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FAILURES & SUCCESSESStartup SuccessesYoung Business Leaders

Once Homeless, This Black Entrepreneur Owns a $20 Million Trucking Company.

by Ethan Carter
written by Ethan Carter

Amari Ruff, 34, had a challenging upbringing. He juggled employment and school as a teen while moving between homeless shelters to support his mother. However, he now has a multimillion-dollar trucking business called Sudu that links small business owners with enormous corporations like Walmart and UPS.

Modest beginnings

Ultimately, he got a job with a company and started negotiating significant business contracts. He assisted in the company’s expansion to $4.5 million in annual revenue but was demoted from the better position he had been promised. He claimed he wasn’t expecting it, and it was a depressing time, but this inspired him to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Beginning at the base

His military father abandoned his mother to raise him and his two brothers when he was 16. They resided in shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and Amari once had to travel more than four hours each way to continue attending high school and working.

In 2010, Amari decided to launch a communications business with just $300 and a 1990 Ford Ranger. However, he soon expanded it to five U.S. locations and approximately 200 trucks. While doing so, he also saw wider chances to establish a tech business linking underrepresented businesspeople (minorities, women, and veterans) with larger corporations. He subsequently created his own company to fill the need.

He founded Sudu 2015, an online marketplace that uses technology to link major shipping businesses with small and medium-sized trucking companies, which account for 90% of the transportation sector. Because of the speed and efficiency they offer the business with their technology, referred to as “Uber” for truckers, he claims he chose Sudu, a Chinese word that signifies speed and tempo.

Finally, there was Acknowledgement.

Amari’s brilliance made him a sought-after speaker at worldwide tech and business conferences. He was asked to speak at the Build Your Brand conference and retreat and the Nelson Mandela Fellows Panel.

He also began to receive significant honors, like the 2016 NMTA Minority Business of the Year, the 2017 Georgia Trend Magazine Trendsetter, and the 2018 Atlanta Business Chronicle InnoVenture Award. Even the Venture Atlanta Top 10 Startups to Watch list featured him.

In just three years, his Atlanta, Georgia-based company, Sudu, expanded to include more than 300,000 trucking firms in its network, focusing on minority, female, and veteran-owned firms. He has also negotiated with significant businesses like Walmart, P&G, Delta Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Georgia Pacific, and UPS.

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BUSINESSSTARTUPSYoung Business LeadersYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Meet the Youngest Black Woman to Formulate an All-Natural, Organic Hair Growth Oil.

by Alex Turner
written by Alex Turner

Mariah Lovemore, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based African-American cosmetologist, was only 27 years old when she started studying how to produce a hair growth solution for men and women with natural hairstyles.

Her target audience was those who wore their hair in natural styles. It took her seven years, but she has finally cracked the code after trying so hard to figure it out. And today, at 34, she is one of the first Black women in the nation and the only one in the world to have discovered an all-natural, organic hair growth solution that works.

Her specialty product is called Naija Growth Elixir, and it helps cure alopecia, postpartum hair loss, and dandruff while also making natural hair more manageable, smoother, and shinier.

This helps natural hair keep its length longer and encourages growth in places where it has been lost. Her cutting-edge recipe does all of this without leaving a greasy residue on the natural hair or the scalp of the person using it. People of African heritage now have the hope and the bravery to wear their hair confidently, all while enjoying the stimulating and energizing perfume it exudes.

Mariah claims that she was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, including enthusiasm, creativity, self-assurance, motivation, optimism, resilience, and decision-making.

She implies there is more to “her motto from the source of healing” than meets the surface. Her strong sense of community has propelled her to reach out to and assist those struggling with suicidal thoughts and despair due to the epidemic using music and inspiration gleaned from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and farther afield.

She is a skilled cosmetologist, and as such, she pays special attention to the requirements of her customers and carefully selects the components required to resolve and improve their appearance. The Naija Growth Elixir, her most recent innovative product, is a high-quality oil combination kept in a one-of-a-kind ombre glass container with essential oils.

She states: “I spent seven years researching this project, and I was able to give some of my clients prototypes of my hair oil.” Their supportive comments and responses encouraged and inspired me, and they convinced me that I had successfully produced a product that would be profitable.

After concluding that she was finally prepared to launch her business, she came up with the company name “Naija By Lovemore.” She settled on the “Naija Growth Elixir” moniker for her first marketplace offering.

