These Ladies Are Taking On Giants Of Their Industries.

Author

Ronnie Njang
January 10, 2024

Hey there! 👋🏾

Welcome to another edition of Beyond The Pivot! I share real-life stories of successful black founders and how they are building their dreams and pursuing freedom on their terms.

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BeyondThePivot Spotlight 🔦

Meet Camillya Masunda, a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, and the founder Ebony Wine & Spirits - the sole Black-owned wine and spirits enterprise in her hometown. Beyond etching her name in history, this resilient single mother is resolute in forging a legacy of wealth for her daughter. Camillya is driven by her enduring passion for wine and her unwavering commitment to enhancing diversity in the wine industry.

Adding a unique familial touch to the venture, Masunda's high school senior daughter, Lanayah, plays a pivotal role in the business. Serving as the brand's creative director, she and her mother are a harmonious force, actively ensuring that Ebony Wine & Spirits stands as a beacon of Black excellence and luxury.

Meet Yelitsa Jean-Charles, the creative force behind Healthy Roots Dolls, where she assumes the roles of both founder and CEO. This innovative toy company specializes in crafting dolls that celebrate Black and brown beauty, featuring diverse facial characteristics, skin tones, and authentic curly hair that can be customized in various styles. Yelitsa's mission with these dolls is to impart a valuable lesson to Black children, encouraging them to appreciate the natural beauty of their hair and fostering a sense of self-love.

Currently, Healthy Roots Dolls boasts a collection of four unique dolls, each distinguished by distinct facial features, skin tones, and natural hair that can be washed, detangled, and styled. Expanding beyond dolls, the company also offers illustrated books as guides for creating natural hairstyles.

Meet Anaya Fernando, a young trailblazer serving as the CEO and visionary behind Sugar Sweet Bath + Body Treats, a thriving self-care brand rooted in the Black community. Nestled in Kalamazoo, Michigan, her enterprise is expanding in response to a groundbreaking retail partnership with Fresh Thyme. To meet the surge in demand, Anaya's company unveiled four of its most popular products at various Fresh Thyme Market locations. This exhilarating development comes hot on the heels of increased backing from local entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders, underscoring the growing momentum behind Anaya's venture.

Over the past five years, Anaya's business has undergone steady expansion, garnering numerous accolades along the way. As of 2022, the brand has ventured into bulk offerings, catering to wholesale and private label clients, marking another milestone in its journey of growth and success.

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That’s all I got for you this time! See you again next week.

— Ronnie (@mbutakeh)

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