HBCyoU Dolls represent spirit, education of historically Black colleges and universities
Wanting to introduce the concept of higher learning and childrenโs play, Brooke Hart Jones launched HBCyoU Dolls through a partnership with Purpose Toys, a Black-owned toy start-up with a mission to center and celebrate communities of color.
Black-owned Orlando businesses receive $75,000 in donations from IKEA U.S. Community Foundation
Ikeaโs U.S. Community Foundation, in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, recently donated $75,000 to Black businesses in Orlando, according to a statement from the company.
โA landscape painting transcends any racism:โ Meet the Florida Highwaymen this weekend
The Florida Highwaymen are known for turning paintings of Florida landscapes quickly and selling them from $5 to $25 in the southern region during the Jim Crow era at offices along highways in the 1950s and 60s.
Former News 6 anchor, author discusses need to pivot during coronavirus pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Former News 6 anchor Secily Wilson recently published a book about persevering and pivoting when necessary in life. Wilsonโs book โShe Said the โPโ Wordโ focuses on not only facing challenges head on, but overcoming them. โThose are life experiences that Iโve gone through from divorce from job loss from foreclosure in my home, all of these things that we are experiencing right now, but the real word is perseverance. Youโre pushing through, even through the pain, and oftentimes you donโt realize that that pain that youโre experiencing right in that moment, pushes you into your either your purpose or to your passion,โ Wilson said. You can watch Wilsonโs interview on News 6 at Nine in the video player at the top of this story and click here to learn more about her new book.
Young Orlando artist works to bring hope to community with new mural
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Sabrina Dessalines has a bright and vibrant passion for creating art -- and sometimes she sells it. Dessalines sold her first piece when she was 12 years old and ever since then, sheโs called herself an artist. โWe wanted to commemorate someone doing great for the community to bring hope,โ Dessalines said. It inspired her to create two empowering pieces of a young boy and a young girl with crowns. โI love it though.โPeople can check out Dessalinesโ work online at artbyina3.com or peruse her Instagram @artbyina3.
Sisters launch their own business after learning from mom
From coffee mugs to stationary, sisters Dede and Landrea Cowart said they wanted to start a business that fills a void in the Central Florida retail market. Miscellaneous is located on North Orange Ave. in Orlando (Dede and Landrea Cowart)She said growing up, they watched their mom grow her business, RW Events, which inspired them to start their own. Tamuel Cowart, who owns RW Events, said it has been a joy to watch her daughters create their own business. Dede and Landrea Cowart have always been close and opening up a business together has been a dream of theirs. Weโre big on gifting as a family, so in a way, weโre giving Central Florida a bit of us,โ Dede Cowart said.
Orlando business owner finds purpose in creating bags to help children in Africa
The owner of UNKY bags has found his in his business. UNKY donates supplies to kids in CameroonThere are a hundred and forty million orphans worldwide. While it was very important to get an institutional education, whats more important to Simo is giving back. His company sells handmade bags which are made in Cameroon, Africa and its foundation provides a backpack, filled with school supplies to orphans in the country. UNKY gives back 10% of all revenue made to help give supplies and even food to less fortunate children in the country.
Central Florida couple takes the hassle out of Christmas tree shopping
It's like Uber for your Christmas tree, but better. Jerry and Courtney Jasmin started Tree Drop back in 2017 after Courtney had a rough time finding a real tree of her own. At the end of the year if you need the tree hauled away Tree Drop will come to get rid of it for you. The Jasmins say they take their old trees to Free Canes For Veterans which is run by a man that turns old Christmas trees into free custom canes for veterans. So, whether itโs a 5-foot tree or a 15-footer, Tree Drop said it is ready to help you get the holiday started.
Volusia funeral home staff helps families navigate difficulties of death during COVID-19
DeLAND, Fla. Employees at one Volusia County business are helping people through one of the hardest parts of their lives while making a difference in the community. Staff members at Unity Funeral Home in DeLand are helping people navigate the new way of saying goodbye to their loved ones in the age of COVID-19. Its a tough time for everybody right now, licensed funeral director Angela Dallas-Johnson said. She buried her father, grandfather and so many others, she said, thanks to the family-operated business, and she appreciates how theyre helping so many other families during these tough times. This time we're highlighting a funeral home's journey navigating loss during a pandemic, and its message of generosity that's keeping the community alive.
