Tag Archives: entrepreneur

Black Woman Entrepreneur Raises $1 Million In Venture Capital Funding For Hair Care Company

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B lack women are thriving in the realm of entrepreneurship despite the obstacles they face when it comes to securing capital for their business ventures. Research shows that although less than one percent of Black women entrepreneurs receive venture capital funding, they are the fastest-growing group of business owners in the country. Hair care entrepreneur Muhga Eltigani is one of the many female founders making power moves in business. According to Inc. , the NaturAll Club founder recently became one of about 50 Black women in the country to raise $1 million in funding. This Entrepreneur Just Became One of Few Black Women in the U.S. to Raise More Than $1 Million From VCs. First She Had to Turn Down $500,000 https://t.co/OdOQ8eUe1Z — Inc. (@Inc) October 12, 2019 Eltigani founded NaturAll Club in 2015. The natural hair care subscription platform delivers fresh handmade hair products on a monthly basis. Some of the products include Fresh Avocado Deep Conditioner, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Growth Serum, and a handmade flaxseed gel. Last year Eltigani won $500,000 in a startup competition but decided to turn down the prize because it would have required her to move her Philadelphia-based company to Buffalo, New York. She wanted to wait for an opportunity that was in alignment with her brand. Her patience paid off and she received an investment from New Voices Fund CEO Richelieu Dennis . Dennis initially made a $1 million investment and after plans for Eltigani’s company grew, he decided to invest another $4 million. Dennis is dedicated to ensuring that women of color entrepreneurs have access to venture capital funding. “The facts about investments in women of color entrepreneurs, particularly black women, are astonishing,” Dennis told the news outlet. “Entrepreneurship among women of color has increased more than 320 percent, but less than 1 percent of those women receive access to the funding needed to sustain and grow their businesses. This is unacceptable.” Several individuals are stepping up to address the funding gap for Black women. Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam teamed up with entrepreneur Arian Simone to launch the Fearless Fund ; a $5 million venture capital fund to support startups created by women of color. SEE ALSO: Keshia Knight Pulliam And Arian Simone Launch Venture Capital Fund For Black Women Entrepreneurs Entrepreneur Helps Black Women Get Access To Venture Capital [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3892060″ overlay=”true”]

Black Woman Entrepreneur Raises $1 Million In Venture Capital Funding For Hair Care Company

Jay-Z, Will Smith To Produce TV Series About The Civil Rights Movement’s Women Trailblazers

B rooklyn-bred mogul Jay-Z has been dedicated to bringing narratives about the Black experience in America to the forefront. He co-produced the poignant documentary Time: The Kalief Browder Story , helped develop a miniseries about Trayvon Martin and was involved in the creation of the Free Meek docuseries which delves into the Philadelphia rapper’s journey against America’s unjust criminal justice system. For his next project, he’s teaming up with Will Smith to produce a television series that is centered on the civil rights movement, CNN reported. Jay-Z & Will Smith-produced ABC series will tell Emmett Till's story from his mother's perspective https://t.co/bvRwyrK8Fn — billboard (@billboard) August 6, 2019 The ABC television show—dubbed Women of the Movement —will capture stories from the Jim Crow era through the lens of Black women. The first installment of the series will focus on Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till ’s fight for justice after he was horrifically murdered following false accusations that he flirted with a white woman. The show’s first season was inspired by a novel penned by Devery S. Anderson titled Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement . Other executive producers include Roc Nation’s Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith , Overbrook Entertainment’s James Lassiter and individuals from Kapital Entertainment, The Middleton Media Group, Serendipity Film Group, and Mazo Partners. Jay-Z strives to utilize his platform to spread awareness about injustice and evoke change by inspiring individuals to take action. “If we had a power base together, it would be a much different conversation than me having a conversation by myself and trying to change America by myself,” he told the New York Times in an interview. “If I come with 40 million people, there’s a different conversation, right?” There is no word on when Women of the Movement is slated to air. SEE ALSO: Jay-Z Offers Legal Support To Black Family Held At Gunpoint As Phoenix Cop Omits Major Facts In Report Black Entrepreneur Receives $1 Million Investment From Jay-Z’s Venture Capital Fund [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3459090″ overlay=”true”]

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Jay-Z, Will Smith To Produce TV Series About The Civil Rights Movement’s Women Trailblazers

