Dominique runs a boutique creative studio specializing in storytelling, brand architecture, design, and copywriting. She works with entertainment, influencer, wellness, lifestyle, GPG, B2C, B2B brands, corporations, and nonprofits to discover, develop, and clarify messaging and identity so they can build community and communicate with audiences authentically. With a background in journalism, Dominique provides a unique, refreshing perspective compared to other marketing agencies. Her goals are to continue to grow and build clientele.

Balim got let go from her job during the pandemic, and given her interest in fashion, decided to start her own clothing brand. She found purpose in her new business, and after facing a few obstacles, she took the opportunity to align the brand even more so with herself and her values. She makes unpretentious styles to fit everyone, with personalized designs, all hand made by her. Her clothing is unapologetic, and for people who aren't afraid to show how they think. She has gotten a lot of positive feedback from her customers, and hopes to continue growing the brand.

Emefa is an Intuitive Healer, Speaker and Master Embodiment Facilitator, whose coaching business focuses on supporting women to befriend their bodies, develop a deep sense of self-trust and self-love and heal the pieces of themselves that have been hiding, lost or dormant so they can fully live their desired lives. She works holistically with women who may be rising in their careers or at transitional points in their life, as well as organizations who serve women and girls.

Hyacinth offers an affordable, on-demand mobile laundry and dry cleaning delivery service to the Greater DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas. She works with local and trusted laundromats, dry cleaners and tailors and ensures that all clothes come back looking and smelling great! Hyacinth is proud to own a woman, minority and veteran-owned company. She offers a one-stop-shop: she will wash, dry and fold your garments and then neatly package them and deliver them. She hopes to give her clients at least four hours back a week with the time she saves by taking care of their laundry.

Yu Ling, known by their friends and family as Sway, is committed to making the world a healthier and more sustainable place. Sway spent much of their 20’s as a bartender and felt that their health had begun declining. After improving their own health, Sway dedicated themself to helping others achieve their fitness and nutrition goals. They founded a nutrition and fitness company that now offers delicious gluten-free and dairy-free baked goods as well as personal chef services and yoga lessons.

Juliana (Juju) is an educational consultant helping both students and schools with the college admissions process. In addition to 1-1 consulting, Juju has created curriculums to assist first-generation, immigrant, and BIPOC communities apply to college. Her programming is scalable and community-oriented, compared to other more competitive college admissions programs. Juju hopes to hone in on her most lucrative services and being contracted by other schools / educational programs to create curriculum + inclusive programming.

With the rise of Asian hate crimes, Kylie decided to leave her job to pursue her business full time, which is the first better-for-you Asian baking products. Her ingredients are high quality, and she takes care to source ingredients sustainably. She currently has flavors such as sesame and matcha, and demand for her products has taken off.

Lerissa owns a thought-leadership business and consulting firm for emerging entrepreneurs looking for connections and resources to be successful. She hopes to eliminate the barriers to success that most entrepreneurs face, and offers 1-1 consultations to build client's leadership skills. Lerissa is hoping to grow her business while still having enough time to dedicate to her career, and develop community leadership skills.

Dana noticed a need for natural hair & body products with high quality ingredients, and decided to start her business in 2017. Each product is handmade, and contains familiar ingredients that people can recognize. Since the pandemic, they have had to pivot from in-person events to digital marketing, and they are hoping to grow sales over the next year.

Jamila built a delivery service from the ground up. Originally from Ghana, Jamila found that African diaspora communities in NYC often weren't comfortable working with Seamless or Uber Eats. She started the business to help small business owners from immigrant communities connect with local food enthusiasts who want fast, fresh delivery of the delicious diverse cuisine they would otherwise need to travel to find.