BlackBusiness.com

Meet the Black Entrepreneur Who Made $500K Writing, Selling Rap Songs on Fiverr

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:04:11 +0200

Mike Burton, a rapper and entrepreneur from Texas also known as Keybeaux, is earning over $82,000 a year writing raps that he sells on Fiver, a popular freelancer site. For nearly seven years, he racked up more than $500,000 from all his commissions.

Burton, who has a degree in communications from the University of Houston, has always loved writing. In 2015, when he saw that writing customized raps can be offered on Fiverr, he decided to do it. However, he felt demotivated when he received his first request asking to make a song about how it's okay to listen to Eminem, which he said sounded like a term paper and not a rap.

A year later, Burton, who was then working at a call center, decided to try doing some freelance work on Fiverr again. He offered to make 30-second verses for $5 each and it gradually became in demand. By December 2016, he left his job to focus more on his commissions, which now usually cost up to $560 each.

More than making money, the 38-year-old rapper said what he loves the most is helping people express themselves through rap. He writes and produces songs for companies, businesses, podcasts, and YouTube channels, as well as personalized love songs and birthday songs. But it shouldn't involve anything about violence and profanity, saying he's not interested in requests like that.

"I'm acting as a conduit for your ideas," Burton told CNBC.

Moreover, Burton definitely enjoys what he is doing and he can actually write a verse in just 30 minutes. But it doesn't mean he doesn't run out of creative juices at times. And when that happens, Burton said he takes a break by making his own original music that he releases on music platforms under his stage name Keybeaux.

"I'll have no energy for anyone else if I don't make my own stuff," he said.

Be sure to follow Mike Burton on Instagram @keybeaux

Entrepreneurs Make History, Launch First Ever Black Woman-Owned HR Platform

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 23:26:20 +0200

Meet Delmar Johnson and Shayna Atkins, two African American women who are the founders of ExpandHR, the first ever Black woman-owned, user-friendly Human Resources platform. The two entrepreneurs have combined their professional experiences as business owners to change how entrepreneurs hire their next employees while staying compliant in their businesses.

Delmar is a seasoned Gen X HR Expert with over 25 years of experience as a consultant to Fortune 50 companies and small businesses, and Shayna is a Millennial Product Manager and Agile Coach who runs a consulting firm specializing in teaching agile methodologies to Fortune 500 clients.

Although the founders come from different generations, they were inspired by their mutual inside view of the pain points as small business owners. This solution provides a centralized platform that drives culture from day one; helping to shift wealth in underserved communities.

The app allows entrepreneurs to expedite the onboarding process for their new employees and contractors. It also provides opportunities for human resources consulting as well as a budget-friendly payroll management system.

“A lot of small businesses feel overwhelmed, don't know where to start, feel stuck on how to hire new people or are not clear on what the next move is in the phase or stage of your business,” says Delmar. “ExpandHR allows businesses to become structured to take their business to the next level.”

“During our soft launch, beta testers from different industries tested our product to prepare for our live launch in March 2023. We are excited about the direction we are going with our platform,” says Shayna.

“According to the most recent available Census data, there are more than two million Black-owned businesses in America. Of course, we would like for our product to serve all small business owners universally, but as African-American women launching a new application in human relations and technology, serving small business owners that look like us and understand the unique struggles we face is an added bonus,” says Delmar.

The two entrepreneurs are expecting a full launch during Women’s History Month, to observe and celebrate the vital role of women in tech and to demonstrate their values of being people-centered, innovative, and champions of growth.

To learn more about ExpandHR, visit their official website at ExpandHR.co

For press inquiries, contact info@masterhrcoach.com

Introducing the First Black Woman-Owned Barbershop in Omaha, Nebraska

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:35:02 +0200

Heavi Hitters, a local barbershop founded by entrepreneur Shannon Jackson in Omaha, Nebraska, has made history as the first full-service Black woman-owned and operated barbershop in the city. Even more, it has recently expanded to a newer and bigger location.

For nearly a decade since she got her barber's license, Shannon, who is 31 years old, made it her lifelong goal to serve her community in her own little ways. She gives free haircuts at homeless shelters regularly and in back-to-school programs for kids every year.

In 2019, Jackson opened Heavi Hitters, making history as the first Black woman-owned barbershop in Omaha, according to KETV. All the hairstylists and other staff are also women, proving that they can create an impact in the male-dominated industry.

Aside from haircuts, Heavi Hitters also offers other hair and cosmetic services including wigs, locs, makeup, tattoos, and more. After nearly 3 years, the barbershop moved to a larger space to cater to more clients as the business kept growing.

Moreover, Jackson, who survived after being injured in a mass shooting in 2022, said she hopes to continue doing what she loves, and that is caring for the community.

Learn more about Heavi Hitters via its official Facebook page.

MLK's Daughter, Black Investors to Purchase White-Owned Bank in Utah, First Time in History

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:09:13 +0200

A group of Black investors led by Dr. Bernice A. King and Ashley D. Bell are purchasing Holladay Bank & Trust located near Salt Lake City, Utah. They are making history as the first Black American investors to ever buy a bank that was formally white-owned. Even more, once the sale is finalized, it will be the only Black-owned bank west of Texas, and the only one in the entire Mountain West region of the country.