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Startup SuccessesYoung Business Leaders

19-Year-Old Makes History With Her Mom, Opens Newest Black-Owned Wing Spot in Houston Area

by Alex Turner
written by Alex Turner

A recent Shark Tank contestant named Tyla-Simone Crayton will soon establish the first Sienna Wings restaurant at Harvest Market in Missouri City, Texas, roughly 20 miles outside Houston. Tyla-Simone, who is just 19 years old, is also the creator of Sienna Sauce, a Black-owned national condiments company. But Sienna Wings was created in 2017, the same year she and her mother started selling wings every Friday from their house. The outstanding reaction inspired them to create a Wing Spot restaurant in their neighborhood.

I want to share it with as many people as possible because it’s wonderful when people try our wings for the first time and fall in love with them, said Tyla-Simone. “I also want to inspire other young people to pursue their ambitions. One of the first retailers to sell Sienna Sauce was Harvest Market, and the neighborhood has been supportive of us from the start.

It’s a full circle moment for me, and we must keep our beginnings in mind in this neighborhood here in our town.
Customers can anticipate a fast-casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating and the option to eat in or take away orders. All four of Sienna Sauce’s famous flavors, including Lemon Pepper, Sweet & Tangy, Smokey Brown, and Spice It Up, will be on the menu as wings. The menu offers kids’ chicken bits, fries, and macaroni & cheese as side dishes.

About the Founder

Tyla-Simone Crayton is the CEO of Sienna Sauce and a full-time student in UC Berkeley’s Haas undergraduate business department. She is the first person to ever receive a Pinnacle Award from the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce for Youth Entrepreneurship, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and a Judge of Fort Bend County Proclamation for her accomplishments and achievements in entrepreneurship, among other awards. Underneath all these honors and CEO accomplishments, Tyla-Simone is enthusiastic about giving back to her community.

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Entrepreneurial MindsetYoung Business LeadersYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Young Black Entrepreneur, 12-Year-Old Boy, Juggling School and Owning a Food Truck Business

by Alex Turner
written by Alex Turner

Meet 12-year-old African-American Mario Mack, the young businessman behind J’s Pop-Up Shaved Ice. Mario is from Fairfield, Alabama. Beginning when he was just ten, he set out on a mission to realize his entrepreneurial ambition while continuing his academic pursuits.

From the beginning, Mario was determined to be successful like his mother, since she encouraged his independence and prepared the road for him.
“She really liked working for herself, and I saw that, like, early on when she started, and I thought it was cool,” Mario told CBS42. So, I decided to build a food truck and do things independently.

Two years later, he purchased his trailer. He’s now on a quest to grow and level up his company by acquiring a bigger one. This young businessman is saving money for the big move.

His path involves Urban Impact Birmingham, an organization that supports young entrepreneurs like Mario. According to Courtney Craig, their program manager, they are committed to giving opportunities to all entrepreneurs. They’re committed to encouraging entrepreneurship in the community, particularly among young people, who have been starting businesses more often recently via programs and financing availability.

“It’s essential. According to Courtney, when helping businesses and ensuring that our children are engaged in constructive activities, our community has to adopt a wraparound strategy.

Mario’s company is more than simply a side job; it’s his passion. Despite being young, he is already fulfilling his business aspirations. He also has clear goals for the future, stating, “I want to own my restaurant and be able to cook.”

But Mario wants to motivate other young people; his goals go beyond his own. He passionately believes that everything is achievable with enough willpower. He is a wonderful example of bringing passion to life.

Mario also makes the most of his time by juggling work during the week and operating his company on the weekends. He also has a generous nature and often shops in Birmingham parks. He offers free shaved ice to people experiencing homelessness at least once a month.

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STARTUPSYoung Business LeadersYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Founder of Black-Owned Tech Startup Launches Online Service For Mentoring and Therapy

by Alex Turner
written by Alex Turner

Meet Emery M. McClendon, Esq., an accomplished inventor, lawyer, and the brains behind the groundbreaking Black-owned tech business The Odd Pro (T.O.P. ), offering people a comprehensive support network to foster personal and professional development. The company is committed to giving individuals the tools to overcome obstacles and accomplish their objectives.

For just $25 a month, T.O.P. provides a special membership experience that gives members access to a variety of excellent advantages aimed at enhancing many facets of their lives:

Dr. Ish, a well-known T.V. personality best known for appearing on The Doctors, The Today Show, and Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars, will conduct weekly counseling sessions for members. Dr. Ish provides knowledgeable direction and assistance for emotional health and personal development.

Benefits of Mentoring Videos: The 24/7 Mentoring Video Benefits provide insightful information and the chance to study quickly. The curriculum gives participants the tools they need to succeed in various facets of life by covering a broad range of personal and professional development themes.

Networking opportunities: Members may participate in thrilling weekly game shows that broaden their networks and allow them to win money and prizes. These engaging seminars aim to promote connections and create long-lasting partnerships.

