The road to opening a business is not always easy, but for Lonzo Hennessy, it was a journey full of passion, perseverance, and a touch of serendipity. The 24-year-old entrepreneur, originally from Macon, started his business, Upper Echelon WRLD, with a vision to bring urban streetwear to downtown Macon. What began as a dream now serves as a cornerstone of the local fashion scene—and it’s all thanks to the support of NewTown Macon’s business coaching and financing programs.
The Spark for Upper Echelon WRLD
Lonzo’s journey into the fashion world began with a spark of creativity and a knack for understanding what people wanted in their streetwear. “A couple of years ago, when I first started, if somebody told me I’d be opening my own storefront in downtown Macon, I would be like, ‘nah,’” Lonzo laughed, reflecting on his early days of designing and selling clothing.
With a growing demand for his designs, Lonzo knew he had to take his business to the next level. He began working with manufacturers in China and Pakistan to expand his clothing line, Upper Echelon WRLD. But despite his success, he still felt uncertain about taking the plunge into opening a physical storefront. It was at that point he turned to NewTown Macon for support and guidance.
Working with NewTown Macon: From Business Plan to Storefront
One of the biggest challenges for first-time entrepreneurs is the lack of knowledge on how to manage the business side of things. Lonzo was no different. “When I started, I didn’t really understand a lot of the business things like profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and creating a business plan,” he admitted. But thanks to NewTown Macon’s business consultant, Ricardo Cordew, Lonzo was able to gain the financial knowledge he needed to move forward. “Ricardo really helped me realize a lot of things I didn’t know about running a business,” Lonzo said.
With the help of NewTown’s coaching, Lonzo made a business plan, studied financial documents, and learned what it meant to be a business owner. This knowledge helped him secure a NewTown microloan, which allowed him to open Upper Echelon WRLD in one of downtown Macon’s newest revitalized storefronts on Forsyth Street.
A Growing Business and New Opportunities
Opening a storefront was a huge milestone for Lonzo, but it’s only the beginning of his journey. He’s already eyeing future locations in Georgia and eventually dreams of taking Upper Echelon WRLD worldwide. “The opportunity to expand is something I’m excited about,” said Lonzo, noting that NewTown’s loan and guidance are helping him lay the foundation for a growing retail empire.
What Lonzo appreciates the most about being part of downtown Macon is the sense of community that NewTown Macon fosters for local entrepreneurs. “The best part about being downtown is being around other people with a similar mindset,” he said. “I’m not in it alone. We all support each other.” Lonzo’s store is part of a larger wave of revitalization happening in downtown Macon, which has seen a growing number of retail businesses in recent years.
Advice for Other First-Time Entrepreneurs
Lonzo has some advice for others thinking about starting a business in downtown Macon. “I would say, keep an eye out for NewTown’s classes, like the Downtown Diversity Initiative and other programs. They’ll help guide you and prepare you for the loan process. And once you have the right knowledge, don’t be afraid to take the leap.”
The Impact of Small Business Lending on Downtown Macon
NewTown Macon’s vision for downtown has always focused on empowering local entrepreneurs to make their mark. “The success of businesses like Upper Echelon WRLD is a testament to how NewTown is reaching people of color, women, first-time borrowers, and young entrepreneurs,” said NewTown Macon’s Vice President of Community Development, Lauren Marshall.
Lonzo’s story is just one example of how NewTown Macon is fueling the growth of downtown by providing financial support, resources, and business coaching to entrepreneurs. As new retailers open and contribute to the vibrancy of downtown, they’re not only adding to the economy but also changing the landscape for future business owners in Macon.
Looking Ahead
Lonzo is a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, and with NewTown Macon’s support, he’s well on his way to expanding his brand. Whether it’s launching new collections, collaborating with other downtown businesses, or looking for new locations, Lonzo’s journey is just beginning.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur in Macon, take a page out of Lonzo’s book and explore how NewTown Macon can support you in your journey. From coaching and classes to microloans, NewTown is here to help you turn your vision into reality. Learn more here.