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Construction Opportunities Conference - Celisa taking notes - 10.2023

From Startup to Standout: How NBIC Helped Luminary Turn Systems into Sustainable Growth

From Purpose to Proof

When Celisa Webster first joined the Nashville Business Incubation Center’s (NBIC) Groundwork program in 2020, she didn’t just want to build a cleaning company; she wanted to build a community of excellence. She already had purpose: a passion for excellence, integrity, and community. But what she needed was proof: systems, structure, and measurable growth. Her vision for Luminary Cleaning Services was never just about cleaning spaces; it was about creating opportunities for Nashville residents and modeling what good business looks like when integrity leads the way. 

“NBIC helped me turn passion into structure,” Celisa said. “I learned how to create systems, track growth, and lead with purpose.” 

At the time, Luminary was operating primarily through subcontractors and word-of-mouth marketing.  Through NBIC’s Groundwork, Framework, and RISE UP programs, Celisa transformed that purpose into tangible results: stronger systems, measurable financial growth, and meaningful community impact. 

 

Building Structure for Sustainable Growth 

When Celisa entered Groundwork in 2020, Luminary was operating with limited visibility from organic marketing and referrals while relying heavily on contracted professionals. With NBIC’s guidance, she learned how to build awareness and operational discipline. She gained knowledge on updating her website, creating a brand presence online, and implementing a marketing system that attracted consistent clients. 

The next step was scale. Through Framework in 2021, Celisa developed measurable KPIs, adopted formal financial systems, and restructured pricing models. At the time, Luminary’s revenue was under $100,000. Within a year, it surpassed that mark ahead of schedule, and has since achieved more than 100% growth between 2020 and 2024. 

By formalizing her workforce, Celisa strengthened accountability and quality control transitioning to five W-2 employees and four structured subcontracting partnerships that elevated operational consistency and brought greater accountability and reliable quality to every job. “Moving to a structured workforce gave us stability,” Celisa said. “It allowed us to maintain excellence on every project and scale responsibly.” 

 

Scaling with Systems and Strategy

In 2023, Celisa joined NBIC’s RISE UP Academy and began six months of one-on-one business coaching.  She moved from working in the business to steering its future by leading with vision instead of just managing operations.  

During this phase, Luminary expanded services to include: 

  • Pressure Washing and Residential Cleaning, both major revenue drivers. 
  • Preventative Maintenance Services (plumbing, HVAC, and handyman solutions) launching in January 2025. 
  • A new Business Development Manager position dedicated to growth and partnerships.

To support that expansion, Luminary implemented quarterly cost reviews that reduced unnecessary expenses by nearly 15%, and auditing systems that lowered rework by 25%. 

New forecasting dashboards now help track financial performance and inform data-driven decisions. 

These systems positioned Luminary for its next measurable milestone, scaling to seven figures in annual revenue and expanding through franchise development. 

 

Community Impact That Shines Beyond Profit 

Celisa’s story also reflects NBIC’s belief that business growth should multiply community impact. Since 2020, Luminary has contributed to Nashville’s local economy by: 

  • Creating jobs for residents re-entering the workforce and adults with disabilities through a partnership with the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center. 
  • Providing internships for MNPS students exploring entrepreneurship. 
  • Hosting the annual Luminary Cares Christmas Giveaway for families in need. 
  • Offering free cleaning and power washing for two elderly households each year.
  • Mentoring local cleaning and service entrepreneurs to build systems for success. 

“NBIC taught me that growth isn’t just about revenue,” Celisa shared. “It’s about how we pour back into the community.” 

That mindset has earned her both recognition and trust, including the Nashville Emerging Leaders Award (NELA) and being named Music City’s Best Cleaning Company (2023). 

 

The Road Ahead: Scaling with Purpose 

Looking forward, Celisa’s goals remain as intentional as her growth: 

  • Increase annual revenue by 40%. 
  • Secure five new government contracts. 
  • Streamline operations to run independently of daily oversight. 
  • Build capital for new income streams and real estate ventures that create generational wealth. 

“NBIC reshaped how I think as a business owner,” she said. “Now, every goal we set is backed by systems, strategy, and accountability.” 

 

From Barriers to Bridges 

Celisa Webster’s journey is proof that when structure meets heart, growth becomes inevitable. Through NBIC, she turned early barriers like informal staffing, inconsistent systems, and limited visibility into bridges of opportunity that now sustain jobs, families, and local pride. 

Her story captures NBIC’s mission in motion: transforming entrepreneurs from visionaries into measurable changemakers. 

