As a new year arrives, we’re honored to announce our annual list of 20 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Watch, comprised of catalysts making significant contributions to the culture and communities worldwide.
In this second year of presenting the honor, our commitment remains to recognize Black Women refining the status quo, shifting the culture, and making history. With visions ahead of their time, these change agents continue to utilize their gifts of ingenuity for the advancement of society and future generations.
Here are BlkWomenHustle’s 20 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023.
1. Regan Farley
PUBLICIST & CO-FOUNDER | INTEL MEDIA GROUP
Publicist and Digital Content Strategist Regan Farley has redesigned the blueprint of public relations as an industry disruptor. She co-founded Intel Media Group (IMG) to elevate traditional and new media footprints for individuals, businesses, and brands across the country. The Lincoln University alumna leads the charge of authentic storytelling to leverage talents and drive visibility for her clientele, including companies like Fox Broadcasting Company, NBCUniversal, and Def Jam Records. She lives by the notion that “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately. Each person has a different hustle and a specific goal to get them there. It’s important to recognize that early on and know that you must run your race to be successful.” With each riveting event and media feature, Farley is both elevating and becoming the standard for visibility, while paving a path that new and existing PR companies will soon follow.
2. Tamara Bates
POLITICAL & COMMUNITY STRATEGIST | BATES COLLECTIVE ASSET
Tamara Bates, professionally known as Tap the Connector, is a captivating community voice who’s unapologetically addressing social justice and flawed policies impacting citizens across the country. The Memphis, Tennessee native entered politics as the Principal of Rock AR Vote’s voter registration initiative in Arkansas, and later joined the Tennessee Democratic Party as the Director of Community Engagement. She also serves as the Principal of Bates Collective Asset, the social impact firm centering culture, social innovation, and everyday people through intentional public service. Some of her most prominent contributions consist of mobilizing for critical elections, including service as Co-Director for Woke Vote during the historic 2022 Georgia Senate runoff victory. Her passion for the people remains the foundation of her history-making movements in civic education and community engagement nationwide.
3. Kayla Rogers
REALTOR | KEYS WITH KAYLA
Kayla Rogers is the owner of Keys With Kayla and one of the Southeast’s top-producing realtors based out of South Carolina. The 2022 40 Under 40 Real Estate Producer award recipient has served as a powerful homeownership advocate for real estate investors and individuals in search of property ownership. The unrivaled depth of her homebuyer’s knowledge fuels the acquisition of multiple real estate investment properties and residential homes throughout the state. Rogers gained nationwide recognition for her efforts to #BuyBackTheBlock in partnership with fellow University of South Carolina graduates, with the groundbreaking purchase of a 26-unit, restorative housing rental property. With million-dollar properties throughout her portfolio, she’s earning her acclaim for being one of the industry’s most elite agents.
4. Makisha Boothe
FOUNDER + HEAD BUSINESS COACH | SISTAHBIZ GLOBAL NETWORK
Since 2018, Makisha Boothe has undoubtedly made reputable efforts to close the wealth gap for Black women solopreneurs and microbusinesses. As the Founder and Head Business Coach of Sistahbiz Global Network, Black Women have received $1,200,000+ in business grants, in-kind services, professional training, and coaching. Thousands of women have positioned their brands for funding and prepared for acquisition through her organization’s strategic coaching program. Under Boothe’s esteemed leadership, businesses have transformed and scaled with the implementation of enhanced revenue models, human capital strategies, systems, and resource allocation. Her supportive community creates a safe space for Black women to process the woes of entrepreneurship, while utilizing the platform’s resources to navigate their way to success.
5. Lydia T. Blanco
JOURNALIST | BLANCO & CO.
