Discover the Brilliance of These Black-Owned Businesses: Part 2

15 More Black Businesses to Support All Year Round

Published in

@TalentGenieWrites

13 min readFeb 13, 2024

Source: The Collab Lab, Inc. Instagram Page

As we move deeper into February, the momentum of supporting Black-owned businesses grows stronger. In Part 1, we embarked on a mission to take meaningful action by financially supporting Black entrepreneurs. The journey has been both enlightening and inspiring, showcasing a rich tapestry of talent and innovation.

In Part 2, we’ll continue to spotlight remarkable Black-owned businesses that are shaping their industries, driving positive change, and creating a legacy that transcends this month. Your support makes a difference, one share and one purchase at a time.

15. Creative Lou

Explore the captivating world of Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou. Damon is a Seattle-based artist who weaves the fabric of community and culture into his art. Celebrating Black narratives, his work is a testament to the “art of visual storytelling.”

This month, Damon’s unique fusion of classical art and illustration graces select Starbucks stores. His feature is more than just a tribute; it’s an ongoing celebration of diversity and storytelling. ☕️🖌️

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
𝗕𝘂𝘆: Secure a piece of art from his online gallery or buy a Creative Lou tumbler at participating Starbucks locations.
𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: Elevate the conversation by sharing Damon’s prints and collaborative works.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸: Bookmark CreativeLou.com to revisit and find continuous inspiration.

✨ What does community look like through your lens?

16. DEI Career Center

Considering a career in diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Meet Andrea G. Tatum, CPCC, CAPM. As the Founder of the DEI Career Center by AGT Diversity Consulting, she bridges career development with DEI.

Since 2022, Andrea has led the way, guiding job seekers through the DEI career landscape, demonstrating how their unique skills can effect meaningful change.

Through her courses, personalized 1:1 coaching, and the YouTube series "DEI Career Conversations," Andrea delves into the nuances of working in DEI roles.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
➡️ 𝗕𝘂𝘆: Engage with Andrea's coaching services to navigate your DEI career path or to enhance your organization's DEI strategies.
➡️ 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: Share the transformative stories and insights from "DEI Career Conversations" to broaden her impact.
➡️ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸: Subscribe to DEI Career Conversations on YouTube for continuous learning and inspiration.

Ready to embark on a transformative DEI career journey? Connect with Andrea and the DEI Career Center today.

17. Morgan Latimer

Over a decade ago while recruiting at Google, I first heard about Anthony Mays through a teammate’s endorsement of him as a standout candidate. Watching his career unfold from a distance has been absolutely awesome.

Anthony is a 20+ year software engineer whose story has inspired people around the world. His journey as a foster kid from “straight outta Compton” to Google teaches audiences how to transform trauma into triumph.

Today, with Morgan Latimer, he serves as a guiding light for those looking to carve out their own paths in the tech industry. His approach to sharing his professional journey — marked by radical candor, vulnerability, and authenticity — is a masterclass in what it means to lead with impact.

Through his work in DEI, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching, he’s making the tech world a more inclusive space for everyone.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱!
💻 Spend some time diving into Anthony’s strategies on his website.
💻 Recommend Anthony to organizations aiming to amplify their DEI conversations or to anyone seeking a career uplift in tech.
💻 Tell a friend about Anthony’s journey and his dedication to mentoring aspiring tech professionals.

🌟 How does Anthony’s journey from a standout candidate to a guiding light for tech career hopefuls inspire you?

18. The Global Strategist

It’s time to spotlight Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt, a multifaceted leader whose expertise spans educational leadership and premium event planning. With a rich background in shaping minds and creating unforgettable moments, Dr. Witt embodies the essence of a global strategist and visionary.

At the helm of Divine Diva Events, Dr. Witt transforms ordinary occasions into extraordinary celebrations. Her approach to event planning is rooted in personalization, elegance, and a deep commitment to client satisfaction, making every event a testament to her passion and professionalism.

