Meet Mario Mack, a 12-year-old African-American boy from Fairfield, Alabama, who is the young entrepreneur behind J’s Pop-Up Shaved Ice. Starting when he was just 10 years old, he embarked on a journey to bring his business vision to life, all while keeping up with his studies.

"She really liked to work for herself, and I saw that, like, early on when she started and I thought it was really cool," Mario told CBS42. "So, I wanted to do my own thing and start a food truck."

Fast forward two years, and he bought his first trailer. Now, he's on a mission to expand and level up his business by investing in a larger one. This ambitious young entrepreneur is saving up for that big step.

Urban Impact Birmingham, an organization helping new business minds like Mario's, plays a role in his journey. Its program manager Courtney Craig said they are passionate about providing opportunities to all entrepreneurs. From programs to capital access, they're dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the community, especially young entrepreneurs which has been increasing lately.

"It's necessary. We need to have a wraparound approach in our community when we're serving entrepreneurs and we need our kids to have something productive," Courtney said.

For Mario, his business isn't just a side hustle -- it's his passion. Despite his tender age, he's living out his entrepreneurial dreams. And he already has his future plans set out, saying, "I want to own my own restaurant and I want to be able to cook."

But Mario's dreams aren't just his own; he wants to inspire fellow young minds. He firmly believes that with determination, anything's possible. He's an example of turning passion into reality.

Moreover, balancing school during the week and running his business on weekends, Mario makes the most of his time. He's also a kind-hearted soul, often setting up shop at local parks in Birmingham. There, he treats the homeless to free shaved ice at least once a month.

Be sure to follow J's Pop-Up Shaved Ice on its official Facebook page.

Tiara Darnell, an African American female entrepreneur from Washington, DC, has brought a taste of home to Mexico City with the opening of Blaxicocina, the first and only successful soul food restaurant in the country's capital city of more than 16 million residents. With a culinary journey that spans cultures and generations, Tiara's flavorful creations are finding a warm embrace among both Black Americans and curious locals.

To bring the flavors of home to Blaxicocina, she relied on a surprising source: her mother. She brought her bulk-sized containers from Restaurant Depot, meeting her need for Old Bay seasoned fries, among others. What's more, the restaurant also offers other dishes that embody the heart of soul food like fried chicken, cornbread, carrot cake, and sweet tea.

However, crafting authentic soul food in Mexico posed unique challenges. Ingredients crucial for traditional recipes were hard to find. The cornmeal for her cornbread and the coating for fried green tomatoes had to be painstakingly crafted from scratch, the Mexican way. Collaborating with local farmers, she even sparked the growth of collard greens, a soul food staple not commonly found in Mexico.

Blaxicocina transcends its role as a restaurant; it's a hub for a growing community of Black Americans who've chosen Mexico City as their new home. The restaurant even has ties to a "Blaxit" movement -- a departure from the U.S. in search of a better life abroad. For Tiara, the decision was driven by a desire for a higher quality of life and escape from systemic racism.

Tiara's inclusive approach extends beyond her menu. She's striving to integrate with the local community, working with Mexican vendors, staff, and contractors. Her aim is to enrich the community rather than exploit it, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect.

"Mexico City definitely feels like home. I have a really great community around me. I have friends that are family at this point, and I just feel really connected here, culturally, socially, in a way that I just didn’t in the U.S," she said.

Be sure to follow Tiara and her restaurant on Instagram @Blaxicocina

Tara Harris, an HBCU graduate of Morris Brown College, is now the founder and CEO of Femeflex, the world's first brand of pantiless liners that is already transforming the feminine hygiene landscape. A groundbreaking innovation, this revolutionary solution redefines comfort and confidence for women. Designed to liberate and empower, Femeflex heralds a new era of feminine care.

She says that Femeflex has emerged as a champion of women's liberation. Women can now finally bid farewell to discomfort and embrace the joy of going panty-free, all while feeling secure and refreshed. This pioneering product elevates the intimate experience, offering a liberating alternative to conventional liners.