The investors, which also include former NFL player Dhani Jones, are making the purchase through their Atlanta-based Redemption Holding Company. Jones will also serve on the company’s advisory board along with King, the daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., and Bell, a former White House Policy Advisor.

Since 1974, the previously woman-led white-owned bank has been operating in Salt Lake City in Utah which has one of the lowest Black populations in the country. After the regulatory approval clears, the investors plan to rename the institution to Redemption Bank, aiming to focus more on online banking services and small business loans, especially in underserved communities.

"Black banks make the American dream possible for all Americans by deploying resources that uniquely address the financial realities of communities that have been systematically excluded, overcharged, and under-capitalized for hundreds of years," Bell told The Hill.

"In my father's last public address on April 3, 1968, he preached the imperative to accelerate the financial inclusion of Black Americans by supporting mission-driven Black banks -- something he called a 'bank-in movement,'" King said. "More than half a century of struggle and incremental progress later, we're making good on daddy's call to bank in by creating new centers of opportunity for people of color, starting with this Black-led bank acquisition. Redemption is just that: delivering families from the cycle of unjust financial exclusion and intergenerational poverty."

Meet the Black Bartender Turned Pastry Chef Behind the Infamous Cake Martinis

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 01:51:11 +0200

Teasha Chestnut, the founder and CEO of Sugarholic Desserts, is shaking things up in her business starting with her infamous alcohol-infused caketinis (cake-martinis). She plans to do small batch collection drops of specialty dessert boxes with a limited-time order window. The collections will feature the brand's popular selection of individual-sized treats stuffed in reusable shakers with a shot glass.

Originally, Sugarholic cakes were made-to-order to guarantee freshness, but this method of ordering will be discontinued this spring. Taking a page from the beauty industry's well-known brands and how product drops are done, Sugarholic Desserts will be releasing collections for a limited time. This method will allow customers to order small batches through collection releases while preventing food waste. Both collections will feature one flavor, coming with three different flavors in total.

Like many other Black and woman-owned small businesses, Teasha has had to make adjustments to keep the business open. The collection drops are only the first phase in Chestnut's plans to make cakes exciting once again. One element the company has agreed to keep are the reusable shot glass and martini shakers. Containers can be reused to shake up alcoholic beverages or virgin drinks once washed.

Another unique element not being eliminated during the shake-up is Sugarholic Desserts’ support of Black-owned products and services such as alcohol/spirits, and product sourcing. Teasha states, "I can not compromise on supporting my own community.” In the second collection, named “My Mamma’s Box” releasing April 17th, cake tasters will experience how the dessertender combines two Black-owned liquors to make the featured treat. Uncle Nearest Whiskey and Rivulet Liqueur Pecan are the main ingredients to the sweet potato cake aptly named ‘Dee’s Cake’ to honor the founder’s grandmother. Solidifying Sugarholic’s commitment to championing Black-owned companies.

Teasha’s focus on community drives the future of the Sugarholic brand. Plans to expand into live activations via AirBnB Experiences are in the works for early summer after the dual spring collection launches. The founder has not revealed any class locations and dates, but Teasha will teach attendees how to make the same tipsy treats themselves. “Just like our caketinis available for a limited time purchase, I believe the live classes will be ideal for girl's nights, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, weddings, graduation parties, holidays, and as a gift. Cake and experiences can be for everyone.”

Ironically, the creator, Teasha, is not one for heavy drinking. She got her start on the Las Vegas strip as a bartender and pastry chef in hopes of creating a joint venture with her late sister. Pivoting from losing her sister and future business partner, Teasha applied the understanding that every party needed alcohol and desserts and thus decided to infuse the two components into an assortment of classic and unique flavors.

Now, this latest pivot from Teasha will keep seasonally appropriate alcohol-infused treats in one place. Boozy cake lovers will have the opportunity to order the first seasonal collection, 'Spring Fling' box, just in time for spring festivities. The box will be live until March 31st and will feature a lemon cake baked with creamy Limon Rumchata layered between fruity strawberry tequila frosting.

For more details and/or to place an order, visit SugarholicDesserts.com

Also, be sure to follow the company on Instagram @SugarholicDesserts

About
Sugarholic Desserts’ breakthrough star, “The Caketini” is a one-of-a-kind creation made up of decadent-infused cake layers and boozy homemade icing nestled deliciously inside a reusable keepsake martini shaker. Each Caketini also comes with a specialty drink recipe card which allows customers to extend their experience long after their last bite. The proof is in every bite. A harmonic blend of spirits and sweet decadence that allows you to "have your drink but eat it too!"

For press inquiries, contact info@sugarholicdesserts.com

Her App Has Recirculated $10M into Black-Owned Businesses, Now She's Expanding to Ten More Countries

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:57:47 +0200

Meet Mandy Bowman, the founder and CEO of Official Black Wall Street (OBWS), an innovative marketplace app that is now the fastest growing platform for finding and supporting Black-owned businesses in the United States. All in all, Mandy says that her app has already recirculated about $10 million in sales and business services back into Black-owned businesses. Now, she is focused on expanding her services to ten other countries including Canada, South Africa, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.

