In today’s always-connected world, it can still be surprisingly tough to find exactly what you’re looking for. That’s especially true when it comes to discovering Black women-owned businesses. Despite the reach of social media and the internet, these gems often go unnoticed. Fear not! 21Ninety is here to help.
Our Village United is a nonprofit founded by Lakeysha Hallmon that’s committed to uplifting small businesses across the country. The organization provides hands-on support, connecting solopreneurs and microbusinesses with the tools and professional services they need to thrive. Through targeted cohorts, OVU brings in mentors and experts to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and scale their businesses.
In its most recent cohort, business owners from across the South came together for mentorship, guidance and game-changing insights. Many of these were women-led brands on the rise and trust us, they deserve your attention.
Here are 7 Black women-owned businesses from the South you should definitely have on your radar.
My Signature Scent
Aiesha McKenzie is the woman behind My Signature Scent, a custom fragrance company. McKenzie is a longtime fragrance lover who at one time sold her own creations. She eventually realized she preferred helping people discover their own unique scent story and so My Signature Scent was born. Her Atlanta-based business offers private scent making classes in a brick-and-mortar location. McKenzie also brings her services to special and corporate events.
Your Hair Made Simple
Shannon Walker used to think doing her hair was impossible. So it may come as a surprise that she now operates a podcast empowering others with natural hair to embrace their tresses. Walker developed Your Hair Made Simple to celebrate natural hair and encourage women facing challenges like straight-hair bias, heat damage and product allergens.
Culture Sweet Tea
Imagine the guts it takes to leave a successful 10 year career as an immigration attorney to start a new business. That’s exactly what Sarah Dubale did when she started Culture Sweet Tea. The second generation immigrant’s beverage blends her Ethiopian and Southern roots to create something truly delicious. While the product isn’t available in stores just yet, Dubale is working hard to make that dream a reality.
Frances Marie Fragrances
Tired of not seeing Black women represented in fragrance marketing, Tiffany Scott decided it was time to do something about that. She developed Frances Marie Fine Fragrances as a love letter to Black women. Named after her late grandmother, Scott’s initial offering, True, is a delicate blend of soft, fresh florals, bright citrus bursts and warm woods.
Russell’s Transport
Taricka Russell and her husband are the family behind Russell’s Transport. They have been in the trucking business for more than seven years. They focus on service, speed and quality.
Mobile Beauty Bar Atl
It’s safe to say hair is in Kristine D. Reed’s genes. Her great-aunt was Coretta Scott King’s hair dresser after all. So, it’s no surprise that the entrepreneur would pursue hair care in a unique way. Reed’s Mobile Beauty Bar Atl provides beauty services on the go. From working women to busy moms, MBBA meets you where you are. The brand offers braiding, nail and loc services in the comfort of your own home or place of work.
Princess Netta
While Jenjit Howard was part of an earlier OVU cohort, her business definitely still deserves a shout out. As a mom of four beautiful brown girls, Howard found a need for more representation in the pajama industry. Fed up with patterns and characters that didn’t represent her kids, this mama decided to take matters into her own hands. She developed Princess Netta which offers pajamas, accessories and bedding all with Black children in mind.