Multicultural Media Correspondents Association Summit Explores The Importance Of Controlling Our Own Narratives

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T here is so much power that lies in controlling your own narrative. However due to the lack of diversity within the media industry authentic stories about the Black experience are often excluded, misconstrued or disregarded leaving several individuals feeling unseen and unheard. The Multicultural Media Correspondents Association is on a mission to tackle the lack of racial representation when it comes to ownership and leadership in the media industry. The organization recently hosted a forum in Orlando that gathered influential Black leaders in the media space to share their experiences and develop strategies to evoke change. The summit—dubbed Taking Control of the Media Diversity Crisis—explored how the racial gap in media ownership directly impacts how the Black community is perceived by others and how African Americans see themselves. It also examined how the decline in platforms owned by people of color has changed the landscape of civic engagement and efforts to create political change. Amongst the individuals who participated in the summit were iOne Digital President Detavio Samuels and Lori Hall who serves as the Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing at TV One. Samuels and Hall were featured on a panel that explored diversity and inclusion practices in the media industry and how policymakers can play a role in holding major media companies accountable when it comes to taking corrective action. Other panels that took place during the summit examined the obstacles faced by media owners of color, controlling the narratives in the realm of advertising, and the importance of cultural competency in the media. Influential industry leaders who were apart of these discussions included Erika Alexander , Co-Founder of Color Farm Media, Tanya Grieg Perara , EVP, Comcast NBC Universal, L. Londell McMillan , Attorney and Owner of The Source Magazine, Tirrell D. Whittley , CEO, Liquid Soul and others. It was hosted by Congresswoman Val Demings . “The need for greater media diversity is a national priority. MMCA is committed to moving the needle on media diversity and to be a trusted bridge that brings together policy makers and the media advocacy community to make an impact,” said David Morgan , Founder and President of the MMCA, in a statement. “As an advocate for and a resource to journalists, creatives and other media stakeholders of color, we are excited by the growing support for the MMCA.” Forums like the one led by MMCA are needed. There still are wide racial gaps in film, television, print, and digital ownership. Research shows that less than 1 percent of commercial TV stations are Black-owned. SEE ALSO: Black Entrepreneurs Raise $8 Million For Barbershop-Focused App Black Entrepreneur Receives $1 Million Investment From Jay-Z’s Venture Capital Fund [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3882124″ overlay=”true”]

Multicultural Media Correspondents Association Summit Explores The Importance Of Controlling Our Own Narratives

10 Things We Learned from Dapper Dan on The Breakfast Club

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10 Things We Learned from Dapper Dan on The Breakfast Club

Omari Hardwick, Karen Civil, Toya Wright, & More Celebrate Larry Morrow At Hennessy Privilège Toast

Source: ATL Pics / ATL Pics   Omari Hardwick, Karen Civil, Toya Wright, & More Celebrate Larry Morrow At Hennessy Privilège Toast   Many celebrities and tastemakers attended the Hennessy Privilège, #PrivilegeToast to honor Lifestyle Influencer and Restauranteur, Larry Morrow during festivities of the 25th Essence Music Festival weekend at the Emeril’s Delmonico. New Orleans native, Larry Morrow is a serial entrepreneur, event curator, author, investor and most recently restauranteur. The prestigious#PrivilegeToast is held to celebrate individuals who embody innovative leadership and selfless contributions to the community; ideals held close in the House of Hennessy Cognac for almost 250 years. Source: ATL Pics / ATL Pics   At only 28 years old, Larry Morrow Events has produced concerts, afterparties and every kind of celebration under the sun, from weekly tastemaker mixers to lavish, star-studded, annual weekend celebrations such as NBA All-Star, NFL Super Bowl, Essence Music Festival, Jazz Fest and Sugar Bowl weekend parties — hosted by celebrities like Diddy, Floyd Mayweather, Drake, Rick Ross, Meek Mill and more. His substantial success in the entertainment industry has allowed him to launch other ventures, such as Larry Morrow Properties, his critically acclaimed self-help book,  “All Bets On Me – the Risks and Rewards of Becoming an Entrepreneur” , as well as, the all-new Morrow’s Restaurant in New Orleans. Source: ATL Pics / ATL Pics The star-studded private event featured Omari Hardwick , Karen Civil, Toya Wright, Keshia Knight Pulliam, DJ Envy, Angel Davis, Tahiry Jose, Monyetta Shaw, Kristen Scott, and Cortez Bryant, among others. Guests were treated to 5 course dinner and of course, specialty crafted cocktails courtesy of Hennessy, and a dope photobooth experience!  Hit the flip for more event photos.

