Return to Virginia Business - February 2002

Flagging a need

Adam Wyatt of Norfolk has always had an artistic streak. Even though he became a dentist, he never lost his flair for the arts.

"I've always searched for some type of way where I could express my artistic endeavors and make it profitable," he says, adding that he wanted to do something that benefited the community. He finally came up with an idea that allows him to employ his creativity while celebrating his African-American culture - designing decorative flags and banners with African-American themes.

The popularity of decorative flags has taken off in the United States in the past few years, Wyatt says, but he noticed that none of the available flags depicted black culture. Last year, Wyatt and his wife, Beth, launched Blakflagz Inc., which sells Wyatt's flags online. "I could do paintings, but [I thought] this would be more effective." Though still in its infant stages, Wyatt says Blakflagz has piqued the interest of those who've heard about it. In its first two months, the company sold nearly 50 flags. Currently, the company has more than 60 designs ready for release. Hoping to make each flag a collectible, each design is limited to a production count of 10,000.

The 28- by 44-inch flags sell for about $30 plus shipping, and are designed to be used either outside as flags or inside as banners. Customers can purchase the flags through the company's Web site. Moreover, the site serves as more than just a place to buy merchandise. Blakflagz.com also provides information about African literature, history and culture.

- Leila Marija Ugincius