Discover the Brilliance of These Black-Owned Businesses: Part 1

14 Black Businesses to Support All Year Round

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@TalentGenieWrites

10 min readFeb 2, 2024

This February, I’m not just talking about #BlackHistoryMonth, or posting little known Black facts as I have in years past. This time, it’s about taking action. I’m actively advocating for and supporting Black-owned businesses in the only way that’s sustainable — financially.

Each day this month, I’ll feature a business I’ve personally patronized or that comes highly recommended by my network.

Get ready to discover the diverse talents and services they offer and make a direct impact with your dollars.

Source: Mallori Steele, Growductive Website

1. Growductive Consulting

Let’s kickoff Day 1 and shine the spotlight on Growductive Consulting, founded by Mallori Steele. Growductive Consulting is a Training, Learning & Development Consulting Agency based in the Washington, D.C Metropolitan area.

Growductive exemplifies excellence through strategically consulting, designing, and developing custom training solutions for clients from various industries.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
✅ Buy a ticket to The Learning Exchange, happening February 8–9, 2024.
✅ Broadcast this business by sharing with your network.
✅ Bookmark their website for your future needs.

👉 What other ways can we support Black-owned businesses during Black History Month?

2. FD Parker & Associates

⭐ Today’s spotlight is on Farrah Parker and FD Parker & Associates.

FD Parker & Associates provides innovative communication strategies that propel clients to unimaginable heights.

Having produced public relations and marketing campaigns for national organizations including government agencies, professional sports franchises, and non-profits, their team offers a wide range of expertise resulting in effective and vibrant business solutions.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
➡️ Buy consulting hours to transform your brand’s communication.
➡️ Broadcast their brilliance by sharing their success stories with your network.
➡️ Bookmark their site for future collaboration.

👉 Have you experienced the transformative power of strategic communication? How could FD Parker & Associates play a role in your story?

3. Afro Unicorn

🦄 Meet April Showers, founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn®️, and a fellow Yes2Jobs Alumnus.

Afro Unicorn®️ is a brand designed to represent the uniqueness of women and children of color in a truly diverse and inclusive fashion.

The brand has skyrocketed onto the scene with 25 categories, from apparel and accessories to toys, puzzles, books, bedding, bandages, backpacks, collectibles, and more

April has notably become the first Black woman to have a collaboration with Walmart for her line of party supplies.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
➡️ Buy Afro Unicorn products online or in store.
➡️ Broadcast her Talk Shop Live event with your network.
➡️ Bookmark Afro Unicorn to keep the celebration going for every occasion.

👉 Who in your life would be thrilled by an Afro Unicorn tee or themed party?

4. Trends. VC

🚀 Dru Riley is the visionary behind Trends.vc, a go-to resource for 60,000+ founders, investors, and thought leaders.

Trends is a community and newsletter that discovers new markets and actionable ideas from the most important trends.

Through in-depth, framework-based research reports, Dru and his team equip business founders, executives, and investors with the insights needed to stay ahead of the curve.

I’m particularly inspired by Dru’s podcasts, where he shares his strategies, setbacks, and successes.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
➡️ Buy a subscription to Trends Pro for exclusive reports, masterminds, daily stand-ups, and weekly founder intros.
➡️ Broadcast Dru’s “100 Rules To Live By” and podcasts across your network.
➡️ Bookmark Trends.vc and sign up for the free newsletter.

👉 Has a piece of advice or an insight from Trends.vc or Dru influenced your professional journey or mindset?

5. Gifted Uniqueness, LLC

Meet the dynamic Southern Girl, Tameka Bob, also known as Dr. Bob — actress, writer, speaker, educator, and the force behind Gifted Uniqueness LLC.

This multi-hyphenate with heart is transforming narratives with her eclectic ventures. She captivates audiences with “Dr. Bob’s REAL Reality,” an enlightening talk show, and her compelling one-woman hit production, “The Woman in Me,” which she also penned.

Her latest book, It’s Okay to Answer Yourself, blends personal insights with research, offering readers a guide through solitude to self-fulfillment. Each chapter concludes with an interactive experience, encouraging personal growth and wholeness.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
➡️ Buy It’s Okay to Answer Yourself here: https://bit.ly/itsokdrbob
➡️ Broadcast Dr. Bob’s impactful messages and insights to your network.
➡️ Bookmark her site and follow Dr. Bob across her social media platforms to stay updated with her projects.

