Portraits of Impact: Studio Black

Ashtine Rieke is a trained welder who adapted her metalworking skills to launch a creative business, Studio Black Avenue, a fabricator and designer of flowers and sculptures made from copper and steel. Based in southern Oregon, Rieke sells her creations through her website and at an array of local events.

Looking to grow her business, Rieke found the expertise and resources she needed from CCD Business Development Corporation, a business development organization supported by Rural LISC in collaboration with U.S. Bank Foundation. CCD helped Rieke successfully apply for a $10,000 grant to purchase new equipment that has doubled her productivity, enabling her to add headpieces, brooches and hat pins to her product offerings.

CCD also connected Rieke to resources for enhancing her online presence and business skills, including public speaking through its Women in Business group. Using the skills she learned, Rieke soon won second place in a local small business pitch contest and a $2,500 grant.

Today, Studio Black Avenue is a thriving enterprise with a waiting list for custom orders, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in small business success.