Taariq David is the definition of a true entrepreneur and has excelled as a 2021 member of the Big Bad Business Lab. David owns David Hospitality Services and is the Co-founder of Hospitality Bruhs. These are restaurant consulting businesses and also focus on cocktails. These businesses teach locals how to make restaurant quality at home. David is most excited about his small business because it focuses on empowering others while being something that he has created from start to finish. 

“I joined the lab for very specific reasons. First being I needed help knowing what steps were next for me. Should I create an LLC, how do I establish an LLC, where can I do this? The Lab helped me step by step registering my LLC. Second, I had legal questions that the Lab helped me answer and find resources that eased my mind while trying to start my new business. Lastly, the Lab gave me access to resources like equipment such as lights and computers,” David said.

The Lab is funded by Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) and in part through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program and the Mississippi Arts Commission. The Lab offers entrepreneurs a place to self-define their goals and professional development support to achieve these goals. 

“The Lab brings entrepreneurs together to create a sense of community. Each person decides for themselves what they want to achieve and then the arts council staff see where we can help them connect to resources in North Mississippi. We want people to feel that they can start a business, make a living here without moving to a larger city, and that we all benefit from the creativity and passion that person brings,” explained Wayne Andrews, executive director of YAC.

“I enjoy expressing creativity through teaching people how to create craft and classic cocktails, it is my passion. Cocktails that I like to focus on are pre-prohibition style.” 

Taariq started his own business due to restaurants shutting down during COVID. Creating his own vision through cocktails and food was a dream of his he wanted to do for a while and covid gave him that opportunity. Another reason for starting his own business was so that he did not have to continue living paycheck to paycheck. Taariq is currently working with Fox Sports Center and is being featured in their segment Ultimate College Roadtrip. Check out Taariq’s latest cocktails and cuisine at @Taariqdavid or @hospitalitybruhs on Instagram!

To learn more about Taariq and his business watch the video below!