From legal practices to innovative dining experiences, these six Black female entrepreneurs are paving the way for future leaders.
In the U.S., Black women are recognized as the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. Despite historical pay disparities compared to men and white women with similar qualifications, many are now creating pathways for future success. As society advocates for equity in funding and workplaces, these remarkable individuals are making strides.
We highlight six accomplished Black female entrepreneurs who are achieving great things and are set to reach even greater heights by 2026.
Pinky Cole, CEO and Founder of Slutty Vegan
Why She’s One to Watch
Her business saw a 50% growth in 2022, with an average order value of approximately $30, and projections indicate continued expansion into 2023.
Her Story
Founded in 2018 in Atlanta, Slutty Vegan specializes in plant-based comfort food, attracting a local following with delicious offerings. The restaurant gained celebrity endorsements from icons like Snoop Dogg and Tyler Perry. Currently, they operate seven physical locations across Atlanta, Birmingham, Alabama, and Brooklyn, New York, with a traveling food truck reaching various cities.
In May 2022, Slutty Vegan secured a $25 million Series A funding round, achieving a remarkable $100 million valuation, backed by Enlightened Hospitality Investments and New Voices Fund. Cole also released her first cookbook, featuring 91 recipes, titled ‘Eat Plants, B*tch.’
With her achievements, Cole founded The Pinky Cole Foundation to empower future generations in pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions and building wealth.
Alicia Homes, CEO and Founder of Journey To Wealth
Why She’s One to Watch
Her organization has enabled over 1,000 Black and LatinX women to boost their net worth, reduce debt, and start investing in blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
Her Story
Though Homes formally launched her business in 2016, she has been mentoring and guiding women toward financial independence for over 30 years. Journey to Wealth offers seminars and workshops aimed at women seeking financial freedom.
Within JTW, Homes initiated the Women in Action program, fostering support among women to address wealth disparities through education and investment. Her mission is to eliminate wage and racial wealth gaps.
Neidy Hornsby, Founder & CEO of Noir IP
Why She’s One to Watch
Since 2019, her law firm has grown its clientele by 10% to 12% annually, focusing on women entrepreneurs.
Her Story
Recognizing the importance of trademarks, Neidy Hornsby established a law firm dedicated to serving women entrepreneurs. She aims to disrupt traditional legal services by offering customized solutions at transparent rates. Her firm has thrived primarily through referrals, with 98% of new clients coming from word-of-mouth.
“I want my business to flourish,” she states. “I believe in collaboration and support among women.”
Chrishon Lampley, CEO of Love Cork Screw
Why She’s One to Watch
Her company empowers minority business owners in the wine sector, achieving sales of two million bottles and a 272% sales increase in 2022 while expanding distribution to ten new states.
Her Story
After a flood forced her to close her Chicago art and wine bar, Chrishon Lampley pivoted from her radio show to develop Love Cork Screw into a lifestyle brand. Founded in 2013, her company sells wines and candles, making her the first Black woman from the Midwest to achieve national distribution with a wine brand.
Lampley has hosted the inaugural Clink Festival, aimed at uplifting women and BIPOC communities in the wine industry, and she continues to give back through speaking engagements and mentoring young women entrepreneurs.
Tara Melvin, Founder of The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals
Why She’s One to Watch
In just 60 days after its formation in 2020, this association attracted 100 founding members and now represents professionals across 24 states and the Caribbean.
Her Story
Tara Melvin established her first business, Perfect Planning Events, in Washington, D.C., where she excelled in wedding planning. Motivated by the lack of representation in her field, she created the National Society of Black Wedding Event Professionals to empower Black professionals in the wedding industry.
Through NSBWEP, she provides a nurturing environment for networking, education, and support, aiming for 500 members by 2025.
Christie Lindor, Founder of Tessi Consulting
Why She’s One to Watch
In its second full year, Tessi Consulting reached seven-figure revenue, doubling sales in 2021 with an impressive 80% client retention in 2022.
Her Story
Christie Lindor’s firm collaborates with organizations to foster equitable workplaces. As a certified B corporation and minority-owned business, Tessi Consulting addresses social injustices and aims to empower communities to build wealth.
“We’re leading the charge in the DEI space,” Lindor says. “We need collective effort to drive change.”
With a team of 11, the firm has launched an Institute for Inclusion to train DEI consultants using their unique methodologies.
