Day 7|Denise Rogers|Brooklyn Curls & Curves
Denise Rogers, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, is a passionate entrepreneur with a strong background in marketing and business development. She earned her degree in Marketing Communications from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, and has spent over 13 years excelling in the property management industry, including work as a housing litigator.
Day 6|Safiya Rochester|Tipsy Tops Cupcakes
Safiya is the proud owner of Tipsy Tops, a Black-owned cupcake business dedicated to bringing joy to special occasions. Established in May of 2016, Tipsy Tops was born from her passion for event planning. However, with the demands of a full-time job and the responsibilities of being a single mother, she realized that dedicating the necessary time to event planning clients wasn’t feasible.
Day 5|Lynnette Paris Johnson |The LifestyleGroupNC
Paris's art is a reflection of their journey—love, resilience, and faith. As a sustainable artist, Paris crafts wood flowers that symbolize growth and second chances, much like their own path.
Day 4|LaTasha Best-Gaddy |Infinity Bridges Inc
La-Tasha Best-Gaddy, Chief Strategist at Infinity Bridges Inc., 25-year diverse career across Economic & Business Development, Accounting, Insurance, Financial Services, and Non-Profit sectors. An innovative thinker and dedicated entrepreneur, La-Tasha actively supports her two children's business endeavors.
Day 3|Ebony Spruill | EBS Creations LLC
Ebony is a talented and creative entrepreneur with a passion for bringing unique, personalized designs to life. As the owner of a thriving custom crafts business, she specializes in creating high-quality, customized products, including shirts, hoodies, doormats, cups, and much more.
Day 2|Sharon Y. Decoster| Sharon Y. Decoster Image Stylist and Life Coach
Sharon is a professional Image Stylist and Life Coach with over 30 years of experience. She is passionate about helping women and young adults discover their personal style, seamlessly blending elegance and modesty with modern trends.
Day 1|Melissa Washington|Melissa Renee Agency
Melissa Renee is the owner of Melissa Renee Agency and a dedicated mother to an energetic 8-year-old son who brings both joy and inspiration into her life. Her entrepreneurial journey is driven by a passion for creating a better future for both her son and the community.
Day 23|Purusha Jones-Shearin| Ms. Full-Figured North Carolina Pageant
Purusha is the Director of the Ms. Full-Figured North Carolina Pageant, a platform celebrating the beauty and confidence of curvy women in our state.
Day 22|Ashley Day| Graffiti_Panda
Ashley started her business because she was an overweight teen that struggled with self-identity and didn’t feel like she could express herself or feel beautiful in her own skin.
Day 21|Sophia Taylor| Relatable Lactation LLC
Sophia Taylor, IBCLC is a board certified lactation consultant, helping to increase the rates of longevity in breastfeeding, and helping to decrease the rates of infant mortality.
Day 20|Lisa Strawley| Buen Provecho
Her name is Lisa, born and raised in New Jersey with a passion for showering others with love through the meals and baked sweets she crafts. After experiencing illness approximately four years ago, her mental health suffered, but baking became her restorative elixir, reviving Lisa's spirit.
Day 19|Mayah Collins| Fruit of May
Mayah Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Fruit of May—a lifestyle media company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrating Black women storytellers. Mayah is a skilled journalist who inspires her readers to live passionately, heal unconditionally, and grow spiritually.
Day 18|Jamela Gorham| Mela Jay Photography
Jamela is a versatile photographer skilled in capturing moments across various domains, including event photography, family portraits, and lifestyle shoots.
Day 17|Shania Kerina| Kerina's Place
Shania Kerina is a mental health advocate, poet, speaker, and mother. Earning a B.A. in Sociology, mental health has always been a passion of hers.
Day 16|Cislyn Griffin| Broken Krayonz
Cislyn Griffin has carved a distinctive path through a decade-long career in sales management before turning her focus towards her passion for early childhood education.
Day 15|Alana Gilbert| Mind Body & Scents
Alana, also known as Ms. Candles, serves as the Owner, Founder, and Creator of Mind Body & Scents. She initiated her eco-friendly luxury designer home fragrance company as a response to heartbreak and personal struggles.
Day 14|Marius Thompson| Beyond Yane`
Marius specializes in Afro-Centric Fashions and Accessories. Embracing culture through Fashions every day. You will definitely spark a conversation and leave a statement with Beyond Yane'.
Day 13|Felicia Lockhart, MBA| WePrep Tax Services, LLC
Felicia Lockhart, MBA is a seasoned tax professional, with 15 years of experience in Tax Compliance and Tax Enforcement. Felicia has a Bachelors in Accounting and MBA from University of Phoenix. Felicia is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc and the National Association of Tax Professionals.
Day 12|Sahv Benyahmeen| Melanin Nation
My name is Sahv Benyahmeen, founder of Melanin Nation. Melanin Nation is a street wear brand that represents all people of color, and promotes, unity, growth, and inclusion for melanated people.
Day 11|Jasmine Callender| Styled By Jasmine Boutique
Jasmine Shakieer is an entrepreneur, author, designer, and creative from Fayetteville, NC currently residing in Raleigh. Her brand, Styled By Jasmine Boutique, focuses on the inclusion and representation of African and African American culture and fashion in all areas of life.