Dr. Witt’s narrative of empowerment and leadership is showcased at The Global Strategist hub, where her insights and services offer a roadmap to success for individuals and organizations alike.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲
➡️ Explore Dr. Witt’s work at Divine Diva Events and her insights at The Global Strategist hub.
➡️ Connect with Dr. Witt for strategic guidance or to elevate your next event.
➡️ Advocate for her vision by sharing her journey and contributions with your network.

How does Dr. Witt’s dual role as a global strategist and event planner inspire your own pursuits?

19. Kim Tours Egypt

Kimberly D. Jones is CEO of Kelton Legend and the visionary behind Kim Tours Egypt.

Kimberly combines her vast talent acquisition expertise with a passion for Egyptian history, offering travelers meticulously curated tours across Egypt’s awe-inspiring locales.

Kim Tours Egypt invites you to experience the ancient beauty and rich culture of Egypt through scheduled group trips in 2024. From the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the enchanting Nile River, Kim and her team of passionate experts ensure every journey is memorable.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲
🔍 Explore the scheduled trips Kim offers and book an adventure.
👥 Follow Kim Tours Egypt’s journey on social media to stay updated.
💬 Engage with the Kim Tours Egypt community by sharing your experiences and memories of Egypt with friends and family.

🌎 What memorable travel destination changed your perspective and why?

20. Inyeon AI

Inyeon AI is a transformative digital journaling app that emerged from the passion project of two university friends, Keiko Roy-Carey and Tobi Olofintuyi.

Their mission is clear: to leverage technology to deepen self-knowledge, foster stronger relationships, and encourage purposeful living.

Inyeon AI, the app, is designed to offer personalized insights from users’ reflections, making self-discovery accessible and insightful.

Keiko and Tobi’s vision is for mindfulness to become a natural part of daily life, nurturing human potential and collective well-being through accessible, compassionate self-reflective tools.

📣 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗨𝗽, 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲
✅ Sign up for early access to Inyeon AI’s digital journaling app to embark on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
✅ Support Inyeon AI’s mission by contributing feedback or participating in their community to help shape the future of mindful journaling.
✅ Share the vision and impact of Inyeon AI with your network.

👉🏾 How can Inyeon AI’s approach to reflective journaling impact your daily life and relationships?

21. Ashley Nicole Photos

During a visit to Atlanta in 2018, I met the lovely Ashley Strickland of Ashley Nicole Photography. Graciously, she captured the essence of my keynote speech on stage at SourceCon.

With a heart deeply rooted in love and family, Ashley’s path to photography was paved by her desire to preserve life’s most precious moments. Her work at Ashley Nicole Photography is a testament to the belief that every memory is worth holding onto.

Ashley’s storytelling captures the authentic essence of each moment, guided by her belief in the transformative power of love and laughter.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
📸 𝗕𝘂𝘆 Ashley Nicole’s photography services to ensure your cherished moments — whether wedding, corporate, or portraits — are beautifully preserved.
📸 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 by sharing Ashley’s portfolio with your network.
📸 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 Ashley Nicole’s website to stay connected with her service offerings.

22. Top DEI Consulting

The Diversity Chef, Kevin Walters, is cooking up something special at Top DEI Consulting.

A trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Kevin brings two decades of transformative strategy to Fortune 500 companies.

As The Diversity Chef, Kevin blends the universal language of food with his expertise to foster inclusive and equitable work environments.

Whether through a shared meal or a strategic workshop, Kevin’s mission is to enrich corporate cultures with diversity, equity, and inclusion at their core.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵
✅ Engage with Kevin’s insights by attending his workshops or inviting him to speak at your organization.
✅ Empower your team with actionable strategies for building a more inclusive workplace.
✅ Enrich your DEI initiatives by consulting with Kevin, leveraging his years of experience and unique approach.

