Today we’d like to introduce you to Leon Daniels.
Hi Leon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Earlier this year, we wanted to shop at Black-Owned Businesses but didn’t like the fact that we had to go to so many different websites. We tried joining groups and looking at directories but grew tiresome. We decided that there needed to be a better way to support and came up with a solution that was similar to Amazon or Etsy. We spent a few weeks researching how to start our own marketplace and that’s how GW District was created. Over the past six months, we worked hard to recruit as many businesses as possible and as of today have over 110 businesses listing over 400 products. We launched a mobile application on Android and iOS. Lastly, we started providing advertising for our businesses and added podcasts to our platform.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of the struggles we’ve dealt with along the way have been a technology issue. Initially, our website had ordering problems where consumers couldn’t check out, costing us orders. Our first mobile application was very slow and had user interface problems, which led to us completely revamping and going with new developers. We also had our fair share of outside problems trying to get businesses to buy into our brand and vision. People did not understand what we were trying to do but as more businesses signed up, it became easier to recruit.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Along with our business, my wife and I both work full-time jobs. I work in corporate finance and my wife works for the State of Texas. At work as well as our business, I’m known as a problem solver, constantly creating innovative solutions to problems and I am known most for my work ethic and technological savvy. My wife specializes in processing claims but her true gift is in the customer service realm and ability to relate. Her strengths are in marketing strategies, social media management, and developing content. We are both proudest of our accomplishment of bringing a dream to reality and starting a business. What sets us apart is our ability to work together on our business, GW District. We both have internal roles in the business that aligns with our strengths and we pour our energy into those roles but respect each other’s opinion.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For Amiah, patience is the most important quality. She constantly talks about giving things time to grow and bloom into something great. For me, perseverance is the most important quality. As an Army veteran, I believe that obstacles will always be present and it’s important to keep pressing forward when you believe in something.
Contact Info:
- Email: shopgwdistrict@gmail.com
- Website: www.shopgwdistrict.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/gwdistrict
- Facebook: facebook.com/gwdistrict
- Twitter: twitter.com/shopgwdistrict
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUy11w4NgUxPBJwgqB2Wc9Q
- Other: https://anchor.fm/gwdistrict