👉 What aspect of Dr. Bob’s work resonates with you the most, and why? Is it her talk show, stage production, book, or something else?

6. Culturelancer

Meet Brianna Brazle, M.Ed., LPC and the groundbreaking CultureLancer platform: Reimagining the Future of Work for HBCU Talent.

Culturelancer is transforming the talent discovery and nurturing process. Brianna’s innovative platform bridges the gap between the untapped potential of HBCU students and the business world’s demand for fresh, diverse talent.

Culturelancer aims to simplify the connection between HBCU talent and businesses, enabling students to showcase their skills and companies to directly hire these emerging talents for remote projects.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲
➡️ Explore the growing talent pool at Culturelancer.
➡️ Follow Brianna on LinkedIn for more insights into Culturelancer’s impact.
➡️ Engage by hiring HBCU talent in your upcoming projects.

👉 How do you see platforms like Culturelancer reshaping the creative and business ecosystems?

7. Trap Recruiter, LLC

Have you met Keirsten Greggs, the dynamic Founder and CEO of TRAP Recruiter, LLC?

With two decades of Talent Acquisition expertise, Keirsten is a powerhouse in enhancing how organizations attract and retain top talent, focusing on underrepresented candidates. She equally empowers job seekers to find their voice during the hiring process.

And let’s not forget, she’s a podcast host extraordinaire! Having had the honor of being interviewed by her multiple times, I can confirm it’s always an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

📣 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲
➡️ Explore the Trap Recruiter’s services for a transformative approach to your career or talent acquisition strategy.
➡️ Follow Keirsten for valuable insights into career advancement.
➡️ Engage by investing in your career with the Trap Recruiter Résumé Remix and Worksheets.

👉 If you had the opportunity, what questions would you ask Keirsten about navigating today’s job market?

8. CP Jones Consulting, LLC

Candace Jones-Ekuke, MBA is Founder and Principal Consultant at CP Jones Consulting, LLC Consulting.

Candace is dedicated to guiding professionals, founders, and small businesses through pivotal professional changes.

Offering business coaching, career coaching, and consulting, she tailors her services to align with each client’s unique values and goals.

I discovered Coach Candace’s brilliance through the wonderful Lexi B. Her strategic insights were pivotal in developing The Collab Lab, Inc.’s go-to-market strategy.

I am grateful to have experienced her dedication to navigating change with clarity, competence, and compassion firsthand.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸
➡️ Buy a coaching or consulting package to elevate your professional journey.
➡️ Broadcast her transformative stories and insights within your circles.
➡️ Bookmark her website for guidance and inspiration.

👉 Who in your network could transform their career path with Coach Candace’s insights?

9. Luxurious Wellniss

💅🏾 It’s time to shine the spotlight on Luxurious Wellniss.

Led by the incredibly talented Felicia Stokes, LW is a Black owned skin lab offering skincare solutions tailored for melanated skin.

A seasoned medical aesthetician, Felicia brings over a decade of experience and a holistic health passion to LW, aiming to bridge the wellness gap in communities of color.

Luxurious Wellniss stands out for its commitment to diversity, with 80% of its products coming from women-owned businesses. This focus promotes empowerment and ensures quality in the wellness sector.

I can personally attest to Felicia’s supportive nature; she’s been a great supporter of my Black Girl Journals project, even featuring my ‘Self-Care Journal’ in her store and online.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
✅ Buy LW’s transformative skincare products.
✅ Broadcast Felicia’s mission and LW’s success stories.
✅ Bookmark Luxurious Wellniss for your wellness journey.

👉 What aspects of your wellness routine need more attention this month? How might Luxurious Wellniss’ products or services support you in that goal?

10. Best AT Coaching

Introducing Best, AT Coaching!, LLC, a transformative force in personal and professional development since its inception in 2018.

Led by Dr. Antione Tomlin, Best AT is dedicated to elevating lives through a suite of services that encompass coaching, consulting, and mentoring.

