Category: Entrepreneurship

Book Radar: Mary J. Blige Announces New Children’s Book

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Award winning songstress and actress, Mary J. Blige, announced via her Instagram that she is releasing a children’s book. The book titled Mary Can! is about a young girl named Mary who proves that anyone an make their dreams come true. Mary J. Blige noted that she took inspiration from her own experiences as a child and even an adult to build the story.

Image Credit: Harper Kids

Mary Can! is published by Harper Kids and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin. It is available now for pre-order. The official release date is March 28, 2023.

Product Highlight: Buy Black Art Tote by Cede Supply

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The Buy Back Art tote was launched by Cede Supply in honor of Black History month, but is still for sale. The company committed to donated 10% of the proceeds to their #Sowacede foundation which “which focuses on funding of the arts, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence with our youth” (Cede Supply).

Image Credit: Cede Supply

The style of the tote is fashioned after the Dior Book Tote, which is eye catching and in style at the moment, so the message is bound to draw attention.

Image Credit: Cede Supply
Image Credit: Cede Supply

More About the Company:

Cede Supply “bridges the gap between conscious, luxury and cool.” The “inspiration behind the name of Cede Supply Co. came from the word concede, which means to give up or pass on. Founder and CEO, Kristyn Edwards’s mission with this brand is to highlight and educate consumers on social issues that shape the world we live in today through each collection that is released. 3% of sales go towards a cause in relation to each collection” (Cede Supply).

The Buy Black Art tote retails for $135 and can be purchased here.

Jackie Aina Launches Lifestyle Brand, FORVR Mood, for the “Regular-Degular Girl”

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“Boujie, but make it approachable” –FORVR Mood

Beauty influencer and social justice advocate, Jackie Aina, launched her own lifestyle brand, FORVR Mood. She teased her followers with only a name and not giving any hints as to what she was about to release other than it was not beauty related. The initial drop turned out to be four candles with names of cultural colloquialisms often used in the Black, LGBTQ+, and beauty communities. Jackie spoke of her love for greats scents and how she always had candles burning in her home and that it was only right to launch candles.

The marketing videos on the brand’s Instagram page features all four candles being highlighted in an computer generated video of pastels and golds in different backdrops such as a luxurious bathroom and posh living room with a vibey Afro Beats tune playing in the background, an obvious nod to Jackie’s Nigerian roots.

Description:

“Think of FORVR Mood as a boujie-on-a-budget haven. Think: *lux, but make it accessible*. We’re boujie, but not b*tchy – we think everyone should have access to products that make them feel like THAT girl. The idea was to create a lifestyle brand that’s fun, light, and prioritizes feeling good. We’re not here to sell you a facade. Every product we create is something Jackie LOVES, actively uses, and makes her life easier. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re in it for the feeling. For the vibe. For the whole mood. AND WE’RE BLACK OWNED!” (FORVR Mood).

On why she started FORVR Mood:

“In today’s stay-low-and-grind climate, whatever happened to taking care of YOURSELF? That’s where we come in. We’re a brand that emphasizes putting yourself first. The grind gon’ always be there, but will your edges? Make sure YOU are good first, sis.” (FORVR Mood).

Caked Up Scent Profile:

Top: Roasted Pistachio, Almond Cream, Pineapple

Heart: Honey, Jasmine, Coconut

Base: Vanilla Bean, Musk

Matcha Business Scent Profile:

Top: Hazelnut Coffee, Almond Milk, Honey

Heart: Coffee, Lavender

Base: Vanilla

Left on Read Scent Profile:

Top: Tropical fruit

Heart: Coconut, Coconut Milk

Base: Caramel

Cuffing Season Scent Profile:

Top: Fresh Ozone, Salty Lemon, Mineral Citrus

Heart: Iris, Violet, Jasmine

Base: Douglas Fir, Rain Forest Moss, White Cedar

All candles retail for $35 and were sold out shortly after launching. Go Jackie! Since the debut of her brand, FORVR Mood and her candles, she has since release pure silk headbands and pillowcases priced at $28 and $49, respectively.