The brand has already made it all the way to Hollywood as it is set to be featured in an upcoming collaboration with Hollywood Swag Bag for the Emmy Award Show 2023. A star-studded partnership will bring the pantiless liners to the esteemed Emmy nominees and VIPs, transforming the red-carpet experience. Hollywood's leading ladies will confidently dazzle the red carpet, free from worries about panty lines.

"Femeflex stems from a vision to empower women with unparalleled freedom and assurance. This groundbreaking pantiless liner shatters the confines of traditional feminine care, embracing a future marked by unprecedented comfort. Embrace the evolution of feminine hygiene with Femeflex and embrace a new standard of empowerment," she adds.

For more information, visit the brand's official website at Femeflex.com

For press inquiries, contact (800) 836-1513 or info@femeflex.com

Meet Tyla-Simone Crayton, a Shark Tank winner and the young entrepreneur who is now opening the first Sienna Wings restaurant at Harvest Market in Missouri City, Texas about 20 miles from Houston. Tyla-Simone, who is only 19 years old, is also the founder of a Black-owned national condiments brand called Sienna Sauce. Sienna Wings, however, was born in 2017, when she and her mom began selling wings every Friday out of their home. The response was amazing and fueled their desire to open a wing spot restaurant in their local area.

Diners can expect a fast-casual dining experience, indoor/outdoor seating, with the ability to dine in or place orders to go. The menu will feature wings tossed in all 4 signature flavors of Sienna Sauce, including Lemon Pepper, Sweet & Tangy, Smokey Brown, and Spice It Up. The menu also includes chicken bites for kids, fries, and macaroni & cheese as side options.

For more information, visit SiennaWings.com or follow the brand on Instagram @siennawings

Also, be sure to support the restaurant in person at 4603 Sienna Pkwy, Missouri City, TX 77459.

About the Founder
Tyla-Simone Crayton is currently a full-time student at UC Berkeley in the undergraduate business program at Haas as well as the CEO of Sienna Sauce. She has received a Pinnacle Award from the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce as the first-ever recipient to receive an award for Youth Entrepreneurship, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Proclamation from the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, and Fort Bend County Judge for her achievements and accomplishments in entrepreneurship, amongst other awards. Beneath all of these accolades and achievements as a CEO, Tyla-Simone is passionate about volunteering her time in her community.

For press inquiries, contact contactsiennawings@gmail.com

Patnisha Williams, Jessica Matthews, and Deanna Bynog are the founders of Get Signatured, a Black-owned customizable jewelry curator and accessories brand that will be opening its first brick and mortar first storefront location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This grand opening marks a significant milestone for the brand as it expands from an online to an in-store brand and will honor its commitment to deepening connections with its consumers by meeting them in their community.

Attendees will experience a Ribbon - Cutting Ceremony in the morning hour conducted by East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome to inaugurate Get Signatured, a live showroom tour of Get Signatured’s newest signature jewelry collections, live giveaways, and more!

“We are very excited about the grand opening! It feels surreal and also amazing to open a storefront where we can build relationships with our customers and have a place where they can shop for their jewelry and accessories and feel seen,” says Patnisha.

With August being National Black Business Month, Get Signatured is honored to be joining the fast-growing number of Black Owned businesses and brick and mortars in Baton Rouge.

"As many are aware, most businesses are built on Black spending power. It is a privilege to be able to fill in the gap by offering custom items for our community with unique names without the hefty price tag," says Jessica.

“Being able to launch a woman-owned jewelry storefront is one of the highlights of my entrepreneurship journey. The success of every woman…should be an inspiration to other women that your dreams can come true,” comments Deanna.

Join Get Signatured for their Grand Opening at their newest storefront location at 11445 Coursey Boulevard, Suite O, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on August 18, 2023. Please RSVP here.

