40 Black Women-Owned Businesses to KNOW and Support

by Erin Daniels

According to J.P Morgan, Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S. despite the disproportionate obstacles they face. Tosh Ernest, Head of Business Growth & Entrepreneurship and Financial Health & Wealth Creation for Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase says this increase in entrepreneurship may be a result of the lack of opportunity in the traditional workforce. Over a recent five-year span, all women-owned businesses have grown around 21%. More specifically, Black women-owned businesses have skyrocketed and grown 50% with an additional 99% growth in side entrepreneurship! 

While Black women have attained tremendous success and growth, there is still a disparity between Black women-owned businesses and those owned by white women and other women of color. Per each $142,900 that all women-owned businesses generate, Black women-owned businesses only generate $24,000. Black women currently operate 1.3 million businesses in the U.S. that generate approximately 44.9 billion dollars in annual revenue. One major way we can shift this discrepancy and support Black women-owned businesses is with our spending power this month and every month.

At KNOW we are proud of and support our Black powerhouse women that are dominating in their industries. Their proven resiliency and determination have led to their continued success. This month we are shining light on Black women-owned businesses to KNOW and support now and always.

Diane Holmes | Sapphire Dreams

Diane Holmes is the owner & CEO of Sapphire Dreams.  Sapphire Dreams was created out of a love for friendship, self-care and a desire for women to take time for themselves, to celebrate life’s wins through special events and luxury travel. After working several years as a nurse practitioner, Diane understands the value and benefit of reconnecting with your core and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Diane currently resides in Charlotte, NC. She holds undergraduate degrees from College of Charleston and UNC Charlotte and a graduate degree from Ball State University. 

Toi Sweeney | The Well Dressed Brand

The Well Dressed Brand is the brainchild of Founder and Chief Style Officer Toi Sweeney, an award-winning fashion stylist, brand image strategist, TEDX speaker, entrepreneur, host of The Well Dressed Brand TV Show , certified Fascination Advantage™ coach, best-selling author of Secrets of a Well Dressed Brand. Certified Brand Strategist from Northwestern & Kellogg’s. From founding her own design firm, Her Majesty the Queen, to managing the image of almost 30 TV personalities at the leading home shopping network, she uses her background to tell original stories through fashion. Toi’s passion and talent has earned her a variety of honors and accomplishments. Presented with a prestigious Telly Award, as well as The Icon Of The Year Award . Toi has been featured on over 30 podcast, Other features include Fordbes.com, BBC News.com and Where Women Work magazine. Toi lends her style and branding expertise with an innovative approach to high-performers as well as high-profile corporations. 

The Fabulous DeAnna DuPree | Impeccable Style LLC

Based in Biltmore, this trendsetting Style Strategist helps high-achieving women entrepreneurs create a polished wardrobe that turns heads, and attracts their dream Clientele. Being that DeAnna is a Confidence and Empowerment Coach, she taps into her client’s more profound needs, making her services a transformational experience, rather than a mere shopping trip. Ms. DuPree is also a savvy Speaker and Retreat Facilitator who empowers Women to return back to their feminine Essence. Through quarterly Wellness Retreats and mastermind programs, DeAnna has been a guide to many … helping them out of the shadows to find their soul’s path. She also has a highly anticipated clothing line Di by DeAnna, launching in spring 2023. This woman is a powerhouse!

Sandy Petty | Executive Financial Partners

Sandy Petty is a trusted advisor to company presidents and is known for her ability to build financial infrastructures and high performing teams. She brings over 30 years of accounting and finance experience, having served companies in every growth stage: from startup to companies experiencing exponential growth, to fortune companies. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. She is also certified in Human Resources with her SHRM-CP and PHR. Sandy is the Chief Financial Officer and Managing Partner of Executive Financial Partners, LLC, a virtual boutique accounting firm primarily serving growth-minded women-owned businesses with revenues in the $1M-$5M range. The firm specializes in financial as well as operational advisory services. They partner with business owners to build financial infrastructures upon which they can scale, getting them down to the pathway of PROFITABILITY, CLARITY, AND CONFIDENCE.

