Let’s honor one of the top female entrepreneurs in North America. The pioneers who are taking the road less traveled; the women who are paving the way for others to reach even further and to dare to dream even bigger.
We have made it our mission to recognize Black Women (and the minority), refining the status quo, shifting culture, and making history. With this inaugural list, we are proud to honor the new catalysts exuding passion, ingenuity, and progression through their contributions to society.
1. Kim Morris
WOMB-CENTERED COACH | YONIVERSITY ONLINE TRAINING ACADEMY™
Over the last decade, Master Energy Healer, Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner, and Intuitive Life Path Guide Kim Morris has guided hundreds of women through the processes of tapping into their innate abilities and powers to self-healing. In her own healing process from ovarian cyst, Menorrhagia, and severe anemia, Kim began practicing alternative healing methods that led to a 15+ year journey of researching, studying, and applying the science of plant-based medicines, cognitive therapy, and wombology methods.
Kim is the founder of Yoniversity Online Training Academy™ , a collective sisterhood passionate about dismantling a system that allows silent sufferings to flourish like it’s an actual business. Her zone of genius is activating transformation in the lives of others through the wisdom of her experiences. Kim’s personal mission remains to reach women globally, enlighten their paths to natural healing, and guide them into a total life transformation.
Facebook: yoniversity.us Instagram: @yoniversityonlineacademy Website: yoniversity.us
2. Joy Madubuike
Miracle Medical & Aesthetic Clinic
The Aesthetics team is comprised of a team of experts committed to treating every client to the best of skin care service available, in a clean and conducive environment with the latest techniques and non-surgical cosmetics.
For details visit:
Website: https://miraclemedclinic.com/
3. Veronique Pierre (CEO/Author)
Roses without Thorns, Inc.
Roses without Thorns, Inc is a national nonprofit organization with a single mission: To empower girls to overcome mental distress by blossoming in self-esteem, flourishing in self-confidence, and blooming in self-love. "One of my favorite quotes by Anne Frank, “Give people their flowers while they’re still alive.”
For Details:
Website: https://roseswithoutthornsinc.org/
4. Natalie Gullatt
BLACK MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (BMAA)
Natalie Gullatt is a marketing leader in Atlanta, GA who sought out a network of marketers who looked like her, to feel empowered and get advice without getting judged or held back as a novice. While she loved networking in the spaces she found, she still wanted to find a space for marketing specifically. In May 2017, she started a small Black Marketers, digital networking group, through the app GroupMe.
Now, Black Marketers Association of America (BMAA) is officially the very first Black Marketers organization set out to celebrate and empower Black Marketers for success. From a small digital group to two online communities, a website, executive board, various partners, and multiple events, Natalie is the visionary leading an organization and movement that will transform the marketing industry and create countless opportunities for Black professionals.
LinkedIn: Natalie Gullatt Instagram: @blackmarketers Website: www..blackmarketers.org
5. Janice Bartley
Foodpreneur Lab is a federally-funded, Black woman led, non-profit organization founded by Janice Bartley in 2019. Their mission is to help Black entrepreneurs who are looking to start-up and scale-up a food business.
Why is this important? Simply, they are in a unique and more importantly, informed position to help food entrepreneurs from underserved communities realize their small, large, short term or long term business goals.
For Detail:
Website: https://www.foodpreneurlab.com/
6. Rachel Gibbs
GIBBS FINANCIAL FITNESS | HIGHER ACCESS CAPITAL
Rachel Gibbs the Certified Financial Educator who left corporate and a Big Four accounting firm on a mission to educate communities on financial literacy. Breaking the cycles that have plagued families around the world, she launched Gibbs Financial Fitness to aid others in developing financial plans and stronger relationships with money. Since its inception, Rachel has served thousands through entity formation, business credit, tax preparation, and life insurance.
Rachel recently launched the consulting firm and latest funding solution for small businesses, Higher Access Capital. Her company’s contemporary approach pairs businesses with expert funding advisors and alternative funding resources that secures up to $500,000 in capital. Rachel is a true financial literacy powerhouse in an instrumental role that will continue closing the generational wealth gap for years to come.
Instagram: @finlitrachel Website: gibbsfinancialfitness.com
CEO/Founder Studio 397 - Architect
Samantha continues her commitment to her community in hopes of raising the percentage of black women in the STEM fields as a member of the National Organization of Minority Architect's (NOMA) New York Chapter. Samantha also spearheaded Project Pipeline, an architectural day camp for elementary students. Some of Samantha's work has been exhibited at the United Nations Visitors Center.
Her interest in architecture first started when she went house hunting with her mother as a kid. Her mother loved bringing her along because she was her second pair of eyes and would narrate how one would move through the spaces. She was also never impressed with the layouts of the homes; they never seemed to have a good flow! These homes went up very quickly as mass produced cookie-cutter types, leaving Samantha curious as to why anyone would settle for something that didn’t work.