Exclusive Savings: T.O.P. unlocks exclusive discounts of up to 50% off at more than 1 million merchants, including vehicle rentals, travel, lodging, dining, amusement parks, and more. These reductions aim to increase the affordability and pleasure of all aspects of living.

24/7 Travel Concierge: A committed customer support staff is on call 24 hours a day to help members with their travel arrangements. The travel concierge offers professional advice and assistance to guarantee flawless travel experiences, from flights to lodgings.

Emergency Resources: T.O.P. provides various emergency resources to help members get through uncertain times. When confronted with uncertainty, the support network offers aid and direction to help people overcome obstacles.

Emery claims that to create his multi-million-dollar innovation, PHamily Hair Care, he took inspiration from his personal experience of overcoming challenges. He founded T.O.P., which offers a special fusion of advice and resources out of his dedication to assisting others on their personal and professional journeys.

Emery said the Odd Pro is a full support system that allows people to access professional advice, priceless resources, and a network of like-minded people. “Our mission is to empower people to confidently navigate obstacles and pursue their goals.”

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Young Business Leaders

16-Year-Old Black Teen With 3 Degrees Becomes America’s Youngest Full-Time Teacher

by Ava Robinson
written by Ava Robinson

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native Shania Muhammad, 16, has earned three degrees from prestigious universities and is now the youngest full-time paid teacher in the United States. She has a job teaching third grade at a local school.

Some people feel she’s too young, but Shania has already demonstrated she’s more than capable of doing the job. She attended Oklahoma City Community College and Langston University at the tender age of 14 and now possesses a bachelor’s degree in Early Child Development and two associate degrees. In addition, she has spent two years in the Thurgood Marshall Foundation’s National Teachers Professional Development Program.
Despite her extensive experience and accomplishments, she has always wanted to be a teacher.

Elijah, her father, says, “I’m very proud of my daughter for having the courage to follow her beliefs and live out her mission in the world. She doesn’t let others’ judgments of her stand in the way of pursuing her goals.

People will always have criticism and nasty things to say, but we are accustomed to it,” he said on Facebook recently. And no one’s naysaying has stopped our family from creating history.

“It is a privilege and honor to be this young lady’s mentor, helping and guiding her teaching journey,” said Charitta Smith, director of Young Achievers Christian Academy, where Shania works. It’s almost the end of the first week, and I already have to praise her excellent work with the third graders.

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Young Business LeadersYOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Black Woman Entrepreneur, Owner of 50 Airbnb Properties, Launches Florida Affordable Housing Construction Firm

by Ava Robinson
written by Ava Robinson

Let me introduce you to Janay White, a successful businesswoman, and Airbnb host who happens to be African American and based in Jacksonville, Florida. She aims to provide low-cost homes to first-time buyers and single mothers, helping revitalize economically depressed areas, and she owns J. White Construction Inc. This Black woman-owned construction company was just certified as a vendor with the state of Florida.

Janay, at just 36 years old, has accomplished a great deal. She’s the head of eight profitable companies, plus she started a charity, bought eight rental houses (three of which she constructed herself), and owns a bunch of land. She also owns a hair salon and has an excellent fleet of eight cars available for hire, which she reserves only for single moms.
The events in Janay’s life are quite remarkable. She went from being destitute and living paycheck to paycheck to being the CEO of eight profitable firms in the six and seven figures via pure willpower and perseverance. She inspires others since she is committed to helping them achieve financial independence and leave a legacy of riches.

Her trip certainly wasn’t a picnic. For ten years, she worked as a social worker and fraud investigator for the Florida Department of Children and Families (2010-2020) and as a Revenue Auditor in UPS’s accounting and finance division (2011-2020), allowing her to hone the valuable skills of perseverance and dedication. These events stoked her determination to help others and be a beacon of hope for people struggling financially.

The influence of Janay cannot be denied. There is no shortage of testimonials attesting to her positive impact on the lives of people she has helped and empowered.

She is the owner and president of J White Credit University, which teaches individuals how to use credit to their advantage and build a life of freedom and legacy riches. Seminars, mentoring programs, and one-on-one meetings are other means by which this is accomplished.

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Inspiring StoriesYoung Business Leaders

Young Black Lawyer From Baltimore Shatters Bar Exam With Record-Breaking Score

by Sophia Nguyen
written by Sophia Nguyen

African-American Baltimore resident Matthew Graham is ecstatic about his recent bar test success. The video of his emotional response to his score of 309 out of 400 has gone viral and attracted the attention of the national media.