If you’re a media outlet and would like to interview, cover or attend the event, please contact Kourtney Janeau via kourtney@candicenicolepr.com

About
Get Signatured is custom jewelry and accessories business owned and operated by 3 women. It prides itself on providing meaningful, handmade jewelry that tells a story with budget-friendly prices and customer care that allows them to connect with people all over the world. For more information, visit their website at GetSignatured.com

For press inquiries, contact Kourtney Janeau at kourtney@candicenicolepr.com

Kelvin Mensah and Aaron Wilson are the founders of Approved Jets, a Black-owned private aviation brokerage company based in Miami, Florida. Their global private jet charter company specializes in the sales, leasing, management, and chartering of jets, helicopters, and yachts. They also offer luxury concierge services.

Kelvin, who is the CEO of the company, has established himself as one of the youngest and most successful private jet brokers in the world. A Ghanaian-American, he is a Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 Recipient and a 2022 recipient of the MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) Award. His expertise in luxury aviation comes from over twenty years of experience in providing private flights throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, and the United Arab of Emirates.

Aaron, who is a co-founder of the company, is a venture capitalist and operator with extensive experience in recruiting, HR strategy, executive coaching, conducting due diligence, and evaluating strategic opportunities. He is also skilled in humanizing and contextualizing emerging technology (XR, AI, machine learning, etc), and his industry expertise spans across mobile technology, private equity, AI, Web3, gaming, and private aviation.

For more details about their company, visit Approved-Jets.com

Altimont Wilks, the owner of a Black-owned convenience store in Hagerstown, Maryland who was formerly incarcerated, has been banned from accepting food stamps at his store because of his criminal history. He is now taking legal action against the federal government, seeking a change to their current rule.

Many of his customers rely on SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). However, Wilks, who has a past felony conviction, is facing a roadblock as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disqualifies him from accepting SNAP benefits due to his criminal record.

"If you ask the average person if they'd rather be a legitimate business person or a lowly drug dealer, I'm pretty sure they'd say, a legitimate business person. And that's what we need. But without the resources and the level playing field, entrepreneurs like myself don't stand a chance," Wilks told Fox 5 DC.

Consequently, Wilks has initiated a lawsuit that argues the unjustness of the rule wherein "the USDA says anyone with any prior alcohol, drug, tobacco, or firearm offense lacks the 'business integrity' to accept SNAP as payment."

Wilks' criminal history dates back to his teenage years when he was involved with a gang and faced multiple drug-related charges. In 2004, he was arrested for drug trafficking and gun possession during a cross-border drug operation from Maryland to Pennsylvania. After serving over 12 years in prison, he was released in 2018 and opened Carmen's Corner Store, dedicated to his mother's memory.

The USDA's decision has faced criticism from advocates like Jared McClain, an attorney at the Institute for Justice. He said, "The business integrity rule hurts the low-income communities that Congress intended to help. He opened his store to be able to provide local groceries at a community convenience store for his neighborhood and not being able to sell the groceries that he has provided for them doesn't just hurt Altimont but hurts his community as well."

To address this issue, Maryland Congressman David Trone has introduced a bipartisan bill called the SNAP Second Chance Act. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the USDA from imposing such restrictions on individuals with criminal backgrounds, providing them with a second chance to establish legitimate businesses and serve their communities.

Meet Lisa K. Farrell, a visionary CEO and trailblazer in the mortgage industry, who is revolutionizing homeownership for entrepreneurs through her groundbreaking approach. With unwavering determination, Farrell is empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to break free from traditional financial constraints, enabling them to own homes without the burden of tax returns.

Lisa's innovative strategies and extensive expertise in finance and real estate have led the company to prioritize this unique solution. Through her company, Lisa Home Mortgage™, she offers entrepreneurs a personalized pathway to homeownership, eliminating the need for conventional tax return documentation. Options are also available for qualified entrepreneurs who are less than two years in business, or entrepreneurs who want to purchase property in their business name.

