Tanya Williams, recently honoured as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Binghamton Chamber, holds a significant presence in the local business community. Her diverse portfolio, encompassing beauty, catering, and the restaurant industry, has left an indelible mark on the region’s business landscape. With plans to expand her business empire with the launch of a new establishment later this year, Williams continues to pursue a career in nursing alongside her current ventures.
Williams’ journey as an entrepreneur commenced during her nursing studies in Queens, where she established her first business – a hair salon. Recognizing the absence of Black hair salons in the Binghamton region during her visits, she relocated her Queens salon to Binghamton in 1993, rebranding it as Miracle’s Beauty Salon. This move filled a significant gap and established it as one of the first Black-owned salons in the county, alongside its affiliated business, Paradise Hair World.
Despite encountering numerous challenges, Williams remained resolute and unwavering in her pursuit of success. In 2010, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch Caribbean Patty World, inspired by the scarcity of Caribbean cuisine in the local dining scene. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for offering a unique culinary experience, distinct from the prevalent Chinese, Italian, and fast food options in the area.
In addition to her restaurant, Williams also operates Caribbean Bar and Grill, providing catering services that have received acclaim, including being recognised as “Best in Broome-People’s Choice” at the Black Excellence Awards for two consecutive years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented substantial challenges for Williams’ businesses, resulting in the temporary closure of her salon and the operation of her restaurant as a takeout-only establishment for an extended period.
Despite the adversities posed by the pandemic, Williams remains resolute in her commitment to expanding her business empire. Her plans to open a banquet hall behind her restaurant later this year, offering a venue for various events, reflect her unwavering dedication to serving the Binghamton community. While expressing gratitude for her current achievements, Williams acknowledges the ongoing difficulties presented by inflation and the rising cost of goods. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her intention to continue her businesses within Broome County.
Tanya Williams stands as a compelling example of entrepreneurial resilience and ingenuity, embodying the spirit of a true business visionary. Her enduring impact on the beauty, catering, and restaurant industries in Binghamton serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, reflecting her unwavering dedication to serving the community.