In case you didn't know, the ladies have been doing it for themselves. Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of business owners in the United States yet still have to fight for consistent visibility and access to resources. In light of this, they still set the pace for success as entrepreneurs and inspire so many of us to go after their goals.
Check out these fierce Black women entrepreneurs who are marching to their own beat in various industries and altering the field of business one boss move at a time.
Adebukola Ajao
Adebukola Ajao is not only blazing her own trail as an entrepreneur, she is simultaneously showing up as a leader by teaching others how to be business owners as well through her platform For All Things Digital. This Boston-based "small biz advocate" is the founder of BDY Consult, a boutique agency specializing in digital media consulting, event planning, brand management and partnerships. She is also currently an adjunct professor at Northeastern University.
Arian Simone
Arian Simone is the co-founder of the Fearless Fund, a venture capital fund that is the first of its kind and primarily invests in the endeavors of women of color. After building a school in West Africa in conjunction with the ProSeed Foundation, she was crowned Queen in Côte D’Ivoire of the Dawa (Krumen) people in 2022.
Kelsey Davis
Kelsey Davis is the founder of CLLCTVE, a technology company that connects creative to paid opportunities and resources across the globe. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, Davis is also a director and content creator who has worked with major brands like Puma, Coca-Cola and AT&T to educate audiences about the digital divide in the United States.
Naj Austin
Naj Austin is the founder and CEO of Ethel's Club and Somewhere Good. Ethel's Club is a safe space designed for people of color with intentional co-working, virtual and in-person programming. Somewhere Good is a digital platform that connects local community members to gatherings in their vicinity with an emphasis on networking and communal bonding.
Christina Funke Tegbe
54 Thrones is a clean, luxury skincare brand rooted in "Africa's beauty rituals." Founded by Christina Funke Tegbe, the brand, inspired by the 54 countries on Africa, has seen great success commercially and even appeared on Shark Tank. Tegbe also mentors other entrepreneurs and is invested in proper representation across the board.