 

Ready to start your own growth journey? Take NBIC’s Biz Quiz.

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Victor Tyler

Victor Tyler serves as a Digital Asset Specialist at NBIC, where he manages, organizes, and creates digital media resources that support the organization’s storytelling. In this role, he ensures that NBIC’s growing online presence remains cohesive, engaging, and aligned with its brand identity. 
 
Before joining NBIC, Victor built a career in art direction and content production, leading campaigns that combined strategic storytelling with result-driven creative. His experience spans brand development, media production, and digital marketing.  
 
Victor is passionate about using creativity to bridge artistry with strategy to help ideas come to life. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, running, and exploring new places to eat, often finding inspiration for his work in the world around him. 

Dr. Contrecia Tharpe

Dr. Contrecia “Dr. T” Tharpe joined NBIC in November 2025 as Marketing and Communications Manager, bringing more than 15 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, and communications leadership. A visionary strategist known for her creativity and results-driven approach, she leads NBIC’s brand, storytelling, and communications efforts with a focus on amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs and positioning NBIC as a leader in inclusive business growth. 

Before joining NBIC, Dr. T built an impressive career spanning entrepreneurship, consulting, and organizational leadership. As Founder and Chief Brand Strategy Architect of FayeVaughn Creative, a full-service agency serving startups through Fortune 500 companies, she has helped organizations across industries craft powerful narratives, elevate visibility, and drive measurable results. 

Her expertise bridges creativity and strategy, combining data-driven marketing with authentic storytelling to strengthen brand trust and engagement. 

Beyond her role at NBIC, Dr. T serves as President of Nashville Cable, the region’s premier network for women in leadership. A sought-after advisor and speaker, she is passionate about helping others build brands that mean business, strengthen communities, and reflect the power of purpose. 

Dynamic, forward-thinking, and unapologetically authentic, Dr. T embodies NBIC’s mission to inspire innovation and empower entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and thrive. 

Kevin Love

Kevin Love is a passionate ecosystem builder and strategic program leader with over a decade of experience in community development, workforce activation, and public-private partnerships. In his role as Senior Program Manager at (NBIC), Kevin leads initiatives that drive inclusive economic growth, regional expansion, and sustainable support systems for entrepreneurs across Middle Tennessee and beyond. 

Prior to joining NBIC, Kevin held senior leadership roles in Chattanooga, where he launched workforce development programs and digital equity initiatives that served thousands across the region. His work focused on engaging underrepresented communities, supporting diverse founders, and creating new pipelines for innovation and employment. Kevin has also collaborated with city governments, higher education institutions, and national networks to deliver measurable impact through strategic programming and relationship building. 

A proud graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Forbes under 30 and Chatter’s 20 Under 40, Kevin brings a deep commitment to service and a reputation for thoughtful execution. His leadership style blends creativity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes. Kevin is also an advocate for equitable access to resources, and he continues to build bridges across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to ensure lasting opportunities for all. 

Originally from Tennessee, Kevin is now spearheading NBIC’s regional relationship strategy, reconnecting with partners in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Louisville to expand the center’s reach and impact. He’s thrilled to be part of a mission-driven team at NBIC and looks forward to helping entrepreneurs thrive. 