Learn more about FORVR Mood by heading to their website. If you’re interested in new releases, be sure to sign up for updates.

Image Credit: FORVR Mood, Jackie Aina’s Instagram

The Honey Pot Co. Receives Backlash over Target Commercial White Women Alleged was Racist Only to Receive Overwhelming Support in Return

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The Honey Pot Co. is a plant based feminine care product line founded by Bea Dixon. She was recently featured in a series of commercials by Target called “Founders We Believe In” that ran during Black History Month. During the thirty second clip, Dixon discusses ger company and the challenges she faced getting it off the ground. Her last statement is what sparked fury.

“The reason why it’s so important for Honey Pot to do well is so that the next black girl that comes up with a great idea, she can have a better opportunity. That means a lot to me.”

Then emerged a small group of white women who took this to mean that the product was only for black women and/or the founder only wanted black people to use her products. This mirrors a long standing mindset of whenever black people affirm themselves it must some how take away from their support of white people and their culture. This is a false narrative. Ms. Dixon simply stated she wanted to be an inspiration to young girls who look like her that will come after her. This is a powerful statement as a quick Google search will tell you black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs yet the least funded demographic compared to other business owners.

Women who called the brand and owner racist took to the company’s Trust Pilot site to leave inflammatory negative reviews. Honey Pot is a feminine hygiene company, some reviewers didn’t even do their research before leaving reviews. They tried to disguise themselves as black women with comments such as “burned my nappy afro right off” and “I used it and now I’m sick.”

Then a beautiful thing happened. Black women and allies to the black community rallied around Honey Pot Co. and not only purchased from the brand but left positive reviews exclaiming their support. Some mentioned having purchased and loving the products in the past without even knowing who the owner was. Honey Pot Co’s sales doubled!

In light of the controversy, Target has turned off comments under their post with this video and Trust Pilot has a notice on Honey Pot Co.’s page with them informing everyone they have launched an investigation to the sudden influx of comments. Thank you to both companies for standing behind this Bea Dixon and the The Honey Pot Co.

Video Credit: Target
Image Credit:https://thehoneypot.co/

Small Business Spotlight: Black Girl Sunscreen is the First Indie Black Woman Owned Suncare Brand in Target

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#blackgirlmagic

If you follow Diva Chronicles on Instagram, then you’ve seen the post about how they’ll be some black history related content coming your way this month. Black owned brands are highlighted all year long here, but we’re ramping things up a bit.

Image Credit: Black Girl Sunscreen

Congratulations are in order to Shontay Lundy and her brand Black Girl Sunscreen for getting permant product placement at select Target locations. She is the first black woman owned indie suncare brand to hit their shelves. What is even better is she is located next to the big brands and at “eye level.” This is huge as product placement real estate reigns supreme in retailers. Here’s to hoping for middle of the aisle in the future! Also, black owned companies or products geared toward black people’s needs were historically all relegated to the same aisle regardless of product type.

Shontay started the brand to solve the problem many black men and women had after applying sunscreens from other brands. That problem waa an unattractive ghostly white cast. This left many foregoing sun protection all together and we all know it is needed. A quick exchange under our Instagram post congratulating the brand shows a reader asking if it leaves white residue. The issue is real for those of us with darker completions. The short answer is it doesn’t.

Black Girl Sunscreen is lightweight, doesn’t leave white reside, doesn’t feel heavy or sticky in the skin and is now more accessible than ever. Check out their website to see if they’re in Target stores near you.

Diva’s Quick Tips: Myleik Teele, Founder of Curl BOX, Tells How She Remains Detail Oriented

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Myleik is always dropping FREE gems on her social media. Whenever an entrepreneur gives free advices, take notes! Her Twitter thread last night was no different. These tips can seem small, but many overlook them and they can be game changing. There are a few I can work on myself. Grab a pen and paper and get free game below because #mytaughtyou.