Intrapreneur Lydia T. Blanco brings credibility and authenticity to the forefront of storytelling and digital content. The trusted journalist projects the voices of marginalized communities worldwide, with illuminating stories rooted in truth and healing. Her contributions to prominent media outlets like NBC News, Black Enterprise, and Forbes display compelling stories with masterful wordplay. In these transformative years of digital evolution, Blanco applies her skills as a facilitator, content strategist, and on-air talent to tell the stories of powerful public figures like Octavia Spencer, Debra Lee, Cathy Hughes, and Thashunda Duckett. As a highly-regarded media professional, her work invokes a newfound passion and empathy within millions of readers and viewers across the globe.
6. Heather Keets Wright
CO-FOUNDER & CEO | WRIGHT CREATIVE AGENCY
In the creative, branded content space, Heather Keets Wright has dominated the industry as a voice for the unheard stories, people, and brands who require effective, purposeful content. Her company Wright Creative Agency, co-founded with husband and filmmaker Mark W. Wright, has serviced commercial clients like ESPN, Sunbelt Rentals, and Kellogg’s with content, consulting, and media production. A journalist by trade, Wright began her career working for Time Inc.’s Entertainment Weekly magazine, leading to editorial roles at Seventeen and Teen People.com. As a thought leader, her award-winning career spans across journalism and brand storytelling to move diverse content from the shadows to the spotlight.
7. Robin Evans
FIREARM INSTRUCTOR & CEO | CHICKS WITH TRIGGERS™
Robin Evans is an NRA and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division certified firearm instructor empowering self-defense for women. When Black-owned and woman-owned businesses in the firearms training industry were nearly non-existent, Evans created the environment to give women the help and protection they needed, with a resonating vibe. She founded Chicks with Triggers™ on a mission to teach women to be their own first responders. As a result, she’s trained well over 2,000 women to use pistols, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons. Her relatable approach affirms women with an instructor who looks like and understands them. Through her company, women are presented with an assuring space to overcome fears and provide protection in life’s most critical moments.
8. Angel Livas
MEDIA EXECUTIVE & FOUNDER | ALIVE PODCAST NETWORK
Executive producer and director Angel Livas has worked with some of the most reputable networks and highly-respected shows in entertainment. Throughout her career, she’s built a corporate resume to include works with Larry King, NBC, and Bloomberg TV. Livas birthed the one-of-a-kind distribution platform, Alive Podcast Network, after witnessing the rejection and relabeling of content by Black creatives. The NAACP Image Award-nominated platform has become a home for top-ranked podcasts, including Under Construction w/ Tamar Braxton and The Devil Is A Lie. Through her acclaimed platform, the media executive strives to turn the podcast network into a household name, while bridging the disparity gap for Black creatives and protecting their content.
9. Pamela Reneé
BRAND STRATEGIST & FOUNDER | SOCIALPRNT
Creating content that sells is a specialty and passion for brand strategist Pamela Reneé. Her extensive experience in social media content and strategy has laid the foundation for individuals and businesses needing a level up in the digital realm. Reneé launched socialPRNT, the woman-led creative agency, to assist black-owned businesses, clothing brands, health and beauty brands, and beyond in discovering their secret sauce for branding and social media presence. The development of personalized strategies and content for brands, podcasts, and creators remains the driving force behind her mission to transform the creative field. With a chic esthetic, Reneé’s relatable content serves as an influence for creatives who are highly engaged in music, culture, and lifestyle motivation.
10. Orion Brown
FOUNDER & CEO | BLACKTRAVELBOX®
As a brand strategy consultant by day, Orion Brown has led cross-functional teams throughout multiple industries for over 15 years. Transforming the strategies and consumer brand marketing efforts of companies like Oracle, Hasbro, and Kraft Foods, she disrupted the $110 billion travel industry with an ingenious brand. Brown’s rich expertise in consumer insights, packaging, and brand strategy aided in the development of her business, BlackTravelBox®. The premium, clean beauty company provides women of color with a trusted variety of hair and skin care products for their travel needs. Their clean products are especially formulated to last longer, travel better, while remaining safe for use on melanin-rich skin.
