12 Black Entrepreneurs You Should Be Following
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, there was a 7,043% increase in U.S. searches for Black-owned businesses, according to a Yelp report. Successful Black entrepreneurs also talked about seeing an increase in funding and partnership opportunities following the tragedy.
This month, many people are utilizing social media to support Black-owned businesses as a way to celebrate and learn—which is important in allowing these businesses to grow—but should not, by any means, be the end.
In 2019, only 2.3% of employer firms were Black-owned, a stark difference to the 14.2% of the population they represent. The good news is, between February 2020 and August 2021, the number of Black businesses increased by 38%, despite these communities being hit worst by the pandemic because the structural systems weren’t—and still aren’t— there to support them.
According to The Hill, the one demographic really taking their futures into their own hands are Black women. Here are 12 Black entrepreneurs we’re celebrating not only during Black History Month, but all year round.
Jackie Aina // FORVR Mood
To say Jackie is a ‘beauty YouTuber’ would be a severe understatement. After serving in the United States Army and training as a makeup artist while stationed in Hawaii, the Nigerian-American did start a beauty YouTube channel. But her notoriety and brand quickly grew, and she now runs a home goods brand, FORVR Mood, which sells candles and fragrances, among other things. While she has been the subject of some ‘controversy,’ including naming one of her candles after a Nigerian protest anthem, she has never been shy about her advocacy, with a focus on representation in the beauty industry for women of color.
Brandon LundbyTelsha Anderson-Boone // t.a.
With an eye for trends and innovative designs as well as elevating representation in the fashion industry, Telsha Anderson-Boone used her experience consulting on social media for Food & Wine, HypeBeast and Atlantic Records to launch a retail clothing store in the Meatpacking District. t.a. caters to those who identify as women by sourcing from luxury brands from all over the world.
BartoEstelle Bailey-Babenzien // Dream Awake + Noah Clothing
As Creative Director as well as Interior and Experiences Designer at Dream Awake, Estelle Bailey-Babenzien captures the feel and look of a room with ease and style. In 2015, she joined her husband—former Supreme creative director, Brendon Babenzein—in creating Noah Clothing in downtown New York. Estelle ensures the space and experience of their retail store blends with her husband’s innovative designs.
Chandler KennedyJasmine Crowe // Goodr
Jasmine is a powerhouse with a passion for doing good. Her tech-enabled solution, Goodr, seeks to end hunger AND offers a sustainable food waste management solution, simultaneously. As an award-winning entrepreneur, TED speaker, and the 35th Black woman to raise more than $1 million in venture capital, Jasmine inspires her teams and has grown Goodr from serving the Atlanta community into a national network of sustainable solutions.
Samara Davis // Black Bourbon Society
Samara fell in love with bourbon on a trip to New Orleans and used her 15 years of event management experience to make the spirit her career. She founded the tiered membership organization, Black Bourbon Society in 2016, to build the love of spirits in the Black community and increase representation within the bourbon industry. One of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2020, Samara has grown her objective into a weekly podcast, monthly column, and a nonprofit consulting firm, DiversityDistilled.
Evelynn Escobar // Hike Clerb
As LA-based Evelynn Escobar’s interest in hiking grew, she noticed the lack of diversity on the trails. Through Hike Clerb, she is spearheading a solution. As founder and executive director of the intersectional group of BIPOC looking to reclaim and find joy in the outdoors, Evelynn is inspiring and bringing women together.
Deun Ivory // Creative Visionary
LA-based photographer and director, Deun Ivory has made a career out of creative storytelling and centering Black women and their experiences in all she does. She has worked with brands such as Apple, Google, Nike, HBO and Netflix; and her work has been featured in publications includingVogue, Essence, Refinery29 and The Cut. In 2019, she also founded The Body: A Home for Love, a nonprofit helping Black women heal from sexual trauma.
Rachel Holmes // Black Girls Mean Business
Rachel was still in high school when she started Black Girls Mean Business to give Black girls confidence and skills to thrive in the workforce and beyond. Offering mentorship, workshops, and other networking opportunities, Rachel provides resources to help girls thrive and succeed. She currently attends UC Berkeley.
Zach Harrison PhotographyVimbayi Kajese // #Adtags
Zimbabwean journalist Vimbayi Kajese first came to national attention as the first African anchorwoman in the history of China Central Television’s CCTV-9. But it was when she saw her own wedding photo online that she was inspired to start #Adtags, which increases representation in advertising and media.
Stephanie Summerson Hall // Estelle Colored Glass
Stephanie Summerson Hall was practicing law, but dreaming of being an entrepreneur. She started a side hustle but launched it into Estelle Colored Glass before the pandemic. Named after and inspired by her grandmother, her vintage-inspired glass collections are the perfect centerpiece for any dinner table to inspire togetherness.
Leah Thomas, Intersectional Environmentalist
Leah Thomas is a passionate advocate, not only for climate action, but for justice within it. Intersectional Environmentalist—her company’s name, and a term she coined—serves as an education and resource platform driving the radical reimagining of a more diverse and equitable environment. “Green Girl Leah” also recently launched Earth is Love, a small batch publication to support her efforts.
Nikesha Elise Williams // Writer
Nikesha Elise Williams wasn’t getting any traction with traditional agents and publishing houses for her first novel in 2018, so she used her connections working in television and self-published, Four Women. Now, the two-time Emmy award-winner producer, award-winning author, and host/producer of the Black & Published podcast has her own imprint: NEW Reads Publications, where she publishes her own work and those of other great writers.