Monique Douglas | Grooming Greatness Foundation

Monique Douglas, a 2018 inductee in Charlotte North Carolina’s Women’s History Hall of Fame in the Levine Museum of the New South, identifies herself as an ordinary woman with an extraordinary heart. Her soul ignites from her passion for grooming others to greatness, which is what has moved her over 30 years to pursue careers in sales, service and hospitality management and now even more so as she serves the youth in our community through her non-profit, the Grooming Greatness Foundation. The Grooming Greatness Foundation is committed to educating, enriching & empowering youth in underserved communities through exposure to the visual and performing arts. She and husband Kevin reside in Charlotte NC. They are Owners of CBK Branding & Consulting Firm, operating out of their Studio 229 on Brevard, a full service boutique branding company curating visual brand strategies for small businesses, professionals and corporations. She has also embraced the nonprofit community initiative, the Brooklyn Collective. 

Charlene Jefferson | Charlene Jefferson Coaching

Charlene Jefferson is a Certified High Performance Coach™, an author and the founder of Charlene Jefferson Coaching, who helps leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate executives achieve their fullest potential in all arenas of life, including career and business. She knows that this is not always easy, but it is possible if we are willing to put in the work. Charlene’s desire is to help others get out of their own way and get into the habit of living from abundance, faith, and freedom one decision, one action, one achievement at a time. Create the life and live the legacy you want to leave to your children!

Dr. Paulette J. Evans | Evans Efficiency Experts

Dr. Paulette J. Evans, BSEE, MBA, SSBB, CPHQ, PMP, CKF lives in Raleigh, NC and identifies as a process improvement/project management expert who utilizes proven methodologies to effectively and efficiently solve problems at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Because this ability comes naturally to her, she launched Evans Efficiency Experts, a process engineering consultancy focused on helping people and organizations solve complex problems, implement lasting changes, and increase the efficiency in their lives. During any free time, Paulette loves traveling internationally, creating new recipes in the kitchen, relaxing at the spa, and spending time with her husband of 19 years, John Jamal Evans, PhD, and their new Goldendoodle puppy, Tiger.

India Presley-Boyd | Wanderlust Concierge Healthcare

India Presley-Boyd is a Tampa Bay area native and the CEO of Wanderlust Concierge Healthcare (WCH). India is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing. She is an alumna of Florida A&M University and the University of South Florida. WCH was launched in October 2021. While on maternity leave during COVID, India was released from her position as a nurse practitioner at a large company. Being a first-generation college graduate, India was determined not to give up on her dreams. She decided to create a healthcare clinic that would enable her to increase access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Susan Lovelle | Premiere Wellness

Dr. Susan Lovelle, The Thrive Architect, teaches busy professionals how to flourish all day by mastering their energy, weight, and hormones. She’s the Founder of Premiere Wellness, a comprehensive lifestyle health company based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients globally.

Dr. Susan has been featured on The Doctors, the docuseries Exhausted, Lifetime TV, The Huffington Post, Forbes, KNOW Women, Training Magazine, Good Morning Washington, and Good Day Charlotte. Her new book, Thrive! The Five-Week Guide to Mastering Your Energy At Any Age is available on Amazon.

Dr. Linette Montae | Linette Montae International

As a Trusted Confidante, Dr. Linette Montae is best in the world at curating Happy, Healthy & Wealthy strategies for high-profile trailblazers! Her approach to feminine leadership embodiment is based on her core belief that you “leave a legacy” by living a life that aligns with your desires. Whether you desire more freedom to enjoy the luxuries of success, more time to indulge in a leisure lifestyle, or more alignment with your feminine power, Dr. Montae mentors a select few high-profile women to intentionally experience a level of happiness, health, and wealth that your next BIG audacious dreams are made of.