👉🏾 How do you think integrating the universal language of food could enhance diversity and inclusion efforts in your workplace?

23. Black Girl Sunscreen

Introducing Shontay Lundy and her game-changing creation, Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS).

Born from a crucial need, Black Girl Sunscreen caters specifically to women of color, eliminating the dreaded white residue traditional sunscreens leave behind. Shontay’s vision was to formulate a sunscreen that not only protects melanin-rich skin but also dries completely clear.

Since its 2016 launch, Black Girl Sunscreen has evolved from a product into a global movement, now featured in Target and Ulta. Shontay’s mission goes beyond product sales; it’s about educating and safeguarding melanin beauties everywhere against the sun’s rays, challenging the myth that “Black don’t crack.”

Discovering Black Girl Sunscreen was a game-changer for me. The first time I applied it, I was amazed to see none of the ashy white residue I had resigned myself to with other sunscreens. I was so excited, I instantly shared my joy with the brand via an Instagram DM.

Embrace the sun confidently with Black Girl Sunscreen, where protection meets perfection for melanin-rich skin.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸!
✅ 𝗕𝘂𝘆: Elevate your skincare game with Black Girl Sunscreen’s groundbreaking products.
✅ 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: Share BGS’s pioneering mission and transformative products within your circles.
✅ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸: Follow BGS’s journey for the latest in sun protection and product releases.

👉🏾 How do you ensure your skin is protected and glowing, no matter the season?

24. Fruitful Training Group

Meet Cherron Castillo, the dynamic force behind Fruitful Training Group.

As a seasoned national speaker, instructional designer, and certified John Maxwell Team member, Cherron is on a mission to transform lives through education.

Cherron’s philosophy is simple yet profound: great training should bear good fruit. 🍇

With workshops like Influence That Inspires, The Five Behaviors® Certification, and Everything DiSC® Certification, Fruitful Training Group offers a wide array of training for professionals across industries.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝘆, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸
✅ 𝗕𝘂𝘆 Cherron’s impactful training sessions to elevate your leadership and professional growth.
✅ 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 her insights within your network to spread the word about transformative learning.
✅ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 her website to keep up with the latest from the Fruitful Training Group.

🌟 How has “bearing good fruit” shaped your growth?

25. iCU Learning

Deborah Harris I👀U💡 is the Founder of iCU Learning, where learning meets inclusion.

Drawing from her rich Caribbean roots, Deborah has crafted a unique space that merges educational development with cultural sensitivity, making every learning experience relevant, engaging, and impactful.

For the past 15 years, she’s been lighting the way to those “A-Ha! moments,” guided by the belief that understanding our work and purpose can be transformative and fun.

iCU Learning — Immersive Culture of Universal Learning - shines a light on inclusive and effective training, designed to resonate with and respect the diverse backgrounds of all learners.

Deborah’s certifications range from Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Workplace to Six Sigma Yellow Belt, ensuring a well-rounded approach to professional development.

📣𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲
✅ Explore iCU Learning’s innovative courses to spark your passion for knowledge and improve your work practices.
✅ Follow Deborah for insights into making learning fun and effective, embracing everyone’s culture in the process.
✅ Engage with iCU Learning to bring transformative training to your organization, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.

➡️ How has prioritizing individual needs in learning impacted your adaptability at work?

26. The Torin Ellis Brand

Torin Ellis leads the charge at The Torin Ellis Brand, progressive HR boutique with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Affectionately known to many as the King, Torin is reshaping the landscape of D&I with tangible impact.

As an advisor, consultant, and C-Suite coach, Torin is known for his insightful guidance. A compelling keynote speaker and conversational firestarter, he’s adept at igniting discussions that matter.

Torin dives deep into the internal dynamics of organizations, crafting strategies that are analytical, efficient, methodical, and precise. This approach ensures real business outcomes and an unparalleled return on investment.