Since its launch, the OBWS app became a powerful tool for promoting economic growth and equity in Black and brown communities. By providing a platform for local and national Black-owned businesses to reach a wider audience, the OBWS app is helping to level the playing field and create new opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

"We are thrilled to be able to support Black-owned businesses and help them grow," says Mandy. "Our app makes it easy for people to find and support Black-owned businesses in their local community and beyond. It's important that we support these businesses and help to build a more equitable future for all."

The OBWS app has received several prestigious awards and video features from brands like Google, Mastercard, PayPal and more. And now the app is expanding to 10 countries around the world to enable more people to easily find and support Black-owned businesses no matter where they are on the planet.

"We're excited to bring our platform to even more people around the world," Mandy adds. "By expanding to new countries, we can help to promote economic growth and equity in even more communities."

The OBWS app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. To learn more about the app and/or to find or list Black-owned businesses in your area, visit OBWS.com

For press inquiries or media interviews, contact info@obws.com

Entrepreneur on a Mission to Help 10,000 Black Women Become Bilingual with Her Spanish Program

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:30:00 +0200

Meet Kaywanda Lamb, the founder and CEO of the Spanish for Black Girls™ program. As a seasoned certified educator with over 18 years of Spanish teaching experience, she is on a mission to help 10,000 professional Black women become bilingual with her program and international immersion experience.

Kaywanda recently returned from San Jose, Costa Rica where she took professional Black women abroad for her signature language immersion experience.

She launched Spanish for Black Girls™ in 2021 to create an easier pathway for Black women to become bilingual and has revolutionized how Black women learn Spanish. The program includes a comprehensive course plus community that not only provides an in-depth training of the Spanish language but also includes business and travel vocabulary. The program is designed to guide each student step by step to ﬂuency in 90 days or less.

Research shows that language apps alone are not enough. Spanish language learners who desire to be ﬂuent need deeper training in the foundation of the language and opportunities to practice and speak it often. They need a variety of learning tasks designed to help them understand what they hear and training that builds their speaking ability and conﬁdence to respond to native speakers.

When it comes to standing out at work or gaining new clients, being bilingual adds an extra edge and the opportunity to earn more. The U.S. has 50 million Spanish speakers but only 10 million are bilingual. The opportunity to reach a new market and serve current clients better cannot be overlooked. More importantly, having a workforce that speaks the customers language and understands cultural competency helps businesses run smoothly. To help Black women build ﬂuency and cultural competency, Kaywanda goes beyond typical language courses and provides live Q&A, expert sessions on culture, and accountability to support her students. “My goal is to teach my clients conversational Spanish so they can speak to native speakers with conﬁdence no matter the situation,” says Kaywanda.

She has been featured on various platforms including Good Morning America and NBC, and is the author of several books. She is a certiﬁed Principal and served as an adjunct professor teaching native speakers Spanish. She also taught high school Spanish for 16 years and holds a Masters degree in Spanish Literature from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

As a Dallas, Texas-based small business owner, Kaywanda identiﬁed the need to educate Black business owners to speak Spanish conversationally in order to increase their bottom line and connect with clients in their community. Over the course of her career as an educator, she has led professional development and DEI training in Spanish and in English, launched Spanish Clubs and taken students on local and state excursions. Her students scored Gold and Silver on the National Spanish Exam and she created the “Culture Night” concept for families to see what their students were learning in class, which led her to create a similar experience for her professional clients.

Since its launch in 2021, Kaywanda has carefully crafted an experience with the Spanish for Black Girls program that has resulted in many satisﬁed clients. Here’s what a few of them have to say:

"Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. Above board. 10 plus value. Best bang for your buck. I’ve had tons of diﬀerent programs in the past. I’ve been learning for 10 plus years but never found a program that allowed me to speak Spanish, hear and understand and sound more like a native speaker. Kaywanda and her team really teach you Spanish for your business. I highly recommend the Spanish for Black Girls program," said Immigration Attorney Melaney LaGrone, Esq., Atlanta, GA.

“I joined Spanish for Black Girls because I wanted to enhance my speaking in Spanish. I live in Florida and I’m always surrounded by Spanish speakers and I wanted to join in on the conversation. I have truly beneﬁted from this experience” said Intellectual Property Attorney, Nequosha Anderson.

Kaywanda and her team have made it their goal to create a safe space for black women to become bilingual and also give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language through their signature trip experience so they can put their learning into practice.

"It is an honor to teach Black women Spanish in my course and then to guide them on an international immersion trip designed to challenge them to navigate every situation we practice in class. We live, laugh, explore, and enjoy all while speaking Spanish everywhere we go. I’m so proud of my students," she said.

Professional Black women looking to learn the Spanish language with ease in 90 days or less, are welcome to enroll in the course and the international immersion trip experience here: https://spanishforblackgirls.com/costa-rica-trip/

About
Spanish for Black Girls™ is a groundbreaking conversational Spanish course and community that teaches ambitious professional Black women Spanish for travel, everyday life, and business. Spanish for Black Girls™ is a trusted source for professional Black women who want to level up their language skills, learn to connect with the Spanish-speaking community, and impact their bottom line. The course covers multiple scenarios in an interactive format to help students learn Spanish and students have access to live Q&A with Kaywanda to ask questions and practice with other Black women. To learn more about the course and the immersion trip, visit SpanishforBlackGirls.com

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok.

