4 Alumni-Owned Businesses & the Inspiring Stories Behind Them

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. They make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and are critical to the economy in Rhode Island, as well. 

On Small Business Saturday, RIC News features four alumni-owned, Rhode Island-based businesses. Each brings their own unique style to their respective enterprises – from a 50s-style diner, to a rare bookstore/bar, to a soul-capturing photographer, to an Irish dance school. Check out their success stories.

Brittanny Taylor is a photographer who does more than capture images. She’s out to capture that which is quite illusive – who you really are. And who you are is quite unique. (Listen to her story.)

The Kelly School of Irish Dance was founded by Meghan Kelly when she was just 22 years old. Today it is the largest accredited Irish dance school in Rhode Island. (Here’s her story.)

Arc{hive} Book + Snackery, doubles as a used bookstore and bar. It is owned by husband-and-wife team Uriah Donnelly and Janet Moscarello, both alums. Along with books, food, and drink, Arc{hive} offers live folk music, storytelling and a night set aside for the LGBTQ+ community. (Listen to their story.)

At Pazi’s Place you can dine like it’s 1955. This retro diner, owned by Jayson McVeigh, is located at 380 Taunton Avenue and will have you dying for a pair of blue suede shoes. (Listen to his story.)

For more alumni-owned businesses, see RIC’s Alumni Business Directory.