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱!
✅ 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 on Torin’s consulting services to boost your organization’s D&I efforts and achieve substantial outcomes.
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 Torin’s groundbreaking strategies to your professional network to inspire change.
✅ 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 a friend about Torin’s transformative impact and engage with his work.

➡️ How can Torin’s focused approach to DEIB in the workplace enrich your organization’s culture?

27. Ashley D. Love

Meet Ashley Love, a multifaceted artist, fashion designer, and illustrator who turns fashion dreams into reality. With over 22 years of fine art experience and 16 years in fashion design and illustration, Ashley provides a comprehensive suite of services for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.

Ashley’s expertise includes original fashion illustrations, spec sheets, line sheets, and tech packs essential for launching an apparel line. Beyond fashion, her creativity extends to designing artwork for various products, business cards, postcards, and even obituaries.

Navigating the complexities of starting an apparel line can be daunting. Ashley demystifies the process, educating clients on the essentials from sketches to selecting the right manufacturer. Her one-on-one approach ensures a personalized and transparent journey from concept to creation.

📣𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱
▶️ Spend on Ashley’s comprehensive design services to bring your apparel vision to life.
▶️ Recommend Ashley’s expertise to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs within your network.
▶️ Tell a Friend about the transformative potential of partnering with Ashley for their next creative project.

👉 How can Ashley Love’s unique approach to fashion and art influence your own creative endeavors?

28. TWT Talent

Tangie Pettis is a high-energy, award-winning, and innovative thought leader in the talent-acquisition field.

As Chief Talent Officer at TWT Talent, she acts as a strategic partner, offering a variety of services including consulting, keynotes, and training.

Renowned for enriching the recruiting community, Tangie is frequently sought for her expertise in fostering effective candidate and hiring manager engagement through engaging talks.

Beyond speaking, she extends her influence through insightful publications, sharing her deep knowledge and innovative strategies in the written form as well.

She speaks. She writes. She trains. And she loves every minute of it!

📣 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲
▶️ Engage with Tangie’s consulting services for strategic growth and innovation in your talent acquisition efforts.
▶️ Empower your next event with Tangie’s impactful keynotes.
▶️ Elevate your talent strategy with comprehensive training solutions designed by TWT Talent, aimed at ensuring measurable results.

👉 How has a dynamic talent acquisition strategy transformed your organization’s culture or recruitment process?

29. The Collab Lab, Inc.

As we close out Black History Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Maisha Cannon, Founder and Chief Learner at The Collab Lab, Inc.™

Maisha delivers vibrant virtual experiences that receive rave reviews.

With a rich history in Talent Acquisition, Maisha has seamlessly transitioned from being a recruiter and sourcer to becoming a Principal Facilitator at the intersection of tech and talent.

Her workshops, aka Learning Labs, are both engaging and transformative.

The Collab Lab, Inc. offers three core services designed to help Talent Acquisition professionals grow the skills that will grow their careers:

Learning Labs that amplify recruiting ROI through dynamic, virtual sessions.
Consulting that refines sourcing and recruiting strategies, driving professional growth.
Speaking engagements that explore cutting-edge AI recruiting and inclusive sourcing techniques for innovation and progress.

Through collaborative learning in teams and cohorts, The Collab Lab, Inc. is committed to helping professionals grow their skills so they can grow their careers.

📣𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸
🗣️ Broadcast Maisha’s monthly mixer for Talent Acquisition Friends at www.joinmeinthelab.com
🗣️ Browse their HRCI and SHRM-approved recertification courses at www.collablablive.com
🗣️ Book a time with Maisha to discuss a custom team workshop at https://trycollablab.com

🗣️What challenges keep you up at night as a Talent Acquisition professional?

We hope you’ve learned about new businesses that can add value to your daily workflows. There are many more brilliant small businesses in need of your support. Check out Black Biz Global for a comprehensive list of Black businesses in Canada. Visit the US Chamber for a list of Black-owned businesses in the USA.

© 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