11. Alicia Carroll
MARKETING ANALYST & FOUNDER | OPTIMIZED REALITY
Alicia Carroll is transforming businesses through optimized marketing and analytics. With over 10 years of experience in corporate marketing, the Marketing Analyst has supported 8 and 9-figure brands with marketing optimization, increased conversions, and sales. Leading entrepreneurs away from unfavorable vanity metrics, she developed a system to provide core numbers and strategies needed to grow and sustain a business. Carroll’s company, Optimized Reality, makes analytics in relatable fashion for female entrepreneurs to improve their strategy, sales, and visibility. Her advanced approach removes the fluff taught with instant result marketing to focus on core tenets that allow entrepreneurs to understand metrics, enhance their performance, and take profitable actions.
12. Dr. Jessica Mosley
MEDIA PROFESSIONAL & FOUNDER | DEBORAH’S PLACE
Dr. Jessica Mosley is a multi-talented, serial entrepreneur and global media professional. The philanthropist and medical training school owner has been heavily influential in developing strategic communications plans, garnering extensive media coverage, producing marketing materials, and coordinating special events. Her deep-rooted passion for helping abused women and children led to the opening of her nonprofit organization, Deborah’s Place. The organization advocates for positive changes in the societal systems affecting women suffering from domestic abuse and sexual violence. Their initiatives provide counseling, clothing vouchers, as well as rental, education, and career assistance in partnership with brands like Walmart, IKEA, and Pepsi. Dr. Mosley’s transitional home for battered women is slated to open in Spring 2023.
13. Keliah Smith
FOUNDER & CEO | CRWND ILLUSTRATIONS
Digital Artist and illustrator Keliah Smith is expanding her creative territory through chic designs. She founded CRWND Illustrations to offer a signature-style collection of stylish and inclusive creations. The artist’s illustrations remind women of color of their greatness, strength, and voice through words and visuals. Based out of Kansas City, the small brand that began with drawing as therapy has grown to global success, with eye-catching visuals that celebrate and empower women worldwide. Smith’s creatively designed greeting cards, stationery, and gifts gracefully highlight the beauty and features of women of color. As the collections grow, she’s diversifying the offerings with an introductory line of products for children and men.
14. Dr. Ashley Little
FOUNDER & CEO | ASHLEY LITTLE ENTERPRISES
Award-winning, serial entrepreneur and Ms. Georgia Global Continental Dr. Ashley Little is the founder and CEO of Ashley Little Enterprises, an all-encompassing brand changing the landscape of digital and print media for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her portfolio extends across the industries of media, publishing, marketing, and public relations, with features in Forbes, Black Enterprise, and Revolt. With media at the forefront, she’s the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Creating Your Seat at the Table International Magazine and Media Brand. Dr. Little’s company Little Publishing writes, publishes, and markets the stories of new, seasoned, and children’s authors worldwide. The best-selling and visionary author founded The HBCU Experience Movement®, the first Black-owned company to launch books written and published by prominent alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
15. Jennifer Streaks
SENIOR PERSONAL FINANCE REPORTER | BUSINESS INSIDER
Nationally-recognized money and affordable lifestyle-expert Jennifer Streaks helps readers face the challenges of financial struggles. The Senior Personal Finance Reporter and Spokesperson for the Personal Finance Vertical at Business Insider delivers practical, cutting-edge information through journalism. Her early beginnings of reporting began with Black Enterprise, CNBC, and Forbes, where she covered personal finance, women, economy, and technology. Streaks introduced audiences to a how-to guide on living vs. surviving and improving financial management with the authorship of “Thrive! … Affordably: Your month-to-month guide to living your BEST life without breaking the bank”. With a goal of wealth in mind, she aims to take the misery out of management and bring financial freedom to the masses.
