COVER STORY: Tara Harkness – A True Entrepreneur

Growing up in the close-knit community of Norwalk, Ohio, on a street filled with family members, I was raised with the wise words of my dad constantly echoing in my ears: “Your mind has not caught up with your body.” As a young dreamer, I yearned for exploration and unique experiences, knowing deep down that I wanted to be a boss, to chart my own course in life. My dad was employed by a tier-one automotive company as a press operator.

To supplement his income, my dad owned Harkness Hauling, a residential/business trash removal company. He later shared that he was bought out by a large waste removal company. My mom did domestic work for several families and businesses. She set her schedule so she would be at home when we arrived from school. Little did I realize then that both my parents were true entrepreneurs, laying the foundation for my own entrepreneurial journey.

Years of diverse work experiences and various roles shaped my skills, and in 1993, I took a leap of faith and founded my first company, Link to Success Inc., which later became the parent company of HARKNESServices and Sweetness of Ohio. With over two decades of experience, I have grown into a savvy businesswoman, driven by a passion to assist and consult small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women.

Link to Success, Inc., my Ohio-based consulting firm, focused on developing strategic partnerships by identifying companies’ strengths and the best opportunities for maximizing success. My involvement with the City of Columbus, Ohio introduced me to the world of Minority and Women Owned Businesses. Obtaining certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) broadened my network, resources, and visibility for my clients. My time at Staples Office Supplies further honed my marketing and sales skills, empowering me to equip my clients with powerful presentation, negotiation, communication, and leadership abilities.

One of the significant milestones on my entrepreneurial journey was the creation of HARKNESServices. Although it may have seemed like a departure from my previous ventures, it was a natural progression, grounded in my commitment to fostering viable businesses through strategic partnerships. Launched in 2011, the idea for HARKNESServices arose from a connection with a hood cleaning business owner, and upon analyzing the opportunities for women and minorities, we ventured into this niche market.

Our journey began as subcontractors, but it soon became evident that taking control of our own projects was the path to thriving. Swiftly adapting and excelling in thorough documentation became one of our greatest strengths, earning us a reputation for exceptional Hood Management Services. From cleaning popular fast-food chains to serving prestigious establishments and institutions, McDonalds, Burger King, Dominos, Donato’s Pizza, Columbus City Schools, Ohio State University, Cedar Point, Hollywood Casino, Correctional Institutions for the State of Ohio, Summa Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospitals and Convention Centers, we learned invaluable lessons and transformed into a resilient and dedicated team. Chris Harkness, COO, and Cornell Smith, Service Manager.

Our growth didn’t stop there. We embarked on a vertical market in March 2023, a market encompassing a group of companies and customers that are all interconnected around a specific niche. By forging strategic partnerships, we ventured into the realm of restaurant kitchen equipment providers, aiming to serve a broader audience. Through our online Amazon store, we provide opportunities for those who prioritize supporting minority and women-owned businesses. This exciting chapter in our company’s journey inspired me to dig deeper and expand our horizons, driving us to achieve excellence in restaurant kitchen equipment provisions and make a lasting impact on broader vertical and horizontal markets. Horizontal markets are the opposite of vertical markets in that they sell their goods across multiple industries.

But my journey isn’t solely about business success. I created Sweetness of Ohio in 2022 with a vision to celebrate the great faces, places, and products of our small communities, mirroring the one I grew up in. So, you may see me on weekends at a farm market, festival, in a small boutique or just maybe on a golf course (if I’m lucky) This endeavor allows me to give back and shed light on the hidden gems within our neighborhoods. It brings me great joy to share the stories of these communities and acknowledge the vital role played by small business owners, the true backbone of our towns. 

I love to shop for seasonal vegetables, herbs, and microgreens pulled directly from Ohio’s land. I met the famous Mr. Farmer Lee Jones®, owner of The Chef’s Garden of Huron, Ohio. During my visit we talked about his great products, not knowing for over 30 years this hometown farm has been delivering exceptional products to many restaurants all over the USA. With the changes from the pandemic, the Chef’s Garden made a shift by delivering these goods to homes. The brick-and-mortar location is on Scheid Road in Huron, Ohio, and is open to the public.

Because every moment of the day offers opportunities to grow and spread what we’ve learned, I began to ask people what does community mean to you? How are people going to remember you? What legacy do you leave behind? People that inspire us deserve recognition and that is where our great faces come into play. Like Principal Valerie Janice Smith, of Norwalk, Ohio, who is dedicated to spreading kindness within our youth. Oftentimes we call this the ripple effect because kindness spreads like ripples in the water… to our children, our families, then through our communities. This leads to a stronger community where each generation can flourish. 

Another great face of Ohio, Thomas H. Stephens, is the author of books including, “Life Changing Solutions Through Inspiration,” “Why Have Faith In Jesus” “A Recipe for Success” and “Trails to the Truth.” Thomas uses his Gospoetic expressions to not only reach the congregation, but he has also developed the Stop the Violence Initiative.

This program targets at-risk youth and uses rhythm and hip-hop lyrics to share the gospel through mentorship and ministries. Thomas works with the youths, serving on various boards, and delivering Meals on Wheels with his wife. He has been honored by the Ohio House of Representatives for 1000 hours of community service. Additionally, Thomas has been honored in Who’s Who in Black Columbus, Trailblazer in African American History, Ohio State University Extension Outstanding Volunteer Award, NAUB Speakers Award, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning, and Outstanding Speakers Award.

Thomas presented me with a written Sweetness of Ohio’s Poem; later to become our theme song recorded by Aaron O’Bryan Smith.

Lyrics to Sweetness of Ohio

Sweetness of Ohio with a spirit-filled twist. 

Stories that touch lives that should not be missed.

We find places that you might not know.

Supporting local businesses to help them grow.

We meet individuals and mom and pop teams.

People who have passion to fulfill their dreams.

Captured by inspiration, including creative arts-

Stories we highlight feature people who do their part.

Connecting people, products, and places as directed by God’s hand.

The Hocking Hills, The Amish Country, every corner of Ohio’s land.

Finding sweet and unique places, as we enjoy our work and play.

Seeing the beauty in Ohio each and every day.

As I continue to serve my passion for the development of small businesses, my involvement with various organizations allows me to contribute to causes close to my heart. My guiding mantra has always been, “Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.” It fills me with gratitude to have my husband, Steve, as my biggest supporter, encouraging and standing by me every step of the way. 

My entrepreneurial journey is far from over, and my ambition knows no bounds. Through strategic alliances, dedication to excellence, and a passion for giving back, I hope to empower those who believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where dreams are nurtured, unique experiences are celebrated, and every business has the chance to thrive.