For press inquiries, contact Kaywanda@SpanishforBlackGirls.com or 469-850-2975

Army Veteran Turned Serial Entrepreneur Launches CEO Camp to Empower Micro Business Owners Across the Nation

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 03:24:56 +0200

Danielle Johnson, founder and CEO of The Platinum Gallery, a Black-owned publishing and consulting company she founded in 2012, is excited to announce her upcoming CEO camp. The camp is designed to provide valuable resources and tools for entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level. It will be held from April 21-24, 2023.

As a full-time entrepreneur for 17 years, Johnson is well-versed in the challenges and triumphs of owning and operating a business. She is the owner of Mirror Mirror Salon, COO of Johnson’s Cleaning Services and The Car Cleaning King, and CVO of The Platinum Gallery. Her vast experience and expertise have inspired her to create the CEO camp to help fellow entrepreneurs achieve their full potential.

The CEO Camp is a comprehensive program designed to provide business owners with the tools, support, and motivation they need to succeed. The program will focus on three key areas: motivation, organization, and strategic planning. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable to each participant's unique needs and business goals.

"We understand that running a business is a challenging and demanding undertaking," said Johnson. "Our CEO camp is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve success."

In addition to the CEO Camp, The Platinum Gallery offers a wide range of customized business tools and consulting services to help micro-business owners achieve their goals. Their approach, according to the company, is one of integrity and commitment, with a team that welcomes new ideas, hard work, and determination.

"We are dedicated to providing high-quality consulting services and customized business tools," said Johnson. "Our goal is to catapult your business to the next level through constant development and quality products."

The Platinum Gallery's unique system has a proven success rate, having helped many entrepreneurs navigate through challenges such as the 2007 recession, bookkeeping woes, and employee relations challenges. The business tools provided by The Platinum Gallery are effective, efficient, and easy to use, making them suitable for any industry.

As a woman-owned business, The Platinum Gallery is committed to creating opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in the business world. They believe that diversity is essential for the growth and success of any organization.

"We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to innovation and growth," said Johnson. "We are committed to creating opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in the business world."

The Platinum Gallery is excited to bring their CEO camp and consulting services to entrepreneurs across the country. They are committed to helping business owners achieve their full potential and overcome the challenges of running a successful business.

For more information about The Platinum Gallery, visit their website at ThePlatinumGalleryLLC.com

About the Founder
Danielle Johnson is a US Army veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with over 16 years of experience in the business world. She is the owner of Mirror Mirror Salon, CEO of The Platinum Gallery, a publishing and consulting company, and COO of Johnson’s Cleaning Services and The Car Cleaning King.

Danielle is also a mentor for Project Opportunity, a free program that assists veteran entrepreneurs with all aspects of their business, and a member of The Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors serving Cambridge, Maryland.

As a passionate philanthropist, Danielle travels nationally and internationally teaching women and girls how to start and run their businesses. She believes that small businesses are the foundation of communities and when supported, communities will thrive. Shee has received numerous awards and certificates over the years and is most proud of her local recognitions as the 2015 Empowered Women of the Year in the category of Entrepreneurial Success and in 2016, the Fireflies of Denton honored VanRiel as one of the 100 Ladies of Elegance.

For press inquiries, contact theplatinumgallery@gmail.com

HBCU President Makes History, Opens First Ever Black-Owned Footwear Factory in the U.S.

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:11:34 +0200

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a legendary footwear designer, has been designing shoes for almost 40 years, and now he is making history as the founder and CEO of JEMS, the country's first ever Black-owned footwear and shoe factory. Edwards is also the President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC), a Detroit, Michigan-based HBCU formally known as Lewis College of Business.

Located in Somersworth, New Hampshire, the factory was made possible thanks to a $2 million dollar investment made by Designer Brands Inc., the parent company of DSW, a multi-billion dollar shoe retailer with more than 500 stores in 44 states. According to Footwear News, another investment of $1 million was made by LeCrown Shoes Industry Co., which has decades of footwear development experience.

Edwards himself will orchestrate the first shoe designs, but ultimately, the factory will be used by other up-and-coming designers of color to produce shoes that will then exclusively be sold at DSW stores nationwide. The goal is to facilitate and encourage more diversity and inclusion in the footwear design industry.

“We’re so excited to be able to highlight new design talent, especially design talent of color,” said Bill Jordan, President of DSW. “We’ve got a responsibility to do that, and a desire to do that. And quite frankly, our customers want us to do it.”

The factory is called JEMS, an acronym for Jan Ernst Matzeliger Studio, named after a Black inventor who changed footwear manufacturing with his 1883 patent for the lasting machine.

About the Founder
D’Wayne Edwards, with no formal education, started his career in 1989 as an entry-level footwear designer for LA Gear at the age of 19. Over the course of his career, which now spans over three decades, he has received numerous honors and awards, from the Red Dot award, three-time Mercedes Benz Fashion award winner, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Business Insider 100 People Transforming Business to President Barack Obama awarding him the President’s Volunteer of Service Award.