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Omari Hardwick, Karen Civil, Toya Wright, & More Celebrate Larry Morrow At Hennessy Privilège Toast

“Real Housewives Of Potomac’s” Gizelle Bryant Talks New Book, Love After Shermy & Why New Season Is The “Best Yet” (Exclusive)

Source: Bravo / Getty Reality Star & Entrepreneur Talks Season Four Of RHOP Viewers saw plenty of drama last season of “The Real Housewives of Potomac.” Last season, we saw plenty of drama involving the ladies of Potomac. And this season, show star Gizelle Bryant said issues like Michael Darby’s arrest, Monique Samuels’ and Ashley Darby’s pregnancy, Candiace Dillard’s wedding and a cast trip to the Big Easy will not disappoint. “I do feel like this season of ‘Real Housewives’ is the best yet,” Bryant told us. “I feel like this is going to become our breakout season. Not that people don’t know who we are, but I feel like people are super excited about where the franchise is going.” We caught up with the “Everyhue Beauty” founder and mom of three, and she spoke about what viewers can expect, dropping her novel, “My World,” and her dating life after breaking up with her now ex-Sherman. BOSSIP: Things were up and down last season between you and Karen. What is your relationship like now? Gizelle: “Currently, it’s up and down, I never know where it’s gonna land. Off the heels of the reunion last year, said ‘Gizelle, if you’re my friend, you’ll knock down my door. So that’s what I have been trying to do. She’s been in a tough spot, she lost her parents, so I wanna be a friend to her. But if you keep pushing me away, at some point I’m just going to go away…But she and I have known each other for a long time. And I get that she’s a tough friend to have, but you do want her as a friend.” BOSSIP: How are things between you and Candiace now? And how was her wedding? Gizelle: “She actually invited me to the wedding. I did go. She wanted to sit down and chit chat before the wedding because she didn’t want any drama at the wedding. Over time, I’ve got to know Candiace better and I really like Candiace. She’s a spoiled brat. She has issues. But I like her for who she is…It was a beautiful wedding. A beautiful wedding, and so super happy for her.” Source: Brian Stukes / Getty BOSSIP: How is Ashley Darby doing? We know her husband was cleared of suspicion of sex assault, and we know she’s pretty far along in her pregnancy. Gizelle: “She’s eight months, so she’s ready to pop. She’s super excited. We’ve all seen Ashley go through a miscarriage, and struggle to get pregnant again. So she is pregnant – Michael is the father! (Laughs) I don’t know how we feel about that. Just kidding. But Michael is a special character. So we see throughout the season – and you’ve all heard – his allegations. They’ve been dropped. But to get to that place where the allegations are dropped, it’s very juicy and there are a lot of twists and turns, so stay tuned for that!”

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“Real Housewives Of Potomac’s” Gizelle Bryant Talks New Book, Love After Shermy & Why New Season Is The “Best Yet” (Exclusive)

21 Savage Visits Atlanta School To Talk About Financial Literacy

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H ip-hop artist 21 Savage is using his platform to spread awareness about the importance of financial literacy among the youth. The rapper—whose real name is Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph —recently visited a school in DeKalb County, Georgia to speak about making smart money decisions, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. . @21Savage even committed $100 to each of the young people who attended the event to open up their bank accounts. https://t.co/LBAoHFPKrP — AJC (@ajc) March 25, 2019 He surprised students at the Camp Jewell House Academy. His visit was a part of his Bank Account Campaign—that he launched last year—which aims to teach the youth about money management. Joined by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson , the “Bank Account” rapper spoke to third and fourth graders about making informed and effective decisions when it comes to their finances. “For most kids, the focus is on earning money. And while that is important, to really get ahead you need to know how to manage your money, not just make it,” said Abraham-Joseph in a statement, according to the news outlet. “As I have gotten smarter about financial management, I realize how important it is to control your money rather than be controlled by it.” The students not only received “Stack Your Money” badges for participating in the workshop, but they also were gifted $100 for opening their own bank accounts. During his visit, he also spoke about other topics like the value of education and gun violence. Abraham-Joseph is making impactful moves on the philanthropy front. He recently teamed up with the nonprofit organizations Juma and Get Schooled for a collaborative effort to provide 150 students in Atlanta with job opportunities and host more financial literacy workshops. “I didn’t know nothing about bank accounts until I was probably about 24. So I feel like that set me back a little bit as far as getting my money in order and managing my money,” he said in an interview with Mic . “We need to start introducing them to this type of stuff at younger ages so that by the time they’re grown, they already got it down pat.” SEE ALSO: NFL Player Brandon Copeland Teaches Financial Literacy Course At The University Of Pennsylvania Millennial Entrepreneur Aims To Promote Financial Literacy In Underserved Communities Through App [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3849460″ overlay=”true”]

