Chante Brown is the owner and CEO of Instrumental Sterile Processing Institute (ISPI). This business’s mission is to expose then train students to become Certified Registered Central Service Technicians, so they can assist with saving lives one tray at a time also while having the opportunity at competitive pay and growth in the healthcare industry. She is also a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. We had a chance to sit down with Chante Brown to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA's training program.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
Honestly, I owe this entrepreneurship journey to my business partner, Dominique! I never thought I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I've always been someone that enjoyed the fact that once I leave work, that's where it stays until the next day. This is NOT the case though when you're an entrepreneur. It's a lot of hard work, dedication, and TIME, but I love learning new things so it's been an exciting ride so far and I know, without a doubt, it'll be rewarding. I'm just glad I have a great partner to navigate this journey with and I don't have to do it alone.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
Collectively, Dominique and I have been in the sterile processing field for 15+ years and we love savings lives one tray at a time. We saw there was a definite need for a sterile processing program that'll not only expose people to what sterile processing is, but also teach and train them to become certified technicians. Dominique and I really see an opportunity to help a wide array of individuals including those transitioning from the prison system, those wanting to change their career path, and those graduating from high school.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
The EDTP was so informative! The resources provided to the class were amazing and very much helpful and we've actually been able to follow up and use some of the resources for our personal business. The biggest takeaway is that this program is set up for you to win! Everyone from LAEDA and the experts they have come in all want to see you succeed and are so willing to help you do so. My "Ah-Ha" moment was when Ms. Fonda Wynn came in and gave us a personality test. The test revealed what animal you were along with the description of what type of leader you are or aren’t. It was amazing because the descriptions were spot on! My business partner, Dominique, and I now know how to work together even better! The program was very helpful in aligning us with people that are willing to help us. The two people that first come to mind are Mr. Stephany and his son, Kevin. When you're an entrepreneur you really need people you can trust and count on, ESPECIALLY when you're first starting out. The expert speakers and the LAEDA instructors truly fit the bill.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
The biggest challenges we have had so far is finding and securing a building to teach in. That was the biggest hurdle! But, on the flip side, it has also been a great success as we have found a great place to hold our classes. We're just waiting to finalize dates. At this moment, the only failure I can think of is that we were unable to meet some deadlines due to not having a facility; but, other than that, we are progressing.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
At the start of EDTP we were pretty much just a registered idea on paper and getting our curriculum ready. Now we have business accounts, an employee, a marketing plan, social media accounts, surgical instruments to teach with, potential partnerships, and a growing list of prospective, eager students who are ready to start. So, we are definitely on our way and heading in the right direction!
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
TRUST. THE. PROCESS!!! Be persistent, don't procrastinate, and stick to your plan of action. Expect to work hard and always remember... You get out what you put in!
Congratulations to Chante Brown for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship .To get in touch with Chante Brown, you can email her at Instrumentalspi2020@gmail.com and/ or give her a call at (856) 209-2280.
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.