Souad Dreyfus | Open Arms Surrogacy

My name is Souad Dreyfus, and I am the founder and owner of Open Arms Surrogacy, a leading egg donation and surrogacy agency located in Sarasota, Florida. Established in 2003, we have been providing comprehensive solutions to clients seeking to expand their families through egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy. With over two decades of experience, Open Arms Surrogacy has been committed to making the process as stress-free as possible for its clients. We offer a range of resources to ensure that each step is smoothly managed from start to finish, making us a trusted and reliable partner for couples and individuals looking to complete their families.

Dr. Vanity Barr-Little | VANBAR Holdings

Dr. Vanity Barr-Little is a decorated United States Air Force veteran and multi-passionate businesswoman. She is the founder and CEO of VANBAR Holding and its diverse portfolio of businesses: award-winning CNA Training & Testing Center, Reliable Livescan and she is a multi-unit Sylvan Learning franchisee. She hopes to inspire others to raise the “barr” in order to reach their highest potential. Dr. Vanity and her husband Kourtney live in the Tampa Bay area and have four sons together.

Nikita Williams | Thrive with Nikita

Nikita Williams is an award-winning mindset business coach, certified professional essential oils specialist, speaker, and host of the top-ranking global podcast, She’s Crafted to Thrive. She’s been featured on Rising Tide, The Jasmine Star Show, and The Simplifiers Podcast. She was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2009 and fibromyalgia in 2010. These diagnoses inspired her to use her previous entrepreneur and corporate experience to jump-start her career as a business coach. She aims to help all creative women—especially those with chronic illnesses— share their stories and empower them to create the life they want and thrive.

Shirnetta Harrell | The No Woman, No Girl Initiative

Shirnetta Harrell is the Founder and Executive Director of The No Woman, No Girl Initiative. She began this organization after serving as a social worker for over 8 years in local communities. She created the organization due to seeing an ongoing need of marginalized communities not having access to everyday essentials to survive crisis or homelessness. As of today, Shirnetta and her team have served over 1,200 women and girls since their inception. She is also the previous Miss Shaw University 2012-2013.

Shayla Toombs-Withers, D.O. | Essence of Health Wellness Clinic & Coaching

Having practiced a plant based diet for numerous years, Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers has strived to incorporate her lifestyle into educating her patients in how to improve and overcome their chronic diseases. Dr. Toombs-Withers earned a Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed Residency training in Family Medicine at The University of Cincinnati and Christ Hospital. She has also completed additional Fellowship Training in Obesity Medicine and holds a Certificate of Plant Based Nutrition. Her basis for health are in line with her favorite quote, “let food be thy medicine.”

Dina Farmer | Lily and Magnolia Travel

I created Lily and Magnolia Travel as an answer to my own dilemma of wanting to vacation with my autistic son but didn’t know where to travel, what to do when I got there, and how to provide my son with an experience that was enjoyable for him and supporting any challenging behaviors. I didn’t know that autism-friendly vacations existed, and after becoming a travel advisor in 2018, I began extensive research to see if I could find anything like this to support my son.

My research led me to become a Certified Autism Travel Professional and equipped me with the tools and confidence to build vacations that were autism-friendly for my family. The benefit of this was two-fold for me because I got to keep traveling but also one of my passions was actualized because I get to work with other parents with autistic children plan and book vacations that provide beautiful travel experiences with their children as well! I am creating a community of little world travelers – who happen to have autism.

Shamekia Thomas | Culture Beauty Bar

Shamekia is a serial entrepreneur, licensed, aesthetician and business owner who has a passion for waxing and education. I enjoys creating an environment of beauty allowing her clients to feel and look fabulous! I enjoys educating my future licensed estheticians on all aspects of esthetic services. My motto “ Top Tier Top Quality” reflects my commitment to my business and clients.

Kendra Johnson | Salubrious Solutions

I am an actress who took her experience to write a curriculum. Educating the world by proactively utilizing Human Resources to suitably maneuver in standard & high profile lifestyles of fame, exerted via social media.

