Harp Vision's founders find balance

Newsletter for January 24, 2024

Okay, you got me: I didn't make it to Equitech Tuesdays yesterday. However, I did make it to Mt. Washington Tavern to eat oysters with a dear friend.
Regardless, you'll see me at the special live edition of the No Pix After Dark podcast, featuring some of our tech and community ecosystem mainstays, on Feb 6. Hoping you caught wind of that in our newsletter yesterday.

Today, you'll find what I think is an inspiring story of a husband-and-wife duo from West Baltimore who have been through several of the city's entrepreneurship support programs and are merchants in the newly renovated Lexington Market. I previously had a phone call with Impact Hub Baltimore's founder and network director after that organization's leadership shakeup; she said she had caught up with the duo at the end of last year and recommended I do, too. So, enjoy the results.

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

This article explores the story of April and Tyron Harper, co-owners of the Baltimore-based wellness brand Harp Vision, who successfully balance entrepreneurship, family and personal well-being. The couple, native to Baltimore's West side, emphasized the importance of mentorship and accelerators for small business owners looking to go full-time. Working from home has allowed them to prioritize self-care while pursuing their business and family goals.

➡️ Find out more about this in my full report here.

EcoMap Technologies has appointed Smitha Gopal as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Gopal, the former CEO of Rendia and a longtime figure in the Baltimore tech industry, described her hands-on approach to the role. She will be responsible for managing sales, marketing, customer experience and finance for the company, which we previously recognized as a RealLIST Startup. The announcement was made public after Gopal had already been part of the EcoMap Technologies team for a few weeks.

➡️ Find out more in my full report here.

• Starting with a Kickstarter a few years ago, Open Works announced the latest addition to its arsenal of creativity: the Kniterate machine. This open-source digital knitting machine is equipped with 8 colors and comes from a maker space in London. [LinkedIn]

• The Chesapeake and its conservation is top of mind for organizations across Maryland. Learn about two Towson University alumni and Hill-Lopes scholars who currently serve as Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps members. [Towson University]

• Baltimore received its What Works Cities certification from the Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative back in 2021. This week, 12 new cities received this award for their use of data. [Bloomberg/Beth Blauer]

• Sunstone Credit, a Baltimore solar energy financing firm, has completed its second acquisition in six months. [Maryland Inno]

• Chase Bank's Mondawmin Community Center Branch has been organizing entrepreneur lunch and learn sessions since its opening. Recently, it hosted its inaugural Business Entrepreneurial Summit, focusing on marketing strategies and techniques for local businesses. [Joel Gamble]