Melbourne caregivers bring joy to seniors, community at adult daycare facility
MELBOURNE, Fla. Two Melbourne businesswomen are putting smiles on seniors faces while trying to make a difference in their community. Luan Blinkerd and Tajma Simmons own SarahCare Melbourne, a daytime senior care facility. Blinkerd and Simmons own a SarahCare franchise which specializes in giving seniors daily activities, companionship, medical support, and entertainment. Their passion for caregiving shows as they put smiles on their participants faces every single day. SarahCare Melbourne will be hosting a food pantry in October to feed anyone who is in need of a fresh meal.
Leesburg group home offers place for everyone to be part of the community'
LEESBURG, Fla. A couple from Lake County is using their business to mentor men in their community with special needs. Jalaneia and Terence Guions run a family group home in Leesburg called Guions Behavioral Services. Sometimes people look at them and judge them right off the back, said Terence Guions. It really melts my heart when I see them smile, just because they learned a new task, said Jalaneia Guions. You can read more about the nonprofit and ways to donate here and read more about the group home here.
Local DJ performs free live shows online during pandemic
Darryl J., Owner of Darryl J. Weddings (Darryl J.) In the meantime, Darryl J. has made it his mission to uplift others during this tough time through free shows live on Instagram and Facebook. I kept receiving phone calls and emails from brides that wanted me to capture their special day, Darryl J. said. Darryl J. says his goal is to give couples that nightclub feel at their wedding (Darryl J.)
#Goals: Ocoee brothers run successful clothing line and become published authors
OCOEE, Fla. Even before they can legally drive, 13-year-old Semaj Washington and 15-year-old Syhion Washington are already business owners, and now, published authors. When our dad passed away in 2013, we were looking for a way to help out our mom with bills and stuff, Syhion Washington said. You dont really see many young black men starting their own clothing line and putting as much dedication into ours, getting a whole patent and going through the whole legal process, Syhion Washington said. You dont see many people doing that.Anything that you put your mind to you can do it, Semaj Washington added. You can shop online at S2T2 Sports Apparel and purchase a copy of Dear Adults, We Have Issues Too! by clicking here.
Black Business Directory
Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)Published: August 12, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: August 12, 2020, 10:28 amPublished: August 12, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: August 12, 2020, 10:28 amIf you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.
Owner of Sanford consulting firm mentors future leaders through her nonprofit
Im a strong believer that you are in control of your future, said Gaines. "I was really blessed to help a lot of black business owners here in Seminole county obtain funding for their business so they can stay open," said Gaines. Most recently, Gaines was given the all clear to open a group home in Sanford to help foster kids who are aging out of the system. To read more about Gaines nonprofit and her consulting business visit https://www.facebook.com/savingourdaughtersorlandoYou can also email her at savingourdaughters407@gmail.com. August is National Black Business Month and every week News 6 is spotlighting black-owned businesses rooted here in Central Florida.
Author features Central Florida community in her latest book
ORLANDO, Fla. โ When you think of the Orlando region, you think of places like the University of Central Florida and Lake Eola. Chantal Roachรฉ is the author behind the book. Books and writing became her escape, but she said she still felt like she didnโt fit in growing up. Having these experiences helped me view thoughts and emotions on a grander scale with the ability to translate this into my writing,โ Roachรฉ said. Now sheโs using her book to showcase the melting pot seen in Central Florida and what the community has to offer young adults.
Central Florida woman loses business, learns and helps others launch their own
Coleen Otero said her first experience in the business world started at the age of 12 when she was styling hair for women twice her age. As part of her individualized business development strategy, Otero helps women do everything from securing funding to setting and achieving business goals. Otero's team of business professionals helps clients get these kinds of results through one-on-one coaching, weekly group coaching sessions, an annual event, and a CEO retreat. CEO Chick also provides grants. To learn more about CEO Chick go to CeoChicksOnline.com.