21 Savage Visits Atlanta School To Talk About Financial Literacy

#StyleCrush: Jessica Rich Is The Sultry Shoe Designer All The Stars Are Checking For

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Source: Jessica Rich Collection / Jessica Rich Most reality stars tend to transition into the fashion game after their days on reality tv become numbered — but not all were able to come out on top like Jessica Rich . View this post on Instagram Never stressed Pants x top @jessicarichcollection online now Shoes @jessicarichcollection @bokocecile A post shared by J E S S I C A R I C H (@jessicarich) on Nov 10, 2018 at 4:58pm PST Jessica started out in 2010 as a cast member on VH1’s Real Chance At Love and FOX’s ‘Take Me Out’, however, her true call to success was designing; shoes to be specific. The fashion beauty had no experience in fashion, but that didn’t stop her from becoming the entrepreneur that all your faves go to for fly footwear. Back in 2018, Jessica told the Daily Mail , “I always wore heels, never flats or gym shoes. Little did I know I would be designing them one day. I started the Transparent by JESSICA RICH line because I was so tired of wearing the same color shoes over and over.” View this post on Instagram Grammy weekend in the So Lavish // Shop now ladies and use code IMRICH at checkout A post shared by JESSICA RICH (@jessicarichcollection) on Feb 10, 2019 at 11:37am PST “PVC shoes had just started coming out but there weren’t a lot of options, so I simply started creating what I wasn’t seeing. I have always been totally obsessed with that iconic shoe silhouette, but I had never seen it made in a clear material.” As we all know, the clear stiletto heel was one of the biggest style waves of the past five years. Everyone from the Kardashians to Jennifer Lopez have been spotted out in the popular shoes, designed by Ms. Rich herself. J. Lo rocked the ‘Fancy Stiletto’ heels at the 2018 VMA’s, and Jessica’s phone has been lit ever since. View this post on Instagram Can’t forget this iconic moment we had just a few weeks back. JLO in the Fancy Stiletto cc: @jlovibes Shop: jessicarich.com A post shared by JESSICA RICH (@jessicarichcollection) on Oct 9, 2018 at 7:28pm PDT “I had to zoom in because the way she wore the design was so seamless. You couldn’t even see that she was wearing shoes and that’s exactly why I created them – to feel like there’s nothing on your feet. I am very humbled. I feel it is because I’m young, fresh and new, and celebrities are giving newer designers more of a chance. Everyone knows it’s easier to go to the bigger brands because they will always be there.” But don’t underestimate the gorgeous designer — her collection consist of more than clear shoes. Source: Jessica Rich / Jessica Rich Collection Her recent collaboration with actress and fellow reality star Tami Roman, ICON Boots, are a hot commodity right now to shoe lovers everywhere. View this post on Instagram When Bosses link up It was so fun shooting this campaign TAMI ROMAN X JRICH Icon boots restocked ! Dresses @jessicarichcollection Shoes @jessicarichcollection A post shared by J E S S I C A R I C H (@jessicarich) on Mar 2, 2019 at 12:22pm PST   Her affordable prices make every woman feel like they’re drippin’ like their favorite star. Most of the sandals and heels retail at about $125. View this post on Instagram I appreciate the simple things Icon boots @jessicarichcollection #richonmelrose A post shared by J E S S I C A R I C H (@jessicarich) on Jan 9, 2019 at 9:46pm PST Needless to say, Jessica Rich is doing God’s work. The work of the fashion gods, that is. Get your pair of stylish JR stilettos at JessicaRich.com .

