What Do Ayanna Williams, Montrice Goins & Dante Griggs Have In Common? [The Go Getta Mix Go Getta’s Of The Week Recap]

Every Week I look to feature and interview a young mover and shaker who embodies the “Go Getta Spirit” and is doing great things for the people and themselves in the Western New York and Southern Ontario community. Having the the blessed opportunity of having my show “The Go Getta Mix” I look to use my platform to acknowledge those people nominated as “The Go Getta of The Week.

If you missed my last Go Getta's Of The Week on The Go Getta Mix check them out here!

Meet Dante Griggs!

In 1983 Dante D. Griggs Sr. was born in Harlem Hospital in Bronx, New York. He has been chasing his dreams since day one. Entrepreneurship was instilled in Griggs at an early age and the concept of business became second nature. Starting at the age of eight years old Griggs began working a paper route, traded and sold playing cards and worked at flea markets in order to earn extra money. Griggs’ mother, a single mother of five, encouraged Griggs to work hard and try to do for himself instead of asking of others.

Griggs attended and graduated from Chester Academy High School and went on to attend Sullivan Community College where he received his Associates Degree in Sports Management. He was interested in changing his surroundings and subsequently his opportunities and after visiting the city of Buffalo decided to attend Buffalo State College. While at Buffalo State College Griggs was a four year NCAA standout athlete, and captain of the Buffalo State Bengals Basketball Team. Griggs love of business was ever present, so he embarked on starting his first promotion company, Elite Leaders in Society, aka ELS. This company specialized in the things that college students love the most, parties and concerts exclusively for Universities and Colleges in Erie County.  Griggs graduated from Buffalo State College in May 2008 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness. Following graduation Griggs obtained a Marketing & Public relations internship with the New York Knicks, undoubtedly his favorite basketball team.

Dante Griggs has experienced a lot in life, negative and positive alike. He has always been a firm believer that with hard work and dedication anything is possible to achieve, and if asked his friends and family could assure you that he is a constant voice of encouragement. Because of his natural ability to speak with people and his passion for seeing your dreams through to the end, he encountered constant encouragement to take what he was doing on a daily basis and turn it into a business that could help a lot of people find the heart and strength to believe in themselves. Thus, in 2012 Chase the Dream Enterprises was born.  Chase the Dream Enterprises is a Buffalo, NY based clothing, promotion, motivational speaking and Philanthropy Company. The mantra “Chase the Dream” and the business practices are rooted in a positive methodology meant to inspire individuals to work at and achieve their dreams and goals, whether they have one or many.

Griggs hopes to one day be able to obtain success in many different areas, including real estate and children’s education. Griggs currently works for the Buffalo Board of Education as substitute teacher and sees on a daily basis how much help and guidance many of the children in our community so desperately need. Mr. G, as he is lovingly called, is known to be a force in his classrooms and school hallways, but the students are surely encouraged by seeing a young black male who expresses constantly just how much he cares. Griggs’ students can be seen wearing Chase the Dream apparel and spouting positive motivational quotes on throughout the halls. His hope is that maybe one of those quotes will stick and he will have helped to create another “dream chaser” in the making.

For further information about Chase the Dream Enterprises or Dante D. Griggs Sr. please contact 917-805-8943.

Meet Montrice Goins!

Playing in her grandmothers hair was just a past time for her that turned out to be a life long passion and career! Montrice Goins is a mother, role model, cosmetologist, MUA and stylist. With a wealth of knowledge and experience Montrice gained a reputation of a hard worker and of course a "Go Getter" going after her dreams.

With hard work and much consistency Montrice was afforded the opportunity to work with and do hair for many celebrities such as Bow Wow, Sean Combs, Avant, Neyo, R.Kelly and many more.  Currently Montrice works closely with Shanell of YMCMB as her go to person for all things especially beauty! In working with Shanell on tour Montrice has given back to many young ladies in communities around the country imparting wisdom and the importance wot be a women of substance.

For more information on Montrice follow her on instagram and Facebook at @MontriceG

Meet Ayanna Williams!

Candy Kids Spa was founded by Buffalo Native, Ayanna Williams, whose daughter, Annaya, dreamed up the idea for the spa and its candy-inspired service menu when she was just seven years old. A former school nurse, Williams built success the old-fashioned way – with perseverance, faith and her personal savings account. Her enterprising daughter conjured up the inspiration for some of the spa’s most popular beauty treats today, such as the Candy Facial Masks, Gummi Worm Float Pedi‘s, and Make-Your-Own Candy Bath & Body products like lip gloss, sundae scrub, bath gel, perfume and more. Williams arduously researched to find natural and non-toxic ingredients to match her daughter’s vision, and the first Candy Kids Spa location quickly grew from 600 sq. ft. to 2,000+ per unit. Today, the site boasts pampering spa areas, fun-filled party rooms, a Pixi Stix Pedi Bench, a Nestle Crunch Lounge, a contract with WONKA , a Karaoke recording studio and plenty of candy.

Candy Kids Spa is a stylishly sweet spa and birthday party experience for Kids. Since it first opened in 2010 with its flagship location in Tonawanda, NY, Candy Kids Spa has treated kids ages 2 to 15 to a sweet escape filled with high-quality, non-toxic sugary spa treats in a whimsical, candy-themed setting – complete with “eye candy” like life-sized lollipops, gum balls, and gummy bear décor.  Whether children want to drop in to make their own candy-inspired bath & body products or celebrate with a private party filled with spa goodies, Candy Kids Spa gives every kid their sugar fix with premium products and professional, personalized attention.

Since launch, Candy Kids Spa has expanded into to 3 corporate owned stores and has franchised 3 locations with a new franchised location currently under construction.

Ayanna is also a member of the  Buffalo Niagara 360 partnership, A mentor for the UB Leadership and Junior Achievement of Western New York.  You can also find Ayanna speaking/coaching to the Inspiring Entrepreneurs at the Buffalo economic training center in Downtown Buffalo.  With all of Ayanna’s contributions you wouldn’t think she would find time to start Buffalo New York’s 1st  inner city All star cheerleading organization.  But she has.  Along side her niece, Ayanna has launched (B.A.S.E ) Buffalo All star Extreme this fall 2013.  A non-for-profit organization for low to moderate income families living in Buffalo, NY and its surrounding areas.

For more information on Ayanna Williams visit her site at www.ImJustAyanna.com

Are you a "Go Getta" and feel you have what it takes to be a "Go Getta Of The Week"  follow ADRI.V The Go Getta at @ADRIVTheGoGetta and find out how to nominate yourself or someone you know!