As a designer, Dr. Edwards has accumulated more than 50 patents and designed more than 500 footwear styles for premier entertainers such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Nas. His designs have been worn in six different Olympics, and have graced all MLB, NFL, and NBA stadiums by athletes such as Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, and Michael Jordan.

In 2010, Edwards began his journey as an educator by converting Lewis College of Business, the only HBCU in the entire state of Michigan, into the first academy in the U.S. dedicated to footwear design. It is now known as Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design and is based in Detroit. Learn more at PensoleLewisCollege.com

Black Couple Secures $250K Deal on 'Shark Tank' For $2.4M Frozen Yogurt Startup

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 01:52:11 +0200

Ehime Eigbe and her husband, Michael, the founders of a Black-owned frozen greek yogurt brand called Sweetkiwi, have successfully secured a deal for $250,000 on Shark Tank. The idea was inspired by the healthy dessert alternatives that Ehime discovered when she was battling uterine fibroids.

Ehime and Michael both appeared on the show and presented the low-sugar, low-calorie dessert to the investors to initially secure a $250,000 investment for a 5% stake in the company. However, after a few negotiations, they finally landed a deal with Robert Herjavec who agreed to the amount they wanted but for a 16% stake.

Ehime mentioned that the funds they got would go toward brand-building and marketing. The duo added that the investment would push the company's valuation past $2.4 million. And even though there's tight competition in the industry, they are confident that their brand would thrive because of its benefits.

"It's made from real milk sourced from smallholder family-owned farms, and each pint boasts 22 grams of protein, prebiotic fiber, gut-healthy probiotics, and a unique blend of immunity-boosting superfoods, all of which are better together," the duo said, according to CNBC.

Eigbe discovered the concoction as she was searching for healthier eating habits after being diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She wanted to prove that being on a strict diet doesn't have to mean avoiding sweets completely. That's when she went to her kitchen to make her own frozen whipped greek yogurt using only real and natural ingredients and launched Sweetkiwi in 2011.

The award-winning Sweetkiwi products are currently sold online via their website, at their three storefronts, and in over 1,700 stores including Whole Foods, Walmart, and Kroger.

Learn more about Sweetkiwi via its official website at Sweetkiwi.com

Also, follow the brand on Instagram @SweetkiwiUSA

Black Couple Secures $250K Deal on 'Shark Tank' For $2.4M Frozen Yogurt Startup

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 01:41:00 +0200

Ehime Eigbe and her husband, Michael, the founders of a Black-owned whipped greek yogurt brand called Sweetkiwi, have successfully secured a deal for $250,000 on Shark Tank. The idea was inspired by the healthy dessert alternatives that Ehime discovered when she was battling uterine fibroids.Ehime and Michael both appeared on the show and presented the low-sugar, low-calorie dessert to the investors to initially secure a $250,000 investment for a 5% stake in the company. However, after a few negotiations, they finally landed a deal with Robert Herjavec who agreed to the amount they wanted but for a 16% stake.

The award-winning Sweetkiwi products are currently sold online via their website, on their 3 own storefronts, and in over 1,700 stores, including Whole Foods, Walmart, and Kroger.

Learn more about Sweetkiwi via its official website at Sweetkiwi.com

Also, follow the brand on Instagram @SweetkiwiUSA

Black Couple’s Online Academy Becomes the First to Be Accredited to Use Non-Human, AI Avatar Instructors

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:24:44 +0200

Meet DeMario and Dawn Nicole McIlwain, the founders of South Carolina-based Skilldora Inc., a Black-owned AI EdTech and eLearning platform that is the first online academy to receive global accreditation to have their online courses taught by AI Avatar Instructors. They have been accredited by CPD Standards Office, a world-leading CPD Accreditation Body located in Staines, England.

This milestone achievement is a testament to Skilldora's commitment to providing the highest quality education to future-forward learners and thought leadership around the world. The accreditation, awarded by CPD Standards Office, a leading accrediting body in the education industry, recognizes the effectiveness and quality of the courses taught by Skilldora's AI Avatar Instructors, defined as digital humans who are programmed to teach courses of all types.

"We are thrilled to be the first AI EdTech platform to receive accreditation for certified professional development courses taught by AI Avatar Instructors," said DeMario, who is the CEO and co-founder of the company. This recognition is a validation of the hard work and dedication of our team in creating a platform that provides students with a unique and personalized learning experience."

Equally, CPD Standards Office, whose mission is to support providers in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), realizes the significance of this iconic moment.

“We at the CPD Standards Office are incredibly proud to be the first accreditation provider to accredit AI Avatar Instructors. We firmly believe in the value and potential of technological advancement and are excited about the incredible opportunities that AI will bring to the field of education. We are committed to staying at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field and are proud to lead the way in the accreditation of AI Avatar Instructors,” said Amanda Rosewarne, CEO and Co-founder at The Professional Development Consortium.

The AI Avatar Instructors at Skilldora are equipped with advanced natural language processing and machine learning capabilities, allowing them to be relatable, provide social language patterns and recap rounds to have learners focus on the most important aspects of the content. This innovative approach to education has proven to be effective in improving student engagement and overall learning outcomes and Skilldora embraces the opportunity to create new AI eLearning standards.

