The Malone family knows hard work.
“Entrepreneurs are the only people who will work 80 hours a week to avoid working 9 to 5,” says Ana Griffith-Malone with a smile.
Entrepreneurship
Ana started Busy B Cleaning in 2018, a premium cleaning service for commercial and industrial clients. Her oldest daughter, Breana Malone, is the operations manager, making the business is a family affair.
“We’re a problem-solving team. The whole family helps out. We even get our extended family to help,” said Justin Malone, Ana’s partner. “We’re all invested in our success.”
Maeghan Malone, the second oldest daughter, said, “Everyone in the business is reliable and dedicated to our success.”
Busy B prides itself on providing exemplary customer service. Clients can call Busy B directly to resolve issues quickly. They have won the award for Best Janitorial Service from NewsForce 24/7 again. Just this year, they expanded to add Justin as the general manager. With 25 employees, the company values fair pay, strong training and support for team members.
After six years of success, the Malones opened a second business: Belenos Creations at 141 E. Center Street. It was born out of a need for uniforms for its team members.
“We weren’t happy with the minimum requirements for products or the quality,” Justin said. “We decided to take control and make our own.”
In addition to the clothing, they added custom cups, tumblers and other merchandise. At the same time, Justin tried 3D printing as a hobby. He started selling products on Etsy and TikTok to recoup some of the costs of the first expensive 3D printer.
“It paid for itself in a month,” Justin recalls.
Within a year, they expanded to 17 printers to make custom products at affordable prices. Due to the success of Busy B, Justin and Maeghan turned this hobby into a new business.
“Busy B continues to grow. That’s a part of why Belenos was able to make the jump from online sales to a storefront,” Justin said.
Justin and Maeghan found a warm reception from local customers with a tent at the Marion Popcorn Festival.
“We nearly sold out! People really liked the backpack buddies keychains, dragons, and our two for $5 products,” said Maeghan. “You can get some fun, unique items for kids, teens and adults, from fidgets to drags and even Christmas ornaments. We can make unique birthday or Christmas presents or stocking stuffers.”
To keep grown, the Malones moved Busy B from the OhioHealth building into a new, shared location up the street. For the family, it was important to stay in downtown Marion.
“Marion’s been good to us,” Justin said. “We see the teamwork of the downtown Marion Collaborative. We’ve been trying to jump in headfirst.”
The Malones appreciate support other downtown small businesses. One of the top supporters is YummY Treats, Candy and More, which encourages customers to go across the street to Belenos.
Beth Fox, owner of Foxglove Hollow Home Decor and a fellow graduate of the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge classes at Marion Tech, ordered custom sweaters. Downtown Marion Inc. ordered T-shirts for the Monster Dash 5K in October.
“It was our pleasure to visit Belenos Creations and see fellow business Busy B at the welcoming event,” said Jessica Deyarmond, owner of Curiosity, a gaming and hobby store. “We were so happy to welcome them to downtown and wish them continued success.”
The Marion Area Chamber of Commerce brought dozens of members to the recent grand opening. The Marion Business Builders Chapter of BNI also promoted the event.
“Everyone’s been super friendly,” Justin said.
The Malones also work to support community efforts including offering free 3-D printed items during the Monster March for kids. They appreciate those customers who choose to shop local and support area businesses.
These family-owned companies are excited to be a part of the thriving, vibrant business community in downtown Marion.
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MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
