A Successful Black Woman-Owned Business Who Scaled Her Business in a Matter of Months.

In honor of Black Business Month, The Michigan SBDC (MI-SBDC) is recognizing Angel Hursey, founder of RELUXX, a retail business specializing in pre-owned 100% authentic luxury bags and accessories.

Ever since Angel Hursey was a child, she had always admired beautifully made, quality items. Growing up and as an adult from an income constrained household, she noticed that many of these items were very expensive, making it difficult for most to afford. She came across gently used, authentic, pre-owned name brand items and learned everything she could on how to refurbish these items to look and feel “like new.”

What was once a hobby turned into a side business as people approached her wanting similar products. Angel launched her business, RELUXX, in early 2021 as a side business during the pandemic to supplement her full-time job as a web developer. A woman of many talents, Angel is a self-taught programmer and content designer who utilized her skills to launch her own e-commerce website. She is also a full-time mom to a toddler and an 11-year-old. Although challenged by having to wear many hats, her family and children inspire her most to keep pressing on.

When the pandemic hit, juggling work, business and parenting was only possible because of a flexible schedule being able to work from home. When the work from home option ceased, the thought of commuting, rising fuel costs, and childcare made her side business even more attractive. Angel decided to take a deep breath and leap into operating RELUXX full time.

Imagine being able to purchase authenticated, gently used items from Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Chanel and more, at a fraction of the price – all online. What was once a side business making a little extra income per month, RELUXX is on track to becoming a six-figure business in a matter of a few months. Through this success, one of Angel’s greatest joys is seeing her 11-year-old daughter become interested in entrepreneurship and works alongside, learning by example.

Through the MI-SBDC’s Uplift Michigan initiative, Angel was a part of One and All, an 8-week cohort-based inclusive entrepreneurship training program at Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). The MI-SBDC at Lansing Community College serves as program a partner to deliver business coaching, curriculum development and small business training for One and All. After the program, Angel continued to work closely with her MI-SBDC business coach, Millie Chu, to scale her business beyond what she initially thought was possible.

Angel received no-cost, customized one-to-one business coaching with Millie, Business Consultant, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at the MI-SBDC. The MI-SBDC’s Uplift Michigan initiative ensures equitable access for all diverse entrepreneurs across Michigan helping POC and underserved businesses to start, scale and build sustainability.

The MI-SBDC provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Michiganders looking to start or grow a business can connect to free export services, market research, cybersecurity resources and business education through the MI-SBDC.

Published August 2022