#myBOBStory

In this return episode for the #myBOBstory series, I'm speaking with Owner and Founder, Constance Panton, of Bifties Gifts. ⁠How can we keep Black dollars in the Black community longer? This was the question Constance hoped to answer by starting her gifting box business. From providing 5% of profits to charitie's working in Black communities to the thrill of finding great products from Black makers, Constance is in it for the long-haul.

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm interviewed by my former Co-Founder to discuss my marketing consulting business, Articulate You. My consultancy was inspired by my intrigue with how small businesses contribute to the US economy, then looking further into that and finding articles and stats about Black women as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. As a patron of small businesses owned by women of color, I felt that that was an audience that deserved and needed my specialty as they oftentimes are running their own businesses alone or with very limited support from another individual.

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm talking with Founder and Creator, Bethany Peak. ⁠When she started her business Bethany had insecurities because as an attorney she had a good job and was worried that people were going to be like “What are you doing trying to slang nail polish? Go back to your office and bill more hours, do your law thing because that’s ridiculous!"

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm talking with Founder and Owner, Aneesha Smith. ⁠Growing up as a #darkskingirl she had many negative comments from people in society, but the love and encouragement of her parents led Aneesha to be the confident woman she is today. Aware not many #blackgirls have that same support as they navigate the world where limited representation exists of in media, @reflectionsbyzana was born!

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm talking with Founder and Creator, Alexis Avery of Hour x Hour Bath. Alexis has been managing a medical condition, a growing bath and body business for the chronically ill, and life for the past 8 years with one mantra driving her forward: “My purpose is to help somebody else get through their day with their condition.”

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm talking with Founder and Owner, Lloyd Vassell of Arawak Farm. After decades of working in Corporate America, and a life changing event for one of his son’s, Lloyd decided it was time to venture out on his on with one of his passions: food. As a Black man used to being told no, Lloyd cares about what he puts into his body as well as what his customers put into theirs. From its inception Arawak Farm was primed to be authentic, flavorful, and successful as he pays homage to his West Indian heritage.

In this episode of the #myBOBstory series, I'm talking with Owner & Creator of Nubian Hue Non Brew, LaJoyce Smith Waajid, about her vegan faux coffee. Nubian Hue Non Brew was inspired out of need and necessity. LaJoyce has been a vegan for many years, but she was a vegan addicted to coffee, which was an oxymoron. The whole purpose of going vegan is to live a healthy, happy life. The coffee was a bit addictive. It was costing LaJoyce a lot of money and she needed an opportunity to wean herself off of it. She had to find a way to get herself off of the coffee, so LaJoyce created her own way: a vegan dessert in a bottle.

For the return of #myBOBstory series I'm talking with Founder & Owner of People of Color Beauty, Jacqueline Carrington, about her nail polish brand. People of Color Beauty was inspired by Jacqueline's daughter Monroe. Anytime Monroe would go over to Jacqueline's mom's home she would always come back with her nails painted. Although People of Color Beauty is geared towards women of color and colors that complement our various skin tones, it's obviously for anyone who loves their colors and is interested in wearing them as well.⠀