Business owner, nonprofit founder overcame his past to succeed, mentor others
Becoming successful for many business owner means overcoming your past. The first business owner in our "Rooted in Central Florida" series knows all about overcoming obstacles. He's the owner of Dirt Master, a commercial and residential cleaning company. Marquis McKenzie, 29, is the owner of Dirt Master, a commercial and residential cleaning company. If youโd like to learn more about McKenzieโs non-profit or his cleaning business, you can visit www.TheDirtMasters.com or call 407-406-9640.
Rooted in Central Florida: Black Business Spotlight
Business owners, employees and the communities they serve are all feeling the impact. And this isnt the first major blow for black business owners. And when black business owners are approved for loans, they often are approved for less, according to the Minority Business Development Agency. That's where National Black Business Month comes in. At News 6, we will work to get results by highlighting some of the black-owned businesses in Central Florida and the impact they are making in the community.
Uber Eats waives delivery fee to help support Black-owned businesses
ORLANDO, Fla. Uber Eats is offering a way for people to support Black-owned businesses across Central Florida. Uber Eats recently launched an in-app promotion waiving the delivery fee for all registered Black-owned independent restaurants in select cities across the country, including many options in Central Florida. The promotion is focused to make it easy for Uber Eats to support Black-owned restaurants in their communities. Groups of employees across Uber, including members and allies of the Black @ Uber employee leadership group, worked together to generate the lists of Black-owned independent restaurants. Uber Eats customers can enjoy free delivery from restaurants who opt-in to the promotion for the rest of 2020.
Central Florida minority-owned businesses keeping athletes in NBA bubble well fed
Several Central Florida minority-owned restaurants are sharing how they are keeping some of the worlds most famous athletes well-fed. Chef Shawn Loving is the general manager of the Executive Chef Kitchen onsite in Orlando. Participating NBA team culinary staff work within the Executive Chef Kitchen and provide supplementary meals for players and teams, the NBA said. News 6 reached out to the NBA for a list of the minority-owned businesses. Participating NBA team culinary staff work within the Executive Chef Kitchen and provide supplementary meals for players and teams, according to the NBA.
Orlando Grammy-award winning artist shares path to success
He said a popular group called The Ink Spots took him under their wing and let him play drums for them occasionally. In 1969, his music group released a song. They didnt give him money but set him up with the opportunity to play drums on B.B. King was sitting on the sofa and he was waiting on me and I was like woah," Covington said. Covington said he played the drums for B.B.
Parramore business owner works to preserve black history as area grows
More affordable housing has opened in the area and the Orlando City soccer stadium is drawing in new restaurants and shops. Crosier said he also wants to preserve the rich history of the area and encourage other people in the area to open small businesses. โI just hope everybody can last longer enough to see the full effect of the changes,โ Crosier said. โWe are trying to make sure we maintain the small businesses that are in Parramore,โ Hill said. To read more about business incentives and services offered by the city of Orlando to assist small businesses, click here.
Self-made CEO turns pain into passion by helping others reach their goals
He was so young he could barely process it, but said he was old enough to realize something was missing. While playing organized sports as a child, he remembers seeing other kidsโ parents hug them after his youth football games. Not from the victories youโve claimed, but from the hard work youโve endured to claim your victories. While networking and discovering his love for giving back, Wiggins started Atlas Speed Training LLC, a speed and agility training company that trains between 450 and 510 athletes a year. Full Screen 1 / 4 Wiggins is the CEO of Atlas Speed Training LLC.
Keeping it natural: Orlando mom becomes entrepreneur after sons skin condition
For a local mom, her sons skin condition launched her into a whole different industry making her a girl boss in the organic soap world. Together they became part of the global natural soap industry. Things that you would normally use to be healthy like eating olive oil or coconut oil, Natasha said. According to MarketResearch.com, more and more people in the U.S are turning to this alternative for everything from soap, body scrubs and bath bombs to other natural body products. People are realizing that your skin is extremely important and not only what you put inside of your body is important but what you put on your skin is important, the entrepreneur said.