"At Skilldora, we believe the future of education lies in the integration of technology and AI. This accreditation is a major step in that direction, and we are excited to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of education," added Dawn Nicole, who is the COO and co-founder of the company.

Skilldora is already redefining what “good” looks like in AI eLearning. Upon the release of this history-making announcement, Skilldora will launch its first accredited online certification program taught by an AI Instructor entitled, AI Essentials Certification (AIEC): Understanding Artificial Intelligence in a Modern World!

This accredited online certification program by Skilldora the (AIEC), is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its many applications in today's world, a serendipitous example of Skilldora’s own model which teaches by doing.

Through this online certification program, learners will earn a certification in Artificial Intelligence Essentials, get 4-Continuing Professional Development credits or CPDs, and experience the real-world impacts of how AI intersects with education taking full advantage of interactive and engaging activities along the way.

About
Skilldora is an AI EdTech Company making it possible for businesses, educators & learners to launch big ideas faster by embracing a new world of AI. Skilldora specializes in creating & communicating online learning content at scale using AI Digital Human Presenters. Skilldora offers AI eLearning tools for businesses & AI education for future-forward learners. As the 1st in the US to launch an e-Learning platform & app using all AI Digital Human Instructors, and now the first to gain global accreditation, today Skilldora is proud to serve others.

To learn more or pre-enroll in Skilldora’s new Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification (AIEC), go to https://myskilldora.com/aiec/, or for more information about Skilldora’s new accreditation, please visit the company's website at MySkillDora.com.

For press inquiries, contact dawnnicole@myskilldora.com or 800-440-6853

Couple Secures $250K Deal on Shark Tank for Black-Owned Virtual Bridal Company

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:37:10 +0200

Meet Charles and Ashley Young, a married couple who are the co-founders of a virtual bridal company called Bridal Babes that designs bridesmaids' dresses that are body-flattering catered for curvy Black women. After appearing on Shark Tank and securing a $250,000 deal, their Maryland-based company has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the wedding industry.

Back when the duo was planning their wedding in 2015, it was very complicated just to look for the perfect gowns that would fit their bridesmaids. Their bridesmaids wore curve-hugging dresses and it went viral for being nontraditional and how well they fit. These experiences sparked the couple's interest in starting their own bridesmaids' gown line.

After working on the brand for about 3 years, they launched Bridal Babes, which offers glamorous curve-hugging dresses that are inclusive to all sizes and ages. They focus on designs that are different from the norm and enhance the body types of Black women. What makes it even more unique is that they are one of the first to incorporate virtual consultation in the industry.

"We would have a client meet with a stylist and that will really help trim down exactly what the bride wants 'cause we have so many different dresses and so many different styles. But you'll really direct them through the process of picking the perfect style for all the bridesmaids of all shapes, shades, and sizes," Charles told AfroTech.

Moreover, Bridal Babes saw an increase in their virtual consultations after the couple went to Shark Tank, aiming to get $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity. They ultimately landed a deal when their offer was accepted for 20% equity by Emma Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American.

"She's really hands-on and digs into all the details with us. As far as exposure, of course, you get the huge uptick in sales that everybody talks about, but also we saw an influx of people coming in through that virtual consultation platform so much so that we had to like release new dates," Ashley said.

Moving forward, the funds they received are allocated for the expansion of their inventory, including restocks and new designs, to meet the growing customer demand. They currently also have other bridal attires such as robes and rehearsal dresses, and they plan to integrate more features into their platform.

Learn more about Bridal Babes via its official website at BridalBabes.co

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @BridalBabes

Founder of Award-Winning Black, Woman-Owned Branding Agency Makes History with Buy with Prime Partnership

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:11:32 +0200

Diamond Spikes, founder and CEO of DS Creative Design Studio, an award-winning Black woman-owned branding studio, has announced an amazing partnership with Amazon's Buy with Prime program. The partnership brings comprehensive branding workshops to Black-owned businesses, helping them to take actionable steps to grow and improve their overall brands.

The initial workshops were recorded and the 2 upcoming workshops in March, will be as well. This partnership marks a historic moment, as it is Buy with Prime's first partnership of its kind. The workshops were provided to primarily Amazon's Black Business Accelerator participants, providing them with the opportunity to benefit from the expertise and experience of DS Creative Design Studios very own Diamond Spikes.

DS Creative Design Studio specializes in working with direct-to-consumer brands through high-level brand partnerships to help them scale to the next level. The company has a proven track record of success, with client work featured in prestigious publications such as British Vogue and Good Morning America, and has been trusted by over 70 brands.

"We are so excited to be partnered with Buy with Prime to bring our branding workshops to Black-owned businesses and for me to be able to plug other Black experts in my network," said Diamond. "Part of our mission is to empower and uplift Black-owned businesses, and this partnership is a huge step in achieving that goal. With our new workshop presentations happening in March 2023 with the Buy with Prime team, we hope to reach even more businesses and help them to achieve their goals."

This partnership is a significant step in the right direction in terms of promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world and will help to level the playing field for Black-owned businesses by providing them with resources that they normally wouldn’t have access to.

