Last year we said the Black Woman Business Grants Applications were one of the best rounds to date.
That was until this year happened.
With over 1,700 applications received, our committees had a hard time deciding who would receive what.
The Buy From a Black Woman Grant Committees are excited to announce the 2020 Buy From a Black Woman Grants will go to…
The Buy from a Black Woman Business Grant
Rhonda Cammon,
Perfectly Cordial
With over 20+ years experience in hospitality and nursing, Rhonda pursued her passion to create Perfectly Cordial. A fresh fruit , all natural mixer that combines warm spices and organic cane sugar allowing everyone to make the perfect craft cocktail or mocktail. She is the current Treasurer of the USBG Nashville chapter becoming the chapter’s first African American female board member and a Les Dames scholarship recipient. Rhonda is a Bar Consultant, Media and Publication Contributor, Curated Cocktail Lab Creator, Bourbon and Tequila Educator. Collaborating with brands like Titos Vodka, Pepsi, Patron, and Crown Royal. Rhonda has also been featured in a variety of publications including Women’s Health, Business Insider, Liquor.com, Thirsty Magazine and Cherry Bombe.
The Buy From a Black Woman Trademark Grant
I'sha Dunston,
Izayla
I’sha is the youngest of four, born and raised in Fremont, California. After high school, she moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Industry Management and Business Management at F.I.D.M (Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising). Founded in 2017 and in Los Angeles, Izayla is a timeless and versatile ready to wear luxury brand catering to women all over the world. Izayla is a representation of the owner’s personality and style. Izayla was created for women who can be both sophisticated, and conservative, all while being comfortable. The brand encourages women to be one thing: unique.
Jamillah R. Gabriel,
Call Number
Jamillah R. Gabriel is the founder and curator of Call Number, a library-inspired book subscription box highlighting contemporary Black literature and authors of the African Diaspora. When she is not curating for the box, Jamillah is studying for her PhD in information sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, and has nearly 20 years experience in public and academic libraries as a librarian and library paraprofessional. Additionally, she is the co-host of LibVoices, a podcast that interviews BIPOC librarians and archivists about their experiences in librarianship.
The Buy From a Black Woman Copyright Grant
Melisa Brown,
Melisa Brown
Melisa Brown is a Charlotte-based Abstract Artist who evokes expressionism through striking, seamless, thought- provoking works. The goal of her art is to render light in a world that can often times seem dim. Her paintings reflect the inner ability to let things flow and let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. The movement in each piece represents the unexpected twists and turns of life. Since her emergence, Melisa is featured in Pride Magazine NC-Business Edition (May 2020), Voyage ATL (September 2020), and Mahyue Magazine (March 2020). Additional art appearances include SouthEnd Arts Juried Exhibition, West Elm Pop-Up, and Hygge Coworking (West)- Mural Installation. She is easily "one to watch" in the community of artists on the rise in Charlotte, NC.
The Buy From a Black Woman Project Grant
Stephanie Dean,
StepStitches
Stephanie Dean, owner of StepStitches LLC, makes and sells Cinnamon Annie Dolls®. These Raggedy Ann style dolls are a diverse and updated modern version of the classic American icon. Cinnamon Annie dolls® are handmade with love in Stephanie's home sewing studio in Decatur, GA. Stephanie is a former elementary teacher and a licensed social worker. Her mission is to create high quality products that make the recipient happy and feel good about themselves.
Rayna Smaller,
BrownGirl SPACE
Rayna Smaller,MSW aka The Mental Health Advocate Jawn is the founder of BrownGirl SPACE. BrownGirl SPACE was birthed from a traumatic experience leading to depression and self deprecation but was cultivated into a movement of self-love, self worth, and a sense of self. Rayna transformed a painful experience into fulfilling her purpose to serve a cause greater than she by shredding light and giving hope to BrownGirls just like her. BrownGirl SPACE advocates for BrownGirls seeking a safe space to encourage healing by promoting and providing accurate information regarding mental health awareness. In an effort to empower BrownGirls to understand their own mental health diagnosis, personal mental health needs and experiences, while feeling confident in practicing self-care without feeling selfish, insecure or alone.
The Buy From a Black Woman Ecommerce Website Grant
Amber D. Smith,
Farming by Amber
Farming by Amber provides the season’s best mix of organic produce and hand-crafted farm products conveniently delivered to your door. Amber is a former STEM Professor, and makes sure she educated her clients on the things they are eating. She also trains children, seniors and those needing workforce development in agriculture, culinary arts and dietetics while growing her business.
We want to thank all of the Black Women who applied this year. It was a tough choice with so many amazing Black Women Business being created everyday. We will be emailing a special gift to each Black Woman who applied to help her grow her business.