Entrepreneur Success Videos From The "Making It! TV" Show

Karl Kani got his start in the Brooklyn projects, peddling logo-emblazoned tees and baggy linen suits sewn by his fathers tailor. In 1999, he developed a business plan with his accountants to start his own urban sportswear company, Karl Kani, which currently has revenues of $65 million worldwide. He left the urban market to start a contemporary denim line. He connected with Fame Church in Los Angeles, which has an investment fund to help local businesses. With the churchs help, he raised enough money to develop the contemporary denim line. He embraces the challenge of following trends and takes care to not saturate the market so that his jeans are always in demand. His jeans are made from Japanese denim and are produced entirely in California so that he can control the product quality. His celebrity clientele includes Mischa Barton, Jessica Simpson, and Ashlee Simpson. He hopes to triple his revenues as he distributes his denim line to major department stores.

Marissa, Maria, and Vincent DeRosa are the owner's of Picasso's Café Bakery and Deli (www.picassoscafe.com) The Picasso story began in 1989 with the dream of two people, owners and operators Vincent and Maria DeRosa. Their objective was to cater to corporate breakfast and lunch coterie while "creating food products that are a work of art"- hence, Picasso's . The DeRosa's have successfully designed cafe, bakery, and catering menus to present quality products with an emphasis on eye appeal, taste, and price. The couple met while attending USC. Daughter Marissa has made her career with Picasso's as Vice President, overseeing Picasso's Marketing and Special Events. The entire family believes in giving back to the community and Picasso's plays a generous and active role in many local community events and donates to several worthwhile charitable organizations. Picasso's employs a culinary team of five.

Maxwell Lee is the owner of ADENNA, INC., a manufacturer and distributor of latex rubber gloves. It currently supplies 1 billion gloves throughout the United States as well as to Mexico and Canada. He came upon the idea after speaking to relatives in Asia who were looking to push their products to America. Maxwell saw the potential but was unfamiliar with rubber gloves and had little money to create a business. Nonetheless, he decided to take the risk and used his savings as capital. His instincts were correct. His idea turned into a successful venture and was named one of Inc. 500's fastest growing companies in 2004. Maxwell continues to innovate by reinvesting his profits into research and development. Adenna is creating a new glove called "Miracle," which contains vitamins and herbal extracts for moisturizing and comfort. Maxwell is also working to expand his company by establishing a joint venture in China.

Sabrina Kay, founder of CALIFORNIA DESIGN COLLEGE (CDC), first came to the United States with few business skills, very little money and no handle of the English language. She founded CDC in the early 1990's with the goal of educating students and enhancing their fashion skills. Most of the schools graduates are employed in the fashion industry. Since profiling her in 1998, Sabrina has expanded her company and she plans to build a facility much larger than the current campus.

Lavetta Willis went to law school to become a sports agent. However, an interview for any internship changed her life. She was told that women often encounter many difficulties breaking into the sports industry, and she should explore athletic apparel. She was shocked and reluctant to give up her dream. But a few days later, she began remembering her days playing basketball at Notre Dame, and not being happy with the uniforms. She thought they were designed for men only. That's when she decided that maybe the advice that made her angry, was not such a bad idea after all. That was the beginning of Lavetta's designing career, which eventually landed her as the co-owner and President of LL International Shoe Company (Dada Footwear) (www.dadafootwear.com) . Known for its "fashionable" tennis shoes, Dada's products can be found nationwide at Footlocker, Lady Footlocker, and Foot Action.

Dr. Rev. Clyde W. Oden Jr. is the senior pastor of BRYANT TEMPLE AME CHURCH in Los Angeles. He has a vision of a family life center in which his parishioners can more actively engage in their day-to-day activities. With funding provided by Comerica's faith-based lending program, Rev. Oden has been able to oversee a renovation of the existing and is looking to acquire the adjacent building to create the family life center. Rev. Oden praises Comerica Bank for understanding the church's needs and its desire to better serve the local community. The church also looks to city, state, and federal government sources for funding in addition to other revenue streams.