According to Forbes, Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the US. While also among the hardest hit by the pandemic as small business owners, Black-owned businesses are continuing to break glass ceilings, and thrive with little to no external funding. Black women in particular have incredible strength as consumers AND owners - evidenced with buying power totaling over 1.4 trillion dollars in 2019. As education around wealth building and financial empowerment increases in the Black community, Black women are leading the charge to provide needed resources, services, and products to niche markets often overlooked by mainstream brands.
At this intersection of Black History Month and Women's History month, I want to put a spotlight on a few black women who are making waves in their various industries. Some of these ladies are dear friends and sisters that I've watched blossom for over a decade, others colleagues and services providers I've been blessed to work with. I'm committed to supporting women & black owned brands, and hope you'll consider doing the same. Not because it's trending, and not just because diversity matters. Do it because our communities benefit in vast ways from the existence of small businesses and integral, innovative, business owners.
LIVE + MOVE: SHOPLIVEANDMOVE.COM
LIVE + MOVE is a wellness brand that provides fitness apparel (XXL friendly!), community and insight for women. Founder & Owner Nicole Dillion, started this brand to promote movement as a source of joy, and a necessity beyond physical fitness. If you're looking for stylish, comfortable athleisure apparel - click the link above. The leggings are DIVINE. IG: @ShopLiveandMove
FLEUR DE LIS BEAUTY & ESTHETICS: FDLBEAUTY.COM
Fleur De Lis Beauty & Esthetics is a MedSpa owned by sisters Wendy & Carla. Both Registered Nurses, the duo has been providing IV Hydration, Laser, Chemical Peels, facials and more to both men and women seeking to maintain or enhance their beauty. Nestled in the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn - the FDL Beauty & Esthetics team believe that beauty isn't just a look, it's a lifestyle. Click the link above to pamper yourself or someone you love. The HydraFacial is my fav so far! I am closer to my skin goals than I've ever been because of them. Also, the spa is gorgeous, has a welcoming staff, and peaceful atmosphere.
IG: @FleurdelisBeauty
DOVE CREATIONS
Erica Mitchell is one of New York City's most sought after premier event planners. Launched in 2015, Dove Creation is a full service company that specializes in creative event design, and personalized touches that make momentous occasions memorable. She is my personal "go-to" as a professional and a partner! Take it from me - I am an event professional. Erica is the real deal. IG: @Dove_Creations
BARE ESSENTIALS: BareEssentials.co
Tired of harsh chemicals in your cleansers? Looking to enhance your self care routine with all handmade all natural soaps and scrubs? Look no further! Bare Essentials was birthed when founder, Amber Turner decided to carefully craft combinations of plant-based oils, butters, natural colorants and scented with essential oils (never fragrance oils). My favorites are the sweet oat and ginger soaps along with the lemon sugar body scrub! They'll be launching candles to the collection this spring! IG: @bareessentials.co
SEVENTH & LANE: SeventhandLane.com
Seventh & Lane is a branding firm specializing in providing strategy and visual branding for "mission-driven, value-dripping, passion-pushing, women in business. Founded by Omega Celeste - creative strategist and web designer, Seventh & Lane has served women in business for close to a decade. If you're looking to streamline your processes, ensure brand consistency, and show up authentically, look no further. IG: @seventhandlane
THE LEGACY LADY: KeishanRowe.com
Keishan T. Rowe also known as The LegacyLady® is an electrifying Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur & Advocate for financial literacy. She is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and Accountant/Registered Tax Preparer with the IRS. Her passion is to educate individuals on the importance of not only establishing financial security, but also securing a financial legacy that will add value for generations to come.
She is the owner of Legacy Consulting Services LLC, a Financial Service Company that specializes in Tax Compliance, Business Consulting & Financial Coaching. The company is based in the State of New York, but services clients in all 50 states. She finds her most joy when taking her clients’ relationship with money to the next level. She has partnered with executives and business owners to achieve the next level of professional, spiritual & financial success. Her website currently features investing and business courses. It's tax season! If you're looking for a financial planner and accountant look no further!
IG: @TheLegacyLady
SIMPLY REDEFINING: SimplyRedefining.com
Janelle Thompson is a Mental Health Service Provider based in New York City. Using an integrative approach she guides her clients through grief, complex trauma, abuse, inter-generational family issues, self-esteem, depression and so much more. She enjoys working with individuals from all ages, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, but over the last few years she have begun to shift her focus to supporting women of color and couples.
Janelle strives to create a safe and empowering atmosphere where her clients can gain awareness, unpack their trauma, heal, and simply redefine their hardest moments in life into strength, grit, and purpose. She's grace personified and a trusted source of counsel even among colleagues and friends. IG: @simplyredefining
If you reach out to any of these ladies through this blog, be sure to let them know I sent you. If there are brands you love that we should know about - drop their information and links in the comments. If you're a black woman business owner providing great services I want to hear about it!
I'm rooting for all of us!