For more information about DS Creative Design Studio, visit the official website at DSCreativeDesignStudio.com

For press inquiries, contact hello@dscreativedesignstudio.com

Founder of Black-Owned Vegan Nail Polish Brand Wins Pitch Competition

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 23:03:00 +0200

Kemah Duopu, Founder and CEO at Harmon Polish, is celebrating having won the Heaven Center Pitch Competition at Awakening Trade & Conference held in Plano, Texas. The Awakening Africa Hub, a one-stop-shop resource for helping today’s entrepreneurs build tomorrow.

The Expo provides an opportunity to strengthen business and economic relationships among business people operating in Africa, America and the rest of the world, thereby creating shared prosperity, mutual trust and collective incentives for the public and private partnerships leading to the development of prosperous and sustainable economic initiatives between the US and Africa. The event included 25+ speakers, 70+ exhibitors, 10+ workshops, and entertainment representing more than 50 countries. It offered valuable opportunities to learn about the latest in trade, investment, and market trends.

The Heaven Center Pitch Competition featured five finalists with an opportunity to win $5,000 to a minority entrepreneur. The competition was for minority entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and build strong networks with ambitious and passionate individuals and mentors. Their goal is to encourage and support entrepreneurship in the African American community by offering competitions where entrepreneurs can receive constructive feedback from experienced venture capitalists and established CEOs.

The award recognizes founders of African descent who build innovative solutions to unlock untapped markets and create new opportunities. As a Liberian native, Kemah Duopu, CEO of Harmon Polish won the 2022 Heaven Center Pitch Competition organized by Awakening African Magazine that was sponsored by Kethia Kayumba, a realtor and investor.

“We hit our sales goal for 2022 and are so excited for the 2023 year,” says Kemah. “We have so many exciting products coming from Harmon Polish such as press on nails and nail care. What sets us apart is our social impact. During Breast Cancer Awareness month, we partnered with local beauty brands to give $5 of every nail polish sold to help kick breast cancer. This year we have some exciting opportunities to give back to the community and we need support to make that happen.”

Harmon Polish is in their pre-seed funding stage with iFundWoman Crowdfunding. Harmon Polishes’ goal is $20,000 for Q1. Read more about the Harmon Polish here: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/harmon-polish-toward-growth-sustainability

About
Harmon Polish is a nail care brand who is on a mission to promote mindfulness, calmness and overall wellness through vegan nail care products that are named after positive affirmations. Harmon Polish is a luxury nail care brand that creates vegan, inspirational nail products. Each Harmon Polish product is named after a positive affirmation to inspire and motivate our customer.

Shop the latest nail collection at HarmonPolish.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok at @harmonpolish.

For press inquiries, contact info@harmonpolish.com

Black Entrepreneur Expands Vending Machine Company to Include Travel Product Kits For Babies, Children, and Families

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 09:02:39 +0200

Jasmin Smith, the founder and CEO of Babyvend LLC, has expanded her network of vending machines to include custom travel and activity kits. The kits known as “Go Boxes” have been curated and customized for travel essentials and activity essentials.

Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Jasmin founded a nationwide vending machine company that has become an award winning leader in providing vending machines for support for infants, toddlers, preschool age, breastfeeding mothers and traveling families. As a single mother of twins who travels frequently, she understands firsthand the needs of families on the go.

She comments, “Although we love our vending machines and have been able to successfully help a lot of traveling families, we understood early on that our vending machines could not fit in all spaces or help families on long flights or train rides or places with restricted space. So having these boxes that mirror our machines was essential.”

The boxes are eco-friendly and the sizes and contents are customized to the target audience with co-branding opportunities, and are sold retail and wholesale.

Jasmin hopes that by providing affordable, accessible, and custom supplies that uplifts both startups and large brands it will help grow other businesses and allow families to have a stress free travel experience.

Learn more about her company at BabyVendUnlimited.com

For press inquiries, contact info@babyvendunlimited.com or 907-929-8363.

This Black Entrepreneur Made $40K From a Cookie Vending Machine, Then Opened a Storefront

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:24:45 +0200

Mike Evans, a 33-year-old Black entrepreneur from St. Louis, Missouri, is the founder of Alibi Cookies which he started by selling cookies through a vending machine and has eventually scaled up to multiple storefronts. Evans, who used to work in the restaurant industry, was among the numerous people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. During that time, he sat down and thought of other income sources. That's when he recalled his previous idea of a Japanese vending machine so he invested in one that dispenses cookies.

"I was scrolling through Facebook and saw that in Japan there's something like two machines for every human, and you can get anything out of a vending machine. So, I contacted a builder in Japan, and I said, 'Hey, this is my idea, this is what I want it to do and this is how I want it to be designed,'" Evans told Voyage STL.

With the first vending machine he started in 2020, Evans was able to generate a profit of $40,000. Encouraged by this success, he decided to expand his business and opened a storefront location across St. Louis. He still retained his vending machines as he expanded to three storefronts with plans to add more storefronts and vending machines.

Every Alibi Cookies storefront and vending machine offers delectable cookies that are always warm. It comes in different flavors including chocolate chunk, and oatmeal raisin as well as unique flavors such as double chocolate mint, pumpkin spice, and deluxe apple pie, among others. They also accept orders online and have it delivered in several states.