#StyleCrush: Jessica Rich Is The Sultry Shoe Designer All The Stars Are Checking For

NFL Player Brandon Copeland Teaches Financial Literacy Course At The University Of Pennsylvania

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N FL player Brandon Copeland is using his platform as an avenue to spread awareness about the importance of financial literacy. According to CNBC , while Copeland is in the off season he’s leading a seminar about how to manage finances at the University of Pennsylvania. NFL player who saves nearly 90% of his income teaches a money class at Penn called 'Life 101. https://t.co/12uAsa6KDv — CNBC Make It (@CNBCMakeIt) March 10, 2019 The class that Copeland is teaching —which he calls “Life 101”—explores how to navigate everyday financial situations, including planning for retirement, building credit, and making smart investments, the news outlet writes. The New York Jets linebacker has been dedicated to creating a strong foundation for himself outside of the NFL. Copeland, who graduated from the Wharton School, worked on Wall Street two years ago during the off season and co-founded a real estate company with his wife in 2018. “I don’t care if you’re an engineering student, a nursing student, if you’re going to build rockets when you grow up or if you’re going to sweep floors. You’re going to have to use something in this class,” he said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “The point of this class isn’t for me to tell you how to spend your money. It’s for you to understand what spending your money is doing for you.” Copeland—who inked a $1.2 million contact with the Jets last year—saves and invests nearly 90 percent of his salary. 60 percent of his income goes towards investments and 30 percent goes into his savings. He says he knows football won’t last forever and wants to make sure that he is financially secure when he’s no longer playing on the field. There have been several platforms created to bring attention to the significance of financial literacy. Last year 29-year-old entrepreneur Sheena Allen launched CapWay as an avenue to make banking fair and accessible for underserved communities. Through the app, Allen hopes to change perspectives surrounding spending habits. SEE ALSO: Millennial Entrepreneur Aims To Promote Financial Literacy In Underserved Communities Through App Marshawn Lynch Is Pushing Back Against Gentrification In Oakland [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847363″ overlay=”true”]

NFL Player Brandon Copeland Teaches Financial Literacy Course At The University Of Pennsylvania

Black-Owned Biscuit Brand Lands Distribution Deals With Walmart, Whole Foods, Other Retailers

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B lack entrepreneurs are making power moves in 2019. Just weeks after 18-year-old beauty entrepreneur Zandra Cunningham landed a huge deal with Target, another entrepreneur has inked deals with other national retailers. Lesley Riley , founder of the gourmet baking company Mama Biscuits, will have her products sold at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods and other stores, Black News reported. A 127-year old family biscuit recipe has helped this Black entrepreneur make #blackhistory by scoring major national distribution deals… in just 4 years! #buyblack #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlsrock https://t.co/0PrsKJgf2a — Black News (@BlackNews) February 11, 2019 Riley—who started Mama Biscuits four years ago—wanted to pay homage to her grandmother through her company, the news outlet writes. The products that she sells are inspired by her grandmother’s recipes that were passed down through different generations in her family for over a century. Stepping into entrepreneurship was no easy feat for Riley. Like many Black founders she struggled with securing funding for her business. The lack of financial support didn’t deter Riley from making Mama Biscuits a success. She continued her passion for cooking and as word spread about how delicious her biscuits were, she built a demand. Her company is the country’s first gourmet biscuit baking company in the DMV area. “I want to give my customers and future customers the gift of eating our Artisan sweet, savory, gluten-free gourmet biscuits. I ship them all over the United States and would love for each household to experience them,” said Riley in a statement. “I never take anything for granted. No matter what opportunities come your way always remain humble. Opportunities aren’t given to everyone.” Riley also uses her company as an avenue for social good. She donates biscuits to local food pantries that serve the homeless and plans on launching a culinary education program for youth. Riley is slated to appear on In the Kitchen with David on QVC on March 17. SEE ALSO: 18-Year-Old Beauty Entrepreneur Lands Major Deal With Target New Voices Fund Teams Up With MVMT50 To Empower Black Women Entrepreneurs [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3844698″ overlay=”true”]

Black-Owned Biscuit Brand Lands Distribution Deals With Walmart, Whole Foods, Other Retailers