In his pursuit to become a lawyer, Graham encountered several obstacles while attending law school at the University of Baltimore. He was a full-time worker, a newlywed, and a full-time student. But he used it as an incentive to keep going.
Graham finished law school a semester early in December 2022 and walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony earlier this month. Magna Cum Laude and graduated in the top seven in his class.

In addition, he passed the state bar exam with a score of 309 after just one attempt, placing him in the 94th percentile. Reportedly, the median passing score is 266 (after at least three attempts at the exam).

Graham recorded his emotional response to hearing his bar test results in April and shared the video on his Facebook page. Many people were moved by it, and it received widespread media coverage.

Graham told Essence, “I understand how significant this is.” “Ever since I took the bar exam, it’s been nothing but pride whenever I see Black employees or parents of other successful individuals who pass the bar, as when I was strolling around the courtroom today. All they do is grin.

We know how challenging it will be for us to pass this test. The African-American community has traditionally performed poorly on the bar exam, which is one of the obstacles standing in our way. And I don’t believe it’s sufficient to say, Oh, it’s simply because you folks didn’t work as hard or aren’t as clever. No. The racial tensions there only serve to complicate our efforts. So, it’s simply a lot of pleasure in knowing that “I was going to get this done regardless of what was put in my way,” he said.

Graham was just sworn in as an attorney in good standing with the Maryland State Bar.

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Innovation and TechnologyStartup SuccessesYoung Business Leaders

Meet Window Snyder, the trailblazer who helped secure the internet and billions of devices

by Ethan Carter
written by Ethan Carter

In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, one name stands out as a true trailblazer – Window Snyder. With an exceptional career spanning decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the digital world’s security paradigm. In this article, we delve into the remarkable journey of Window Snyder, her groundbreaking contributions, and her unwavering commitment to fortifying the online realm.

Introduction

Window Snyder is a cybersecurity luminary that profoundly impacts the digital security landscape. Her visionary insights and relentless pursuit of innovative solutions have earned her a reputation as one of the foremost experts in the field. Throughout her illustrious career, she has championed the cause of secure software development, threat mitigation, and the protection of user data.

Early Life and Education

Window Snyder’s passion for technology ignited at an early age. Growing up in a family of tech enthusiasts, she honed her programming skills and developed a fascination for cybersecurity challenges. Her academic journey led her to prestigious institutions, where she deepened her understanding of computer science and security protocols. Armed with knowledge and determination, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize cybersecurity.

Pioneering Work at Major Tech Companies

With her impressive academic background, Window Snyder quickly found herself at the forefront of the technology industry. She worked with some of the most influential tech giants, including Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla. At each of these companies, her expertise in cybersecurity left an indelible mark, enhancing their digital defenses and raising the bar for security standards.

Shaping the Future at the World’s Leading Security Firms

After her stellar contributions to major tech companies, Window Snyder’s expertise was sought after by leading security firms. Embracing new challenges, she joined the ranks of firms like @securityCo, where she played a crucial role in devising cutting-edge security strategies. Her work centered on identifying vulnerabilities, proactively combating threats, and fostering a culture of security awareness.

Founding Security Startups

Window Snyder’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found cybersecurity startups that focused on addressing emerging challenges in the digital realm. These ventures attracted the attention of investors and industry experts, further solidifying her status as a visionary leader. Her startups revolutionized how organizations approached cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for holistic and proactive measures.

Influence on Policy and Standards

Beyond her technical contributions, Window Snyder also made significant strides in influencing cybersecurity policies and industry standards. Her active involvement in organizations like OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) and W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) has helped shape guidelines and best practices, fostering a safer online environment for users and businesses.

Key Contributions to Secure Software Development

One of Window Snyder’s most enduring legacies lies in her advocacy for secure software development. She championed integrating security practices at every stage of the software development lifecycle. By emphasizing proactive security measures, she significantly reduced the number of vulnerabilities in software applications, making them more resilient to attacks.

Protecting User Privacy

Window Snyder’s dedication to protecting user privacy has been unwavering. She consistently advocated for privacy-centric design and data protection measures, urging organizations to be transparent and accountable for the user data they handle. Her efforts have contributed to establishing robust privacy frameworks, empowering users to navigate the digital world confidently.

Conclusion

Window Snyder’s contributions to cybersecurity have been nothing short of extraordinary. She has left an indelible mark on the digital world’s security landscape through her innovative thinking, relentless dedication, and pioneering work. Her journey inspires aspiring cybersecurity professionals and is a guiding light for building a safer, more secure online ecosystem. As we face new challenges, Window Snyder’s legacy remains a beacon of hope, reminding us of the vital importance of safeguarding the digital realm for future generations.

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