Black Entrepreneurs

If there is one person in Boston who knows the ins and outs of the city’s fashion world—especially men’s fashion--it’s Jeff Lahens, who bills himself as a Men's Style Curator. Through his marketing firm, he hopes to put Boston on the "global fashion map."

According to the most recent stats, women make up the fastest-growing segment of small business owners. In fact, the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) says there are 7.8 million women-owned businesses in the United States. And many of these women are mothers. Here, entrepreneur Karen Taylor Bass shares her secrets of having it all.

Supporting black-owned businesses is a great way to stimulate economic advancement of the African American community. Up until now, however, locating businesses with black owners was difficult to do consistently.  Now, consumers can more easily find black-owned businesses thanks to Around the Way, an innovative app designed for the purpose.

Her facials are getting rave reviews in the media, from beauty experts, and from everyday people. It’s no wonder Facials by Obina in Brooklyn is booked solid. Here, writer Ann Brown talks to owner Obina Escort.

Ron Donovan had no idea he would one way be making high-end footwear for a living. Today, he is the owner of  RONDONOVAN Footwear & Accessories.  

It was in her grandmother's kitchen that Dawn Tyson first fell in love with the art of cooking. Recently, she launched her own catering company.

Samanta Joseph is carving out a niche with her company. Launched in 2003, it specializes in stylish large-sized shoes. 

These days, branding is an essential step for nearly every business. Sheila Coates, the creator of BYOB (Be Your Own Brand), helps people do just that. With two decades of entertainment experience behind her, Coates uses her expertise in to help companies and individuals—even celebrities--to brand themselves

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As president and CEO of MVPwork LLC, Becky A. Davis’ one goal is to help as many small businesses stay up long after they start up. The stats are against start-ups--nearly 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. But Davis and her company, MVPwork, aim to change that. She advises upstarts on how to maneuver the tricky journey of succeeding with a new business.



Young entrepreneur, Kellee James has accomplished much in her industry—and she’s just getting started. James is the founder and CEO of Mercaris, a market data service and trading platform for organic and certified agricultural commodities.
 Even President Barack Obama has recognized James’ expertise. He selected her as a White House Fellow.