Thanks to a business incentive offered by Hobart’s Run, Soles Shoes LLC, this is a business story made in business heaven.

Entrepreneur Tamika Malachi and her husband, Phillip, were looking to open a small family-owned clothing shop in Pottstown when she attended the April 2021 Virtual Pottstown Investors Conference, co-sponsored by Hobart’s Run with Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc. and the Borough of Pottstown.

Tamika has been involved with the Pottstown Community via her 16-year-old nonprofit, Joule 4 Jesus Ministries, Inc. 

This organization hosts empowering events for women who are non-violent former criminal offenders and distributes donations ranging from diapers, always-needed socks, and food to help these individuals and their families turn their lives around.

Tamika said her extended family’s motto is “We are blessed to be a blessing,” and all members strive to help the less fortunate in some way.

During the Investors Conference, she learned about the new Business Incentive Grant (BIG) designed to give a $1,500 incentive toward rent or closing costs to new business owners who set up shop along the 500 to 900 blocks of High Street.

Tamika became the first BIG recipient of the Hobart’s Run Business Incentive.

She then realized the property at 866 E. High Street, a former barbershop, was available. 

“As soon as I walked in this bright, newly renovated building, I knew this was it,” Tamika said enthusiastically. “I said ‘It’s perfect. Where do I sign?’”

Tamika is so excited to have opened her shop, Soles Shoes, and so excited and grateful for Hobart’s Run’s financial assistance.

She is also excited about living in Pottstown, where she and her family have resided since 2007, after moving here from Philadelphia.

“Pottstown is a family town,” she said, praising her neighbors in the 700 block of Lincoln Avenue, in Hobart’s Run, as well as the Borough’s community spirit.

Hobart’s Run welcomes Soles Shoes and is excited for this venture bringing new business and positive energy to the Pottstown community! 

To learn more about the BIG program or apply, go here.