Over the past few months, we have worked with 12 business owners from the West Philadelphia community to create websites for their businesses and give them the tools they need to succeed in the digital world. Now, with the launching of those websites, we want to highlight what these entrepreneurs do and how having a website has positively impacted their business. This week we are interviewing Belinda Patrick, a local musician. You can check her site out at https://belindapatrick.wordpress.com/

Belinda Patrick, Vocal Artist and Performer

When and what made you start your business?

I do have several businesses and music is sort of at the top of my pyramid; then real estate, also taxes, and I could go on a little bit. I’m a notary too in case you might need one. I’ve been in music since I was about 5 years old, and I’m not going to tell you how old I am now. I got involved in real estate 20 years ago now, and I passed my test the first time around.

Where do you see your business in 5 years? And how can this collaborative help you achieve this goal?

With my music, I also do a lot of writing and producing, so there’s various ways to stay involved regardless, and you can control how much or how little. As with real estate, same thing. I don’t plan on doing anything very differently, except a lot more investing. So that will go on and on and on, and hopefully when I close my eyes at the age of 104, my kids will have a nice little nest egg.

Why do you think it is important for your business to have a strong digital presence and how has your new website helped your business?

I think having a strong digital presence is important because we are in a digital age, and I can’t think of any better way of reaching more people than having a presence there. I know what it can do and I know what it has done for friends of mine.

Name one place other than your business that you would recommend Drexel students go to within the West Philadelphia community.

I would recommend these places for Drexel students. There is Cedar Park Cafe which is on the 49th block of Baltimore Ave. They have very good breakfast and lunch. The food is fabulous, and a nice atmosphere. There is Booker’s Restaurant and Bar, which is on the 50th block of Baltimore Ave. They also have very good food, and a very nice atmosphere. For some, If you’re looking for part-time work, you might find it there too. And then there’s Amari’s Restaurant which is also on the 50th block of Baltimore Ave. They have very good food and jazz brunches on Sundays.