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6 Reasons to Support Small Businesses in Your City

Published on by joslynrichardsLeave a comment

This time of year I am sure you are flooded with the back to school ads, commercials, and signage. That is because the summer is winding down and if you are from my hometown, the summer is over. The kiddos headed back to school today! If you haven’t started or completed your shopping yet, let me encourage you to add a few small businesses to your list. Investing in them can really boost your local economy and eventually, you’ll see the return on your investment in various forms. Here are 6 reasons why you should patronize the small businesses in your area, not just for the beginning of the school year, but year-round.

  1. They Often Donate to the Local School System

Sure, it is nice to geta check from the big corporate donor. However, so many people are vying for them that the donations are not as consistent as they would be if a small business donated their time or resources in the form of employees, money, or building. This is because they are more accessible and many of the owners have children in the same area, so they are equally invested as you are.

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Photo by Ekrulila on Pexels.com

2. They Often Live in the Community In Which They Serve

Which means they want to see if thrive and are often involved in city legislation to help it progress.

3. They Will Likely Be Around for Generations

When a local business if around for a few decades, they are doing their part to add stability to the local economy. The mainstream retailers come and go, but many mom and pop shops continue to hold on. By supporting them, you are helping to keep those gems around for your children and grandchildren when they get older.

4. They are Easily Accessible

There are no 1-800 numbers you have to call then wait on for seemingly forever if you have a problem, or if you just want to simply thank them for their service. More often than not, the owner is right there working or not too far away.

5. The Product is Higher Quality

Whether it is a maker of leather goods, personal care products, or baked goods, the product tends to be made in house and with quality materials and ingredients. It is easier to trace the origin of the finished product.

6. Small Businesses Often Support Other Small Businesses

Whether it is the local coffee shop using the hometown print shop for their cups, or the clothing store selling accessories made by a local jeweler, they are doing their part to strengthen ties within the community.

What are some other reasons to support small businesses? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Tech News: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter Partnering on Business

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Hip Hop turned business moguls commonly known to fans as Diddy and Jay-Z are partnering on a business app. The app aims to uplift the African American business community by allowing users to locate black-owned and black-friendly business” in “any given city” according to Sean Combs. (TV One)

He stressed, this isn’t about exclusion, but uplift.

p-diddy-jay-z

“This is not about taking away from any other community,” he said. “We’ll still go to Chinatown. We’ll still buy Gucci!” He laughed. “But the application will make it possible for us to have an economic community. It’s about blacks gaining economic power.” He and Jay-Z have been talking about this, he said, about moving the race forward actively, by means of: making a lot of money and putting it back into the community. I don’t believe in passiveness. At some point, there has to be some kind of fight. I feel like we’ve done a lot of marching. It’s time to start charging.” (TV One)

No word yet on the name if the app or when it will be released. Are you interested?

Richelieu Dennis’ New Voices Foundation Purchases Madame C.J. Walker Estate and Will Use as Think Tank for Black Women Entrepreneurs

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Rich Dennis, who famously sold Sundial Brands, owner of Shea Moisture to Unilever, then turned around and purchased Essence Magazine is keeping busy. He purchased the private estate of famed black hair care entrepreneur, Madame C.J. Walker, for his New Voices Foundation. He plans to use it as a think tank for black women entrepreneurs.

Image Credit: Historic New England/David Bohl

The “Villa Lewaro” estate was famous for hosting the likes of Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B. Dubois, and Langston Hughes during the Harlem Renaissance. The home was privately owned and did not give public tours, though they have been known to host private events and tours in the past. You can take a virtual tour here.

Rich Dennis is known to be an avid supporter of women in business. Just listen to him talk here and you can learn all the ways he has helped women-owned indie brands thus far. So his plans to turn the first self-made women millionaire’s home into a think tank for self-made women is a perfect match.

Image Credit: Saving Places.org
“This includes utilizing Villa Lewaro as both a physical and virtual destination where women of color entrepreneurs will come for curriculum-based learning and other resources aimed at helping them build, grow and expand their businesses,” he continued. “When people think of entrepreneurship services for women of color, we want them to think of the New Voices Foundation and Villa Lewaro. (Essence)”
Read more about the acquisition here.