"I believe that every aspiring business owner and entrepreneur should have the chance to realize their dream of homeownership," said Lisa. "You know, with the online business scene really taking off, a lot of entrepreneurs, especially millennials, are finding financial success. However, many of these aspiring homeowners remain trapped in the renting cycle due to traditional mortgage requirements, such as the need for tax returns. Through our tailored approach and innovative financial solutions, we are breaking barriers and making homeownership accessible to entrepreneurs."

Her dedication to her clients and her commitment to excellence has garnered her widespread recognition as a leading force in the industry. Her company has become a symbol of hope for entrepreneurs seeking to achieve homeownership.

Entrepreneurs who have benefited from Lisa's guidance attest to her remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate financing market. Through her hands-on approach and personalized strategies, they have successfully secured their dream homes transitioning from renters to homeowners, achieving a newfound sense of stability and pride.

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Lisa remains at the forefront, pioneering innovative solutions for aspiring homeowners. With her visionary leadership and dedication to breaking barriers, she has become a catalyst for change in the lives of entrepreneurs nationwide. To complete an application for homeownership, visit WorkWithLisa.co.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
(833) 83-LOANS
Media@LisaHomeMortgage.com
NMLS# 1758932

About Lisa Home Mortgage™
This Black woman-owned firm is impacting the real estate and mortgage industries by empowering entrepreneurs to achieve homeownership. With innovative strategies and unwavering dedication, Farrell's pioneering company holds licenses in multiple states, including CA, CO, GA, TX, PA, DE, FL, LA, and AL, with additional state licenses pending. Her commitment to breaking barriers and creating equitable pathways to homeownership for business owners is reshaping the future of entrepreneurs nationwide. Learn more at LisaHomeMortgage.com.

Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish is set to open Diaspora Groceries to fulfill her long-standing dream of opening a grocery store in her old neighborhood in South Los Angeles. She has been raising $25 million over the past few years to turn this dream into reality.

Although thrilled about her success in the movie industry, Haddish emphasized that the grocery store project holds far greater importance to her. She believes in the potential impact of the store on the lives of the local community.

The market's main focus will be on catering to BIPOC individuals, as stated on its website. While the launch date is yet to be announced, Haddish revealed some exciting features the store will offer.

"There will be specialty things and a normal market and a nonprofit-like educational component, where people can take cooking classes and a financial literacy class," Haddish said. "I'm a firm believer that once you understand how money works, once you understand how food works, you become a healthier, happier human being. And when you're healthier and happier, the family's healthier and happier, and the community's healthier and happier."

Haddish has been candid about her past struggles with poverty, having experienced homelessness and food insecurity while growing up as a foster child. She expressed that food insecurity is a personal issue for her, and she hopes her grocery store initiative will make a positive impact on those facing similar challenges.

With her determination and $25 million fundraising efforts, Haddish is on track to create a meaningful and inclusive grocery store that aims to support and uplift her community in Los Angeles.

Learn more about Diaspora Groceries via its official website DiasporaGroceries.org

Husband and wife Derrick and Ramunda Young are the founders of Mahogany Books, two popular Black-owned bookstores in the Washington DC metro area. Together with their 16-year-old daughter, Mahogany, they are helping to meet the literary needs of readers nationwide in search of books written for, by, and about people of African descent.

In 2017, however, they opened the doors to their very first physical location in Southeast DC, and in July 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, they opened their second location at the National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland. Over the past six years, they have hosted more than 600 book events throughout the metro area and online via their popular MahoganyBooks Front Row series.

In fact, they have become the go-to bookseller to feature A-List luminaries, new voices, and local authors, and their website proudly boasts one of the deepest inventories of Black-themed books online.

In 2019, their company was named one of the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises in the DC Capital Region and made the Forbes Next 1000 list in 2021. Their commitment to the community is amplified by their donation of over 1,000 books to youth, numerous story times, financial workshops, author talks, seminars, and a host of other events created to enrich the lives of residents and beyond.

Their story is so successful that they've been featured in Black Enterprise, Vanity Fair, Essence, Oprah's O Magazine, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and more.

For more details, visit their official website at MahoganyBooks.com or follow them on Instagram @MahoganyBooks