‘Nobody did you a favor.’ | Black entrepreneurs in Louisville receive $25K credit lines for business growth

Amped secured the deal with Republic Bank to coach business owners through expansion.

Eight Black business owners signed for $25,000 lines of credit today without needing to put up collateral.

A deal between Republic Bank and Amped made it possible, giving business owners a chance at expanding. The money took one business from Dixie Highway to NuLu.

“What’s happening today, and whether this happens for others, is on you,” said Dave Christopher Sr., founder of Amped.

From Nail Academy to Salon

Kentraya Johnson clawed her way into business. Now, she’s building the salon she wanted to work in when her nail career started 18 years ago.

“So this is Ké Luxé Beauty Bar. This is where all the magic’s gonna happen once my students graduate from Nailchella Nail Academy,” Johnson said. “They’re gonna be able to come over here and work, and have a job.”

Here by NuLu Marketplace, Johnson aims for more than a business, rather, “an environment for people to be able to actually make some money, and feel good about themselves, and do what they love to do,” Johnson said.

“Nobody Did You a Favor”

She had help, along with seven other Black business owners seeking expansions, from Amped. The organization coaches business owners under Christopher’s leadership.

“And I want you to understand that nobody did you a favor. Right?” Christopher told the group. “You did the work.”

Owners secured a $25,000 line of credit from Republic Bank — a budget they can borrow from and pay off like a credit card. Bank executive William Summers shook hands on the partnership.

“The corporate world was not set up for everybody either,” Summers said. “We still have to fight and claw to make sure that, at every level, there is diverse representation.”

With pens flying, the deal was sealed to applause and congratulations.

Taking Businesses Further

Krystal Ray will use her credit line to take her accessory sales beyond Louisville.

“I have been dreaming of this for so long, and now I can finally put it into work and travel with my business,” Ray said.

But Johnson is staying in Louisville, teaching students at her nail academy like Megan Beville.

“For me, I want to do my own thing. I want to do what I love every day, follow my own passion,” Beville said. “Whenever you follow your passion, it takes you further in life for sure.”

“Before, I didn’t think there was hope. Like I said, I didn’t have any help beforehand,” Johnson said.

Now she has a teacher too. 

First Time Borrowing Money

Johnson said this was actually the first time she’s borrowed any money in the four years she’s been in business.

She’s looking ahead to Feb. 28 for opening day at the salon.

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