As a 33-year-old entrepreneur, Evans has more plans to grow the business, targeting to reach $1 million in yearly revenue in 2023. And he is proud to have successfully started the business in his own hometown from just a small concept to bigger achievements.

"It's crazy to me that some of the people I went to school with that got straight A's and went to college -- they're not on the same level as me now. They don't own their own business. That's something I think about all the time. People say, 'Oh, you gotta go to college,' and 'You didn't go to college, so you're not gonna be anything.' And I'm just like, 'I'm some inner-city Black kid, and I'm doing this.'"

Learn more about Alibi Cookies via their official website at AlibiCookies.com

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @AlibiCookies

Founder Gets Emotional After Becoming the Largest Black-Owned Makeup Brand in Target Stores

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:51:32 +0200

Melissa Butler, the founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, recently become emotional in an Instagram post after revealing that her brand is the largest Black-owned makeup brand available in Target. Her brand's continuous massive success comes years after being harshly rejected on Shark Tank.

Butler recently shared on her Instagram that her makeup brand is now taking up 6 feet of shelf space in Target, making it the biggest Black-owned company in the retail giant. She got emotional when she saw the vast display of her products at a local Target she visited, as seen in the video she posted.

"We've been working on this for so long. When you see a lot of the brands with the big space, it's conglomerating. It's not like little Black girls from Detroit taking up this much space," she said, adding that it all just started with one SKU.

Butler, who is an HBCU graduate, founded her vegan beauty brand in 2012 out of frustration with the chemicals in makeup and the lack of diversity. She started creating her own lipstick formulations made of vegan ingredients in her kitchen and began selling them online.

In 2015, Butler appeared on Shark Tank with hopes of securing an investment to expand the company but she was turned down. Instead of giving up, though, she used rejection as fuel to keep going.

Now, The Lip Bar offers several beauty products and is available in 750 Target stores, 500 Walmart stores, and its flagship store in Downtown Detroit.

Learn more about The Lip Bar via its official website at TheLipBar.com

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @TheLipBar

Black Entrepreneur Who Secured $200K Deal On 'Shark Tank' Made $1.8M Last Year

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 02:39:20 +0200

Raquel Graham, the creator of Headlightz who scored a major deal on Shark Tank back in 2020, is reporting now generating millions of dollars in sales. When she appeared on the show, she ended up landing a deal with Kevin O'Leary and Peter Jones for $200K in exchange for 20% of her company plus a one-dollar per unit royalty until they recoup $600K.

That deal has paid off very well for all parties involved because, in 2021, she generated $1.7 million in revenue. She reportedly generated another $1.8 million in revenue in 2022.

Her company, Roq Innovation, produces Headlightz, a line of hats and headbands with removable and rechargeable LED lights that are perfect for outdoor running, walking the dog, and many practical and safety uses for hands-free lighting. In addition to appearing on Shark Tank, her products have been featured on Oprah's O List twice, Oprah's Favorite Things, Forbes, Good Morning America, and The Drew Barrymore Show. She has even sold out multiple times on HSN.

Raquel is no newbie to entrepreneurship. In fact, she has a very successful track record in marketing strategy, branding, partnerships and sponsorships, and event management.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, she later moved to Chicago where she worked for Johnson Publishing Company (Ebony and Jet) as Vice President and a National Marketing Director for seven years. She earned her MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and holds a B.A. in History with an Associates degree in Economics from Wesleyan University.

Learn more about her company's products via her Amazon page.

Black Author Helps Entrepreneurs Soar to New Heights With New Book

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:58:14 +0200

Elzie D. Flenard, III has released his latest title Flame Starter - The Art of Self-Mastery, an Amazon Best Selling book that is a must-read for high-achieving entrepreneurs looking to elevate their game without burning out.

Elzie is a renowned author and storyteller who has made a name for himself in the world of podcasting and coaching. He is known as the "Mayor of Podcast Town" and runs an all-inclusive podcast agency that helps brands grow their shows and build an effective content machine. His trusted methods of inspiring and challenging his followers and clients have paved the way for his latest project, Flame Starter - The Art of Self-Mastery.

Flame Starter is a practical guide for those who use their "mix" of creativity, innovation, and talents to achieve peak performance and light their flames.

It utilizes the EMIT Principle (education x motivation x inspiration = transformation) to provide actionable insights that are sure to help readers unlock their full potential.

"I remember what it was like to feel stuck and 'out of gas' within my business. I didn't know how to move forward. Flame Starter is the book I wish I had at some of the most challenging moments in my career," says Elzie.

As of December 2022, Flame Starter has hit the Amazon Best Sellers list with a 5-star rating on Amazon. Readers have praised its practical advice and insightful approach to self-mastery.

About the author
Elzie D. Flenard III defies categorization; he's an entrepreneur with creative ideas all products of unique thinking who weaves together music speaking podcasting coaching into storytelling tapestries that inspire, challenge, educate, entertain & transform lives! With "The Mayor Of Podcast Town" you can count on him always innovating creating opportunities & building bridges.

For more information about this press release or to schedule an interview with Elzie D. Flenard, III please contact: hello@theflamestarters.com