Ajile Weldon-Lively | Pro You Production

Ajilé started her career producing morning television programs at 16 years old. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Television & Film Production from Rowan University. She spent two years producing video content for a local business before launching Pro You Production. Ajilé is known to be a jack of all trades, supporting local film writers and assisting small businesses with their video content. As a company, Pro You Production helps businesses become virtually accessible to their consumer wherever they are by becoming a relentless, authentic and powerful brand with a reputable presence in person and online.

S.Nicole Jennings | Mocha Naturals

Nicole is a Florida native with a creative spirit. She started her first business Tailor Made Events & Consulting over 5 years ago from her creative passion to bring people together in unique settings. About a year and a half ago her creative juices were flowing as she sought to care for her sensitive skin and so Mocha Naturals was birthed. The hand made natural hair and body product line is coconut nut oil free which is great benefit for those with eczema like Nicole. Her signature product is “Love Bodybutter” which has been formulated into a fragrance free version this year. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and should be treated with care.

Dr. Jessica Chung, DNP, FNP-C | J.C. Healthcare & Associates, International Business Association for Nurses

Dr. Chung opened her own private practice, J.C. Healthcare & Associates in Tampa, FL in 2019. She provides a wide variety of healthcare services to patients of all ages. ​ Due to her vast knowledge of healthcare business start-up and private practice management, in 2020, Dr. Chung launched the International Business Association for Nurses where she helps nursing professionals and other healthcare professionals become entrepreneurs. ​ She is an educator of students, a researcher, a prolific speaker, a healthcare provider, business owner, and one that has a heart and passion for mentoring students of all academic levels, in hopes of them obtaining higher education and professional success. ​ Dr. Jessica Chung is also heavily involved in the ministry of her church, New Life Tabernacle, UPCI and constantly aspires to help and influence everyone she meets.

Shanae Kidd | Girl Hi Boutique

I work in the corporate world as a Project Manager, however my boutique is my passion and true love. Me and my husband have the coolest 16 month year old named Harper who keeps us laughing and on our toes! I started Girl Hi Boutique out of a journey of finding self love. I understand the power of putting on a dope outfit and how it can instantly change your mood. I always found myself saying “I need a dress for that baby shower or photo shoot or something fun for girls night out” and as a busy mom dresses make deciding on an outfit easy being one piece! We offer dresses for many occasions and our mission is to complement your confidence!

Martine Cloutier-LeBlanc | Captivate My Day

What do successful company leaders and successful high-level athletes have in common? MENTAL TOUGHNESS!!! Why is this important? Mental toughness allows company leaders and high-level athletes to overcome all types of situations. With great discipline and awareness, they become experts at deepening abilities like perseverance, commitment, and determination. 

As a national and international athlete and entrepreneur, I understand where you’re coming from and how challenging it is to develop a consistent and permanent mental toughness ability. That’s why I’m here to help. Send a DM and let’s talk!

Melissa Brown | Copper Sky Social Media

Melissa Brown is the owner of Copper Sky Social Media, a social media marketing and content creation agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. Copper Sky Social Media specializes in content creation, organic engagement and follower growth and turn your followers into raving fans. A native of Arizona, Melissa attended Arizona State and received a BA in Art History. Her extensive background in luxury retail and hospitality gives her a unique perspective on what clients want and how to give it to them. When she’s not glued to social media, Melissa is golfing, reading or hanging with her pups.

Marquita Wright | Marquita’s Travels

I’m The Traveling Twin Mama, helping mamas find their travel after kids- be it family trips, girls trips, baecations, business travel, mamacations or anything in between.

Diana Williams | Diana B & Co

Diana Williams is the proud owner of Diana B & Company, a finance firm that offers Accounting, CFO, and Tax services to women entrepreneurs. She is also the Founder of Fearless Brown Girls®, a nonprofit organization focused on teaching financial literacy to black and brown girls.