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Abigail DaSilva
Abigail DaSilva is the marketing coordinator at NBIC, channeling her passion and creativity to support the organization’s mission of leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Abigail holds a degree in design, which fuels her artistic sensibilities and impeccable eye for aesthetics. Before joining NBIC, Abigail embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey alongside her brother, where she spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of their own venture. This experience honed her skills in strategic promotion, customer engagement, and marketing media. Abigail has played a crucial role in the company, transforming their media marketing strategies, specifically towards a more video-driven approach. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, she has created compelling content and innovative campaigns that have amplified NBIC’s reach and engagement, strengthening their online presence and impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Abigail is an avid art buff, frequently visiting museums and exploring immersive experiences that combine technology and creativity. She also has a deep love for travel, shopping, and anything that allows her to utilize her creative mind. With her unwavering commitment and broad range of experience, Abigail is a valuable asset to NBIC. She remains eager to push boundaries, elevate engagement, and empower entrepreneurs through her exceptional marketing expertise.
Anne-Marie Tanner
Anne-Marie Tanner is the Programs Coordinator at NBIC. With a Master’s degree in strategic marketing from Midway University and a Bachelor’s degree in design from University of Kentucky, she brings a unique blend of business experience and creativity to her work. Prior to joining NBIC in March of 2023, Anne-Marie worked as a small business and startup consultant, where she gained valuable experience in guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities of launching and growing their businesses. Her expertise in strategic planning and her ability to quickly grasp new concepts makes her a strong asset to the NBIC team. As the Programs Coordinator at NBIC, Anne-Marie manages multiple components, including Foundations, E-Myth, Framework, and Groundwork. Anne-Marie values collaboration and strives to align her work with the vision and expectations of her colleagues. Beyond her professional career, Anne-Marie has a wide range of hobbies and passions. She is an accomplished Olympic weight-lifter. Additionally, with her husband, she started a medical clinic in Martin, TN, a brewery and events center in Paris, TN, and an airbnb property. Their goal is not only to build successful businesses, but also to provide economic stability and job opportunities to as many people as possible. With her extensive background in business, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to personal growth, Anne-Marie Tanner is an extremely valuable asset to NBIC. Her diverse skill set and positive mindset make her a catalyst for success, both for herself and the new businesses she assists.
Saturnie Antoine
Saturnie Antoine has been a part of NBIC since November 2021, serving as the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and has obtained a professional certification in coaching skills. With a diverse background in corporate work spanning over 15 years, Saturnie has worked in various sectors. As the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager, Saturnie oversees the entire program. Her responsibilities include structuring the curriculum, sourcing speakers, and organizing the launch campaign. Additionally, Saturnie provides personalized professional coaching to the program participants, offering guidance and support to help them scale their businesses to $1 million plus level. Since the commencement of the program in March 2023, under Saturnie’s leadership, R.I.S.E. UP has witnessed numerous accomplishments and successes. Additionally, the program’s focus on emotional intelligence has helped participants navigate internal challenges and overcome obstacles inhibiting their growth. Outside of work, Saturnie values personal time spent with her family and loved ones. Her true passion lies in her role as a professional coach, where she finds fulfillment in assisting women on their journey towards personal and professional growth. Saturnie’s commitment to her clients and her extensive experience, coupled with her excellent coaching skills, allows her to provide comprehensive support to program participants, enabling them to achieve their goals and reach new heights. Under Saturnie’s leadership, the R.I.S.E. UP Program continues to flourish and make a lasting impact on the lives of female entrepreneurs.
Leroy Cunningham
Leroy Cunningham currently occupies the role of Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC. He holds a major degree in Business Administration from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, along with minor degrees in Accounting and Economics. Leroy’s prior engagement with business development consulting brings great strength to the NBIC team. He has worked at three of the largest market capitalization companies in the world – Emerson Electric, General Electric, and Berkshire Hathaway. In his current role as the Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC, Leroy wears many hats. One of his primary objectives at NBIC is to increase the number of small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses qualified to undertake contracts from prime contractors and government entities. By fostering relationships with community partners and engaging with prime contractors and government entities, Leroy works tirelessly to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for these businesses to flourish. Additionally, Leroy dedicates his time to consulting with business owners, providing them with valuable insights and guidance. By helping businesses at their current stage and empowering them to reach their goals, Leroy greatly contributes to the growth and success of NBIC’s clients. Outside of work, Leroy indulges in his love for reading, sports, and travel. With his vast knowledge, dedication, and passion for community empowerment, Leroy is committed to making a meaningful impact at NBIC. His wealth of certifications and global business experience lends a unique perspective and expertise to NBIC’s initiatives, which will undoubtedly drive the organization forward.
Octavia Wilson-Simmons

Octavia Wilson-Simmons brings more than 20 years of diverse industry experience to her role at NBIC, where she drives operational excellence, grant compliance, and technological innovation. She began her career in the oil and gas sector in 2000 as a Contract Analyst, where she developed expertise in contract negotiation, trading operations, and stakeholder management.

Over the course of her career, Octavia expanded her skills across account management, operational optimization, and project coordination, gaining cross-industry experience that includes consulting and healthcare. Her transition into consulting in 2021 further honed her ability to streamline logistics and operations for business growth, while her work in healthcare deepened her customer-first approach and adaptability.

Since joining NBIC in 2022, Octavia has been a driving force behind key operational improvements, data-driven decision-making, and program support initiatives that empower small businesses to scale. She leverages platforms such as Zendesk, Looker, and Salesforce to optimize workflows, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance service delivery for entrepreneurs.

Passionate about creating efficient systems and sustainable impact, Octavia’s expertise in operations management, compliance, technology integration, and strategic support ensures NBIC’s entrepreneurs have the foundation needed for long-term success.