Dr. Tomlin’s approach is rooted in the belief that everyone can progress from ‘okay’ to ‘better,’ or ‘better’ to ‘great.’ With a commitment to guiding clients through transformative paths, he focuses on unlocking potential and fostering growth.

Having had the privilege of benefiting from his coaching expertise for the past two years, I can personally attest to the impactful curiosity, insights, and guidance he brings to each call. Conversations with Dr. Antione are consistently the highlight of my week. #NoLaughsLeftBehind

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱
✅ Spend on his coaching sessions for a transformative self-investment or gift them to someone ready for personal growth.
✅ Recommend Dr. Tomlin’s wisdom across your LinkedIn and Twitter to spread the inspiration.
✅ Tell a friend about Dr. Tomlin’s impactful coaching and how it might benefit them.

👉🏾 How do you envision coaching transforming your life or career?

11. Beautifuli Digital

Introducing Liane Agbi, the creative force behind Beautifuli Digital, a boutique agency dedicated to crafting bold and beautiful websites for ambitious business owners.

Liane’s mission? To amplify female-focused brands by enhancing online engagement through stunning websites that captivate and convert. I’m grateful to have found her to build The Collab Lab, Inc.’s website.

Liane is also the founder and editorial director of BAUCE Magazine.

She champions women, sharing stories of financial freedom and personal success. Her dual role showcases her commitment to empowering women through digital media and design.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱!
➡️ Spend on Beautifuli Digital’s web development services to elevate your brand’s online presence.
➡️ Recommend the inspiring stories from BAUCE Magazine on social media.
➡️ Tell a friend about Beautifuli Digital and BAUCE!

🗣️ How can Liane’s expertise in digital design and storytelling enhance your business’s online strategy?

12. Diversiology

Meet Rocki Howard, the visionary behind Diversiology.IO, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform the world of work for small and medium-sized business (SMBs) into a more engaged and inclusive space.

Diversiology introduces a fresh, three-pillared approach: content, coaching, and collaboration. This innovative strategy moves beyond traditional consulting to meet the specific needs of SMBs.

Rocki’s Diversiology is the solution many SMBs need to create cultures that celebrate individuality and ensure everyone feels safe and valued.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺
🗣️ Explore the unique solutions at Diversiology.
🗣️ Connect with Rocki and follow Diversiology for insights into creating inclusive work environments.
🗣️Transform your SMB with Rocki’s innovative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

➡️ How can Diversiology.IO’s approach to inclusion impact your business or workplace culture?

13. Living Corporate

Zachary Nunn leads Living Corporate, an experience management (XM) startup dedicated to fostering workplace fairness. Through innovative strategies and a commitment to liberation, equity, and justice, Living Corporate is setting a new standard for workplace inclusivity.

At its core, Living Corporate leverages analytics, talent enablement, and brand storytelling to cultivate employee trust and bolster market confidence.

This unique approach positions them as a key player in driving brand capital by attracting global brands committed to workplace fairness.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱!

✅ Spend time diving into the resources and initiatives offered by Living Corporate to understand their impact.
✅ Recommend Living Corporate to organizations seeking to enhance their commitment to workplace fairness.
✅ Tell a friend about Living Corporate’s pivotal role in promoting liberation, equity, and justice in the workplace.

➡️ How can initiatives like Living Corporate transform the world of work as we know it?

14. STEM Gems

Stephanie Espy, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Gems is a founder worth knowing.

An MIT and UC Berkeley Chemical Engineering graduate, Stephanie’s mission is to empower the next generation of STEM leaders by coaching them in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

STEM Gems is tackling gender disparity head-on by showcasing the achievements of 44 women excelling in STEM.

Through the STEM Gems book and its accompanying clubs and programs, the initiative encourages girls to see themselves in roles often underrepresented by women, driving home the message that they, too, can achieve greatness in STEM.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲
🔭 Spend by purchasing the STEM Gems book to educate and inspire.
🔭 Start a STEM Gems club to foster a supportive community for young women in STEM.
🔭 Share the #GiveGirlsRoleModels message to amplify the impact of female STEM leaders.

➡️ How can the representation of women in STEM reshape aspirations and achievements for the next generation?

Ready for more? Check out Part 2 here.

© Maisha L. Cannon and The Collab Lab, Inc., 2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Maisha L. Cannon with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at https://medium.com/collablab