Diana has a MBA from East Carolina University and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She leverages her 15 year corporate experience to help women make more money, manage their money, and, legally, keep their money. Diana loves traveling, reading, watching football, comedy shows, concerts, and volunteering.

De Anna Mangum | CoupleyFit™️

De Anna Mangum is the President and Co-founder of the health, wellness, and lifestyle company, CoupleyFit™️. De Anna works with brands as a subject matter expert and visionary through strategic partnerships and digital content creation to bring about generational health by empowering couples to reclaim their health together. De Anna has landed coverage in print and broadcast outlets around the world, including FITNESS magazine Canada, Arizona’s Family, AZCentral, AZ Daily Mix, Scottsdale Health magazine, Chandler Lifestyle magazine, and Green Living magazine. In addition to her extensive experience, De Anna is a Walmart Health Partner, Influencer of Color, and 2023 Black Health Hero. CoupleyFit™️ was recognized as one of the Top 30 Emerging Startups in the world by South by Southwest (SXSW). De Anna is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, Transformational Specialist, and holds a BA in Psychology from Arizona State University. She is an avid exerciser, Big Sister mentor, and lover of healthy cooking.

Erayna Sargent | Hooky Wellness

Erayna Sargent ( aka Chill Sargent), is a speaker, mental wellness champion, and burnout relief specialist. As founder and Chief Anti-Burnout Champion at Hooky Wellness®, she merges employee-centric design and mental wellness for their signature framework, Navigating Burnout™. She has empowered thousands of professionals across clients including Google, Deloitte, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and more.

Erayna has an MBA from Indiana University and close to two decades as marketing & innovation leader. As a contributing writer at Well+Good, she provides perspective and practical tips for real-time workplace challenges. Erayna currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and their one-year old son.

Renita Fortson | What Renita Said, LLC

What Renita Said, LLC. was created in 2018 after publishing my first motivational book. I overcame a few personal hurdles in previous years which led me to share what I’d learned in my journey to becoming the best version of myself. I discovered the Law of Attraction practices and engulfed myself in self help books like, The Secret, which showed me how to shift my perspective despite life’s hiccups. During that shift I was also able to change the trajectory of my entire life! This is both a personal and professional testimony to what you can achieve when you simply change the words you speak.

Lia Dunlap | Oracle On Purpose, LLC

Lia Dunlap, also known as the Oracle on Purpose, is a spiritual mastermind who has dedicated her life to helping others find their true calling. With over 25 years of experience in coaching and mentoring, Lia has become a sought-after expert in the field of personal development. Her unique approach combines practical strategies with spiritual principles to help individuals gain clarity around their life purpose and align it with their business objectives. Lia’s passion for empowering people to live fulfilling lives has inspired many to transform their lives and achieve lasting success. Through her teachings and programs, she continues to impact countless lives worldwide.

Shante Saulsberry | Janice’s Women’s Center

My name is Shante Saulsberry and I’m the Executive Director/Founder of Janice’s Women’s Center which is a nonprofit organization that supports victims of domestic violence and homelessness.

Inga Faison Cavitt | Ingafay Unplugged, LLC

Inga Faison Cavitt, AKA Ingafay, is a Confidence Coach who previously worked as a Mechanical Engineer in chemical plants for 20 plus years. She left her engineering career in February 2020 to follow her entrepreneurial spirit and pursue her dream life full of faith, family, freedom, flexibility, and fitness. She enjoys empowering women to live their best life. She has worked with thousands of women to enhance their confidence. She helps women become top earners by building relationships that treat people like humans and not numbers.

Brianna Rhodes | Rhodes to Writing Agency LLC

My name is Brianna Rhodes, and I am a writer and entrepreneur. I founded a freelance creative agency called Rhodes to Writing Agency LLC. Rhodes to Writing Agency offers writing and editing services for businesses, creatives, and more. We focus on diverse and multicultural storytelling. Our work has been published in Blavity, Inc., theGrio, HubSpot, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our stories reach millions of Americans nationwide, shaping how they view brands, their community, and their culture. We also help creatives and aspiring writers strengthen their writing skills through tutoring and coaching.