Applying to and getting accepted at Penn State was the first big milestone. She was actually questioned by the high school guidance counselor why she didn’t choose going to a HBUC - Historically Black University College and University - like everyone else around Her. She responded by telling the counselor that she wanted to go to a school that reflects what the real world looks like - which then became a regretful statement many times along the journey.
School was a mix of emotions and experiences. Not only she had to learn about architecture, but also about how different her culture was compared to majority of her classmates. These differences helped her to be well aware of how architecture can be used as a tool of diplomacy between cultures, and to this day shape the way she approaches the field. While in school,she studied abroad three times with different programs – a week-long study abroad to Berlin by way of the Sociology Department studying cultural diplomacy, a semester long program in Rome with the Architecture Department studying Architecture, and then a 6 week program in Tanzania with the Landscape Architecture Department studying rural land planning.
The most valuable lesson she learned from school though was to stay dedicated to your craft and yourself; from there you will gain the ability to help others. While in school she also developed a strong work ethic and understanding of life's imperfections, allowing her to be aware and mentally fit to take on the treacherous yet beautiful journey of being an architect.
Finally, Samantha, what has been your general approach to your career? I’ve held on to two philosophies: "Brick by Brick" and "Less is More". Brick by brick reminds me that I got to where I am today because I saw the journey I was on and understood I couldn’t do everything at once, but I could one step at a time. Less is more was something I learned along the way. Instead of trying to do everything to make myself feel equal to my peers or environment I learned to do less, resulting in more of me. It now shines through in my design, social encounters, fashion, and love for my life! Also having a focused mind allows me to emerge in my craft. Time management has taught me to be rational with the complexity of Architecture, in the sense of taking a huge complex problem and breaking it down to where it is manageable to digest without being overwhelming. As an architect and community leader I believe if I remain calm the synergy between my team and I will remain powerful." Source: www.afrobiz.ca
Details:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio397/?hl=en
8. Nantale Muwonge
BLACK GIRL PR
Award-winning Marketing Strategist Nantale Muwonge is the game-changing founder of Black Girl PR. Launching after the pandemic hit, the pressure of the moment forced her to get serious about her purpose, quit corporate America, and focus on supporting Black womxn who are creating generational wealth instead.
Utilizing her background in media, digital marketing, and PR, Nantale managed to secure results for clients across multiple industries with an innovative system proven to generate publicity and media coverage. In just a short time after taking on entrepreneurship, Nantale’s work has been awarded and recognized by prominent outlets, speaking to the impact she’s making as a phenomenon in the PR industry.
Instagram: @blackgirlpr Website: https://blackgirlpr.com/ Twitter: @blackgirlpr
9. Sheilisa Burgess
Black women aren’t the only females rejoicing in the creation of Fria, one of the fastest growing of all female owned businesses. Burgess created a jewelry line which uses state-of-the-art technology (thermal heat transfer and evaporative cooling) to combat hot flashes.
For Details:
Website: https://www.myfria.com/
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/fria_jewelry/
10. Natalie M. Cofield
Cofield is founder and ceo of the Walker’s Legacy Foundation, which is a resource and support organization for entrepreneurial women of color. The foundation also runs an online business accelerator, to aid women of color in their professional development.
For Details:
Website: https://walkerslegacy.com/
11. Pasima Sule
CEO Rock Group
Pasima is CEO of Solid Rock Group, an internationally recognized management consulting and professional services’ firm that works with governments, organizations and private entities in North America and Africa. She is also an Executive Director, a Certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team. Prior to joining Solid Rock Group in 2018, Pasima spent 17 years in the oil and gas industry as project manager and project mentor for Chevron Corporation in the United States, Europe and Africa. Throughout her career, she has led multi-million-dollar projects involving multicultural teams from around the world while mentoring her peers. Pasima is passionate about capacity building and is committed to ensuring that women develop to their full potential and serve as leaders in all spheres of the society. Pasima is fluent in English, French and conversational Portuguese.
For Details:
Website: https://blackwomencanada.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwbncanada/?hl=en
12. Lilian Umurungi-Jung
Founder & CEO of MUMGRY!
Mumgry is Good for everyone, especially Mums. We prioritize the dietary needs of Mums throughout every stage of motherhood: pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
Keeping you nourished and energized is our greatest goal. All snacks are plant-based, low in sugar, high in protein, iron, and calcium.
For Details:
Website: https://mumgry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mumgry/?hl=en
13. Evangeline Chima
Founder of Black Mentorship Inc.
Evangeline Chima is the founder of Black Mentorship Inc. BMI – an organization dedicated to fostering the professional growth and personal expansion of Black professionals.
BMI was born out of her personal experiences as a Black professional woman in Canada. Despite holding a master’s degree in Information Technology Services, diplomas in Computer Network, Project Management, and Business Analysis, as well as numerous professional certifications, she felt unheard in business.
She experienced bias, was overlooked for promotions, leading to the frustration of being unable to achieve her true potential – regardless of her work commitment or qualifications. Importantly, she realized that she was not ALONE and that she was surrounded by powerful, dynamic, talented Black professionals and entrepreneurs – also facing the same career challenges.
