Nyack's Black Parakeetz Paint, Swig & Sing! Wins By Having Fun

NYACK, NY — A Nyack business that has a reputation for being every bit as much fun as it sounds, earned recognition for its innovative approach to making a night on the town a convenient one-stop affair.

The New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced its statewide ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award winners in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday. Among the awardees is U.S. Navy veteran Terry Clarke, owner of Nyack’s popular Black Parakeetz Paint, Swig & Sing!

Black Parakeetz combines art, karaoke, unique cocktails and fun food in a space custom-designed by Clarke. The concept welcomes customers of all ages and backgrounds who are looking for a festive, interactive entertainment experience.

“We wanted to create a nighttime entertainment space that makes people feel like they’re on vacation,” Clarke said. “The pandemic set us back at first, but the amazing diversity and energy in the local community kept us going. We cover all the demographics – hosting guests of any and all groups, including parties honoring guests aged in their 20s to 90s.”

Creating, launching and building the Black Parakeetz business is a dream Clarke shares with his partner and wife, Naomi Clarke.

Clarke brought experience to the planning table — in sales, technology and finance, coupled with his partner’s expertise in fashion and merchandising.

He says experience in the U.S. Navy as Radioman Second Class aboard the destroyer USS Deyo also helped him cultivate invaluable skills in leadership, communication and what he describes as “plain old dogged determination.” Clarke has since leveraged this expertise in his business pursuits.

Clarke says making his dream a reality required additional knowledge, skills and resources. He knew just where to look.

"I connected with the SBDC to get general start-up guidance, business plan review and, eventually, funding — all of which I received through the SBDC,” Clarke said. “I also needed information on the nitty-gritty – things like contracting, electrical specs, plumbing and marketing techniques specific to my business. I attended a free SBDC course and found my Business Advisor, Andrea Giraldo, an amazing resource and personal connection to other critical services.”

Careful planning and research paid off in real terms, according to Clarke, in the form of a $150,000 capital expansion loan from Community Capital New York. The detail and depth of the business plan, coupled with Clarke’s ability to fund much of the start-up costs, were key risk reduction factors in getting the loan, which allowed the Clarkes to renovate the building space, purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment, and create seven new jobs.

“We’re humbled to be recognized by the SBDC given everything they’ve done for us,” said Clarke. “We couldn’t have made our dream a reality without their support.”

The Clarkes' unique businesss venture was nominated by the Rockland Center and was among more than 40 candidates considered state-wide for the 2021 Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The awards recognize small business owners who, with the assistance of SBDC advisors and services, have excelled in planning, establishing, promoting and growing their businesses.
The 22 SBDCs across the state each nominate entrepreneurs for recognition in one of eight business categories: Veteran-owned, minority-owned, female-owned and growth-focused, as well as entrepreneurs in key industry segments including manufacturing, exporting, bonded contracting and procurement.

“It’s great to have the SBDC supporting local businesses, and we’re happy to welcome Black Parakeetz to our community,”Nyack Mayor Don Hammond said “It’s a particular honor for our village to count a ‘Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year’ among our successful business owners.”

As just one example of success, over 500 customer artworks are displayed on the walls in the Parakeetz paint studio. Clarke also reports gross revenues three times higher than incomes the couple earned in their former day jobs.

“It’s a pleasure to work with Terry and Naomi,” Giraldo said.“From the beginning, they were prepared, knowledgeable and focused. They had a clear vision. We helped with planning and research, but they also did a lot on their own.”

The SBDC is administered by the State University of New York (SUNY) and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses, including Rockland Community College.

The Centers provide counseling, training, research, management and technical assistance to start-up companies and existing small businesses across the state. The organization annually selects entrepreneurship honorees from more than 21,000 program clients statewide.