Priscilla Green | Priscilla Green Photography

Specializing in Baby bump to 1 year portraits! Priscilla’s photography style is more of a journalistic approach mixed in with a little editorial feel. Her photos are styled, candid and a little posed because let’s face we still want some of those traditional photos to keep for our memories. She is Latina and her parents are from the beautiful island of Dominican Republic! Currently, she lives in Concord, NC but is originally from Miami Fl. She is a wife to a wonderful husband a mom to an energetic little boy who loves trains and everything boy, a mom to a tiny sweet little baby girl and I am an artsy kinda creative girl! I’m always working on a project; putting a backsplash in a kitchen, painting a room, re-arranging furniture about every 2 to 3 months ( I know! poor hubby has gotten used to it.)

Ashley Jones | Travel Your Truth

I specialize in curating luxury travel experiences for people who have a passion for art & design, health & wellness, and food & wine. My goal is to design custom itineraries that fuel your personal interests and create unique memories or travel stories you enjoy sharing with others. As someone who grew up as a military child and then became an expat, I feel it’s very important for people to embrace traveling as a means of enriching their lives. This, combined with my creative background, is why I enjoy learning about the passions of others. Plus, I take pleasure in crafting inspirational trips that are tailored specifically to your wants and needs. Are you ready to plan your next trip? If so, I look forward to hearing which passion inspires you to travel and learning details about the top three things that capture your interest.

Shavonne Sams | Truly Valued Inc

Inspired by her life experiences, education, faith, and compassion for her community–founded Truly Valued in 2014, a non-profit whose mission is to promote positive self-esteem, education, confidence and character among youth and families. Incorporating the family unit, services include character development, mentoring and community service.

Latrice Prater | The Digital Solutions Team

Latrice Prater is a Director Of Operations, Strategic Thought Partner and CEO of The Digital Solutions Team. Latrice identifies as Neurodivergent and is a wife and mom of 3 living in the Austin Texas area. The Digital Solutions Team is a top-tier Operations Service Agency for seasoned female coaches and consultants who have little to no operational plan in place and need expert guidance on operationalizing their business to scale with ease. Through a strategic partnership, The Digital Solutions Team provides a proven 3-step approach to operationalize your unique business. The 3 steps include formulation, design, and execution which include both strategy and implementation to enhance your small business operations.

Bernice Feaster | The Scholar Mom, LLC

The Scholar Mom is here to provide you and your student with a solid college plan and assist you with your search for scholarship funds. The purpose of The Scholar Mom is to consult, advise, and coach high school students and their parents in preparation and market for college. We help students to develop a personalized road map for high school success, college planning and maximum scholarship awards.

Tina L. Quant | Quant S.O.A.R., Inc.

Tina L. Horton-Quant is an Author & CEO of Quant S.O.A.R., Inc. inspiring and providing tools to improve the quality of life for foster children ages 13-17 aging out. Providing them with, life skills, enrich their lives by outreach resources and assistance. As a Guardian Ad Litem & as a former foster child Tina’s life experience motivated her first book entitled “Live to fly learn to soar”, Tina’s story of overcoming obstacles to the hurting and inspire others. Tina knows the foster experience personally her mission improves their quality of life her passion to guide them towards a deserving life.

Tori Autumn | Tori Autumn Coaching, LLC

Tori is an email strategist and copywriter. She has combined her 8+ years in journalism, PR/media, persuasive writing, and self-love coaching into writing copy that gets your audience to fall in love with your services. You can grab her free promo and nurture templates for coaches and course creators at heytoriautumn.com/gift. She has been a repeated speaker in business masterminds, memberships, and on The Copywriter Club Podcast, the world’s #1 podcast for copywriters. Tori is committed to making integrity, confidence, and equality accessible to all women, everywhere.