MASSENA – SeaComm Federal Credit Union recently awarded four entrepreneurs with a summer grant to Caramia Carista from Norwood, Cody Lechner and Tess Cannamela from Potsdam, and Alicen James from Plattsburgh. Each entrepreneur received a $500 grant. 

Carista currently owns a two-time nominated, people’s choice podcast on Spotify called "Caramia Carista’s Passing It On!" She interviews athletes, artists, and business owners, helping to pass on their stories. Caramia also takes questions from her listeners to pass along to her guests. She has a broad range of listeners aging from 18 to 77 years old. Majoring in English and journalism at SUNY Potsdam and working in local radio, Caramia dreams of broadcasting and will use the grant to expand her current audience through advertising initiatives. 

Lechner wants to start his own pressure washing business. His plan is to start small with side walks around the area, eventually growing the business with his father and younger brother, to wash buildings and other structures. Cody has already purchased a pressure washer and will use the grant money to expand his equipment, allowing him to do a variety of jobs. Cody says he looks forward to building a business with his family, while learning how to successfully run the business as well. 

Cannamela is an artist looking to sell high quality prints of her original artwork. Her current work was created for a high school senior project. She submitted her work and it was displayed at the Potsdam Public Library. At the suggestion of her teacher, she will start to sell prints of her work. Tess will use the grant money to cover startup and printing costs. She will eventually create other pieces as well. Tess will be majoring in art at SUNY Potsdam in the fall. 

James was inspired by her love of acrylic nails to start her own business. She said that she would rather invest in creating a nail business of her own rather than spending money elsewhere. Alicen plans to attend CV-Tech and get her cosmetology license. After that, she will start her business in her home, ultimately opening her own shop in the future. She has saved up for some supplies, but the summer grant will allow her to fully stock up and purchase equipment.