BMI strengthens leadership opportunities for ALL People by connecting Black youths, professionals and entrepreneurs at different stages of personal and professional growth with experienced and well-established mentors through an unique mentoring program. Black Mentorship Inc. strives to support a participant’s skill development, personal and professional growth through an approach that includes networking, knowledge sharing and cultural training.
For Details
Website: https://blackmentorshipinc.ca/
14. Tamar Huggins
CEO/Founder Tech Spark
After helping black and female tech founders raise over 1.1 million dollars to launch their tech startups in Canada, Tamar Huggins Grant realized the importance for young girls and children of colour to see positive reflections of themselves within the tech industry. In 2015, Tamar launched Tech Spark - Canada's first technology and design school committed to empowering children of colour, girls, women, and teachers through innovative education. From its inception, Tech Spark’s courses have impacted the lives of over 15,000 students and have helped over 60,000 teachers through the Greater Toronto Area, Durham, and Peel Region. In 2021, Tech Spark launched the Grade 11 Tech Entrepreneurship Course which is being taught in high schools throughout the Durham Region, with plans of national expansion for the 2022 school season.
For Details:
Website: https://techspark.ca/
15. Muna Mohammed
CEO/Founder Eight50 Coffee
Eight50 Coffee provides a variety of certified organic and fair trade coffee as well as responsibly sourced micro lot coffee products from around the world that are locally roasted and packaged right here in Canada. From flavour to frequency, brewing method to accessories, Eight50 Coffee provides an array of online coffee learning tools and equipment to allow for a complete online shopping experience for customers to brew our unique blends and single origin specialty coffee at home. Eight50 Coffee also offers a wholesale and monthly subscription program that allows members to select their preferred frequency, and delivery schedule.
For Details
Website: https://eight50coffee.com/
16. Temi Shobowale
owner/Director of Branding and Sales - Essentials by Temi
Essentials by Temi was created with luxury and wellness in mind — to assist others with finding balance with their daily well-being regimen - physically, spiritually and socially. Their handcrafted skin essentials are free of cruelty, harsh chemicals and fillers. Instead, their skin essentials are infused with the power of plants, love and healing energy of precious stones. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it is porous - it absorbs 60 - 70% of what you put on into your bloodstream. Essentials by Temi delivers awareness on the importance of nourishing your skin with pure ingredients and how to balance your mind, body and soul through skincare rituals.
For Details:
Website: https://www.essentialsbytemi.com/
17. Taylor lindsay-noel
CEO/Founder Cup of Té
Who doesn’t love a Cup Of Té? With a selection of the best organic teas and teaware, you will be happy to join this community of happy steepers. You can find caffeine-free, green, herbal, black, white, rooibos, and oolong teas that are naturally enriched with antioxidants. Whether you are drinking these teas hot or cold, these natural refreshing flavours are perfect for any time of the day. Available for delivery and free shipping on orders over $50.
For Details:
Website: https://cupofte.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cupofteshop/?hl=en
18. Suraya Issa
CEO/Founder Take One Snack
Takeonesnack® isn’t just a yummy snack. Our flavors ignite adventure in your mouth. With every crunchy bite we aim to redefine snacking culture. This crunchy snack is great with tea or coffee, and or just munch on the go!
For Details:
Website: https://www.takeonesnack.com/
Others Businesses : https://www.surayabooks.com/
Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/surayaissa/
19. Catherine Addai
CEO/Founder Kaela Kay
Women's fashion and beyond with a modern, eclectic, classy and sometimes sexy flare. Life's too short to wear boring clothes; so add some color and vibrancy to your wardrobe.
Founded by self-taught fashion designer Catherine Addai, the Kaela Kay fashion brand wants all women to find their beautiful and personal style. Catherine is heavily influenced by her Ghanaian heritage using bold prints and punchy colors in her fabrics.
For Details:
Websites: https://kaelakay.com/
20. Brittney Ogike
Founder and CEO, BeautyBeez
A modern beauty supply shop offering a curated collection of natural hair care, beauty, skincare, wigs, braiding hair, and extensions.
Website: https://beautybeez.com/
Instagram: @beautybeezstore
21. Jasmine Lewis
Founder and CEO, Vie Beauty
A clean beauty and skincare line dedicated to providing exceptional products that give you a renewed sense of self-confidence.
Website: https://theviebeauty.com/
Instagram: @viebeautyx
Since covid-19 hit, a number of Black women-owned businesses dropped significantly.
In fact, additional research shows that a good percent of all Black women are either launching or running businesses of their own. But racism and sexism do still impact their growth – especially when it comes to accessing capital
That’s why we’ve put together a list of Black women entrepreneurs whose businesses and non-profits are showing signs of sustainability and expansion — despite the hurdles.
If we missed to add your favourite black women owned business email us
follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/boldmagazinenews/?hl=en