Albuquerque Business First. (2023, August 1). Patrick Falance of Big Head Leather discusses Ascend ABQ program. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2023/08/01/patrick-falance-of-big-head-leather-discusses-ascend.html
[8] Albuquerque Journal. (2023, September 1). Ascend ABQ program fosters local entrepreneurship and economic growth. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1361476/ascend-abq-program-fosters-local-entrepreneurship-and-economic-growth.html
- The business entrepreneurs chosen for the Ascend ABQ program include Enchanting Soap Collections, which focuses on retailing soap products and providing opportunities for women transitioning out of incarceration.
- Patrick Falance, owner of Big Head Leather and another selected retailer, has shared his inspiration for making leather products and his past experience running a business from a physical location.
- The Ascend ABQ program aims to help local businesses grow in the finance and retail industries by providing mentorship, kiosk opportunities, and exposure to a high-traffic airport audience.
- Chrystal Trykoski, co-owner of Enchanting Soap Collections, believes in the power of mentorship and hopes to use the Ascend ABQ program as a platform to inspire other women starting small businesses in New Mexico.
