After a successful but also stressful career in marketing and journalism, N’neka found her passion in creative writing and has since worked independently to pursue her dream. Her previous work experience has helped her publish her first book smoothly and she is currently working to reach a larger audience. It is her goal to create a competitive entity that will attract large firms to partner with her while she can remain independent.
Toni and Vester always wanted to be entrepreneurs, and decided to bring health and positivity to their community through a seafood business. They are always there for their customers, providing fresh-caught options and going above and beyond with recipes and customer service. They are excited to break into an industry that lacks black-owned businesses, and in doing so to keep money in their local community.
Ana creates vibrant brand identities and spatial experiences for clients through web, interior and event design. Ana's projects have varied from designing online shops to in-person work spaces. They also teach online classes for creative entrepreneurs. Ana's mission always is to conceptualize and execute the visionary goals for clients.
LaParis grew up around flowers; her parents owned a balloon and flower shop in Missouri when she was young and she continued to work with floral arrangements throughout high school and college. She finally launched her own flower business several years ago, and has since expanded, delivering gorgeous arrangements in Brooklyn and beyond. LaParis hopes to continue to grow her brand and her reach in the coming year.
With over 10 years of experience, Chrystal utilizes her skill set to customize her client's massage according to their specific needs. Certified as a Massage Therapist and Health Educator from National Holistic Institute in Emeryville, Chrystal has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts from Cal State Hayward, making massage therapy a perfect fusion of art and science for her.
Nikki started her business in 2014 as a wedding videographer, which is when she first started working with Start Small Think Big. She is a passionate and hardworking business owner who loves what she does. Unfortunately, she has run into difficulties due the pandemic and weddings being postponed, and is hoping to build her way back to a full schedule of new weddings.
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.
Cassandre operates a fun, thoughtful cafe that serves as a hub for local community activities and conversations. Her menu includes a range of options inspired by her cultural roots. Cassandre also hosts significant events, including art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts.
Terese is a business owner and clothing designer. She loves designing clothes that showcase the superhero in all of us. Despite being luxury quality items, nearly all of her clothes are machine washable, quick dry, and wrinkle free, making them a perfect fit for a life on the go.
Afua has reimagined a classic West African beverage and sells a delicious Roselle Hibiscus tea which does not contain any artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or extracts, and is made only with healthful, organic ingredients. This is her way of challenging the way we think about Africa's contribution to the global food and beverage industry, and addressing the lack of representation of African inspired products.