Network event targets student businesses

Wednesday evening was a night out for rising student business owners at Café’ Cabernet.

The Green Pages, who released a third edition of the student business directory on Monday, held a networking event for local businesses.

The theme of the event was reminiscent of a black romantic comedy, where everyone in the film had a decent job and looked flawless at all times. Exposed brick walls, mellow tan lighting, light jazz in the background, and conversation among the attendants filled the rooms of Café Cabernet.

But neither Taye Diggs nor Gabrielle Union was anywhere to be found. Everyone present was there for business.

Greeted by Jonathan Taylor at the door, guests were in for great conversation, French inspired appetizers and cocktails.

“We thought it may be a way to shake up the monotony of homecoming week, said the 24-year-old Chicago native. “Instead of a party, we wanted to have a social where business owners would have the opportunity to exchange ideas and phone numbers.”

Dressed in business casual attire, the business owners and investors looked at the event as a way to introduce their companies to other business owners.

“I believe in their (Brooks and Taylor) vision,” said Chinmaobi Onwuli, 24, a computer engineer student from Tallahassee. “I support anything that they do.”

Onwuli, owner of Chief D Photography, has been with The Green Pages from the beginning, and has gotten customer feedback after joining the directory.

Douglas Carrington agrees.

The 26-year-old FAMU graduate is a partner in Harper Technologies, started in 2002 by his dormitory floor mate, Abe Harper, Carrington became a partner in 2005.

Graduating with a computer and electrical engineer degree in 2005, Carrington said that Harper Technologies specializes in computers, networks and technology.

“We’ve been with the Green Pages since its inception and we have found that marketing to college students has increased our volume of student customers,” said Carrington. “I came here tonight to connect with other businesses and to have a good time.”

With cocktails in one hand, and business cards in the other, student entrepreneurs talked about their companies and ways they could collaborate with others.

“I don’t think any contracts were signed or anything, but I’m sure that everyone who came had a good time,” said Taylor.

Taylor and his partner. Mitch Brooks, are elated that Ford Motor Company became a sponsor for The Green Pages, in exchange for exposure to the Tallahassee student population.

“It’s a great exchange,” said Taylor. “