All in Business
Ikimi Dubose-Woodson is a world-studied chef that finds inspiration through giving to communities of color. She co-founded The Roots Fund, which nourishes and enriches the lives of communities of color in the wine industry. The organization has helped over 200 people of color seeking high-quality education as they prepare for certifications in all aspects of wine.
Ivan Kosyuk saw fellow talented Ukrainian tech workers losing their jobs–so, he created UA IT Hub. The tech organization has tackled a variety of projects, from facilitating preventative healthcare for Middle Eastern families, to creating software that can accurately measure distances between furniture and interiors using just a phone. But above all, UA IT Hub is a community of compassionate individuals willing to support one another–especially during uncertain times.
Growing up, Nelly Cheboi always wondered what the world was like outside her village in Mogotio, Kenya. She lived in a tin roof house and worked tirelessly in school, earning her a college scholarship in the US. Cheboi spent six months learning how to type, became a software engineer, and is now the founder of TechLit Africa. TechLit Africa gives students in rural Kenya access to technology and digital skills to give them greater opportunities.
Cary Michael Robinson is an artist based in Washington D.C. whose passion and dedication for the expression of himself and others is unmatched. Read more to find out about his journey to becoming an artist as well as where this path has taken him.
Wife and mother Andrea Lyons have made it her personal mission to make sure Black children are represented at their birthday parties. Her business, Anna+Pookie does exactly that. Anna+Pookie creates and sells party decorations that allow Black children to see images that look like them as whimsical characters such as princesses and superheroes.
Imani Vanzap, also known as social media’s number one auntie, is spreading love and positivity through her platform and her merchandise line, BECOME! Vanzap accentuates whatever she says by clacking her grandiose signature BECOME fan.
Maurelhena Walles is the founder of Equity Design with the mission to close the gap between health, wealth and life expectancy. She does this by designing physical activity programming that uses an equity lens as well as data.
Put on furlough by his job at the Marriott hotel, Travis Peterson creates Forty9— A Lifestyle Brand in memory of his best friend, Shane Tomlinson, and the 49 lives lost in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. Under the brand, decorative food platters, The Boards, and blog writings from Peterson himself aim to build a community with love, understanding, and compassion.
Parents are placing their birth experience into the hands of Doulas. With COVID-19 protocols and an increase in black maternal mortality, Doulas are becoming a birth commodity. Marilyn Rice is an educator that became a Doula to specialize in assisting parents through births, postpartum care, and emotional support in the event of child loss. After experiencing a pregnancy loss herself, Rice found sharing her story with others as a way to heal.
16-year-old Bella Adlah is the creator of Have Fun & Stay Strong, an organization that has created over 300 care packages for pediatric patients in hospitals. Unfortunately, Bella is currently battling a debilitating neurological disorder. Her family is now seeking support for Bella’s care and recovery from the community Bella once selflessly cared for herself.
Matt Onojafe is the owner of Jafe Cycling. His bike shop caters to the Maryland community in repairing bikes and uplifting individuals in their health and wellness journey. Onojafe says that bike clubs bring people together and will soon become staple organizations for positivity and encouragement in the near future. “If a lot of us tend to just focus on what makes us passionate, your ability to impact your community increases, it elevates so much more.” - Matt Onojafe
Art is not the only mark being left in the tattoo industry. Women are banding together to validate themselves in the industry and for clients and aspiring artists. Standing up against sexism, racism, and misogyny are some of the social issues tattoo artist Cori Jin explores on her social media. She is banding women together to make a more progressive and inclusive industry.
Ralph “Pop” Miller is a pet transporter who spends his time driving pets to their new homes. From large dogs to tiny kittens, Miller travels thousands of miles a week just to spread the love and joy of a pet to those who need it. Miller’s journey has not been easy. Just like people lean on their pets to overcome, Miller has gone through his own struggles but through the power of positivity, he has been able to overcome them.
Johnny and Elaine Birks-Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona, are the founders of The Bra Recyclers. Its mission is to support women in need and promote environmental sustainability. They have repurposed over four million bras to keep textile waste at a minimum while supporting survivors of domestic abuse, homelessness, and human trafficking.
Chef D. Arthur’s story of becoming a highly sought-after, self-taught chef was no different; stirring him away from the blueprint he originally outlined when he first began his culinary journey and inspiring us to add in more flexibility into our personal recipes as we pursue our goals.
“Everybody has a story; I just feel that everything feels more obtainable when you understand that this person had obstacles too. ” - Bobby Pen. Lauren Williams has worked as a journalist, media consultant, and brand coach in the media industry for over 15 years. She has made an extensive platform for herself in the entertainment industry under the name Bobby Pen.
Francois Reihani’s La La Land Kind Cafe in Dallas focuses on promoting kindness. By offering words of affirmation to their customers and their emphasis on employing foster youths who have aged out of the system, this business strives to change what the traditional model looks like. Reihani’s story exemplifies how kindness can also yield profit.
Michell Clark, author of Keep it 100 shares his story on overcoming anxiety with the use of affirmations. He uses his skill in content creating to share directions on how to overcome life’s challenges and create your path to success.
This week’s Sprinkle of Inspiration highlights the sweet aromas of Grace+Love Candle Company. This small business was born during the dark days surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic in the home of Jamahl and Natalie Grace. Their love for all-natural candles has brought smiles to many all over the United States. While business is booming for this family, they love giving back to their community by donating to minority scholarship funds. To read more about Grace+Love, check out the Sprinkle of Inspiration Article!
A marketing master with a mission to serve. Derek D. Ross’s commitment to serve has been vital to his success. The key, he said, is always trusting your instincts. Now, founder of The D² Group, speaker, business strategist and consultant, reaching people every day to share his story and success.