16. Kristy James
COTTAGE FOOD BAKER & OWNER | KAKE JUNKIE
What originally started as a venture for cake-scented candles turned into a sugar wonderland for Kristy James. The cottage food baker is the owner and operator of Kake Junkie, the South Carolina home-based bakery serving fun, sweet treats and art you can eat. James curates aesthetically-pleasing, themed cakes, cookies, and more with edible features, for individuals, businesses, and event planners. Noticing the admiration shared for her work, she began offering local treat workshops for current and aspiring bakers looking to perfect their crafts and quality. She later opened the opportunities to families looking to introduce their children to a sweet, new experience. As the demand grows, James looks forward to the nationwide expansion of her baked goods empire.
17. Olesha Haskett
FOUNDER | OHEXPERIENCE, THE COTERIE NOIR
Leaving her role as an educator, photographer and Ohexperience founder Olesha Haskett stepped into her life’s purpose of guiding Black womxn into their journey of self-love and discovery. An intimate community became the result of her desire to have more of them define their versions of sensuality and sexuality on their own terms. Haskett launched The Coterie Noir, formerly known as Boudoir for Black Womxn, an educational community for Black boudoir photographers around the globe. Through embodiment, workshops, and retreats, photographers are leaning into their creative works and capturing the essence of Black women and femmes. The existence of her platforms aim to change the narrative of body positivity and encourage loving your body as it is now.
18. LaTanya Coleman Carter
AUTHOR & ACADEMIC ADVOCATE
LaTanya Coleman Carter uses education, spirituality, and maternal experiences as a guide for others to release societal norms. Her teachings and coaching frees parents and children from the oppressive mindsets and behaviors that plague Black households, and introduces them to liberating techniques. Carter’s book “Dear Mom: Wait, That’s Me!” is a collection of essays, prose, and poems detailing the experience of Black moms parenting in today’s society. She also commits to equipping Black & Brown parents, youth, and educators with resources that inspire meaningful action and address pressing concerns. Merging traditional and experimented techniques, Carter empowers parents and children to take control of their lives and advocate for themselves. Her messaging is crafted to share community stories, history, and culture through an evolved lens of transformation and healing.
19. Barbara Kamba-Nyathi
FOUNDER | BOLD DIALOGUE
Psychotherapist Barbara Kamba-Nyathi is an entrepreneur, guiding light, and survivor. Fighting through the challenges of cervical cancer, endometriosis, and an autoimmune disease, she’s used her story to rebuild and empower success stories for millions worldwide. After being stripped of what were once prized possessions, she reemerged through a space of healing and growth that would impact women around the world. The proud Zimbabwean founded the transformative organization Bold Dialogue to empower, inspire, and guide women to become better versions of themselves. As a result of her efforts, women across the African continent and beyond have united to rise above their circumstances to enrich their livelihood and level up in their careers.
20. Nicki Bond
OWNER & CEO | LIFE STRATEGIST CONSULTING GROUP
Nicki Bond is a powerhouse on the rise in leadership and development for Corporate America. Prior to entrepreneurial endeavors, she built a 5 year corporate portfolio as a training facilitator, curriculum developer, and designer. Through her learning and organizational development firm Life Strategist Consulting Group, Bond provides consulting and professional development training services to local, state, and federal companies and organizations. Her strategies enable individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve extraordinary personal and professional results through rigorous training and solutions. Leading with expertise, Bond is single-handedly remodeling the internal structure of corporate roles and cultures for companies nationwide.
7 Responses
Congratulations Queens! This is so exciting! The diverse skill sets and the fact that there’s global representation here is 🤌🏿!
It’s definitely the diversity and representation for us!
Thank you for this incredible honour, today I am the answer to the prayers of my ancestors to be mentioned amongst other phenomenal women. Enkosi!
You’re so deserving, Barbara! Indeed you are. We celebrate you sis!
Thank You For Creating This Acknowledgement! Congratulations To ALL THESE AMAZING WOMEN!
We appreciate your support!
I am proud of you all. Bravo
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