Although Shante Frazier and Lauren Mitchell grew up in an entrepreneurial family, they never anticipated becoming entrepreneurs. Inception Frazier first worked as a consultant at PwC upon graduating from New York University in New York City, NY, with an MBA. At the time, her plan was to climb the corporate ladder with an overarching goal of becoming a partner at the company. Mitchell also worked as a consultant at Deloitte for six years, followed by an additional year at Grant Thornton. Their transition into entrepreneurship was triggered by Frazier’s opportunity to participate in a venture studio — a company that provides capital to launch startups — in the wake of COVID-19. While brainstorming a business concept, Frazier’s aunt suggested a rental company for weaves and hair extensions. After further consideration, Frazier recognized the key aspects that would be necessary to turn the idea into a venture, which included an extensive sanitation process and bringing Mitchell on...

There are a plethora of ways to help empower others, and Black entrepreneur Tera Carissa Hodges has created a way that’s both sentimental and personal. The empowerment coach teamed up with Culture Greetings, a female and Black-owned greeting card brand, to empower women, according to Black News. Hodges’ collaboration is an example of how holidays and celebrations shouldn’t be the only time to show love to those around you. The 10 greeting cards within the brand’s breakthrough and empowerment line revolve around trials and tribulations such as breakups and job loss — tough times where one needs support most. “I help people heal from their past by embracing their past and pain and seeing it as purposeful. Everyone has made mistakes, been lied to, endured unfair treatment, etc. But, when you own your story, your story can never own you,” the Black entrepreneur shared. Culture Greetings’ customers can pick a card online and customize it with a personalized message. The cards will then...

Megan Thee Stallion is making hot girl history with her latest collaboration between Revlon and StockX. A press release reports that the rap star — a Revlon brand ambassador — has finally teamed up with her makeup brand partner to launch their first hyper-limited edition “Hot Girl Sunset Collection” exclusively on the digital retail marketplace. This marks the first time a beauty brand has launched any product on StockX. According to Revlon GM Chandra Coleman Harris, the brand wanted to debut on StockX’s unexpected launch model because the platform’s unique features matched its one-of-a-kind beauty collection with Thee Stallion. “StockX is at the center of culture,” she said in a statement, “so the synergies between our brand DNA, her fans, and StockX’s dynamic marketplace aligned perfectly.” This revolutionary launch merged the tech, retail and beauty industries together to provide consumers with an out-of-the-box shopping experience on StockX. Though it seems like an usual pairing...

Real hot girls know how to give back! Megan Thee Stallion and Fashion Nova continue to give back through the nonprofit leg of the leading e-commerce fashion lifestyle brand, Fashion Nova Cares, reports Black Enterprise. This time, they’re donating $25,000 to North Carolina-based HBCU, Bennett College. In honor of this past Women’s History Month, the funds will go toward Bennett’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to support and encourage future initiatives among students. “What a time to be a woman, specifically a Black woman,” said Suzanne E. Walsh, president of Bennett College, according to Black Enterprise. “I am truly appreciative that Bennett [College] was not only selected but pre-selected to receive and participate in Fashion Nova’s new philanthropic initiative, “Women On Top.” This donation coordinates perfectly with who we are and what we represent as a historical higher education institution for women.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fashion Nova CARES...

The year 2020 has redefined celebrity brand collaborations and transformed them into authentic partnerships consumers can trust. While many celebrity collaborations with big-name brands offer a sense of creative control over their campaigns, rarely do brands tend to strike gold for a balanced alliance. However, this year, several high-profile collaborations amassed viral attention from the masses for their genius matchups – from luxury clothing brands to the biggest in gaming tech. Check out the below list of brand collaborations that got it right this year: Desus & Mero x Timberland As Bronx natives who have been longtime fans of the Timberland brand, the “Desus & Mero” duo finally secured their dream brand collaboration for what has been “a lifetime in the making,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. The collaboration pays homage to their Bronx roots and Timberland culture in New York as a whole. In regards to the brand’s relationship with the late-night TV stars, Drieke...

Fashion Nova, the LA-based clothing retailer that became a sensation when worn by celebrity influencers such as rapper Cardi B., is now involved in investigations associated with its affiliates. The clothing line boasts fashionable gear at relatively unmatched prices: with blouses under $20 and jeans under $25. However, there is a reason that Fashion Nova’s clothing is so economical; factory workers are paid far below the minimum wage. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these subcontractors may owe as much as $4 million in back pay to hundreds of workers. In a recent New York Times article, author Natalie Kitroeff delves deeply into the Fashion Nova underground, interviewing subcontracted factory workers, suppliers, and other insiders. A four-year investigation conducted by the federal Labor Department found that workers were paid as little as under $3 per hour , far below the legal wage limit of $11 to $12 per hour for the state of California, and the $7.25 hourly federal...