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supports young innovators

Black Teen Made History When He Became the Youngest Store Owner at a South Carolina Mall

by Ava Robinson December 4, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

In 2018, Jordan Jackson, who was just 19 years old, became the youngest business owner in his area when he established his retail store, Birch & Pen, at Northwoods Mall in North Charleston, South Carolina. Currently, he is responsible for organizing several pop-up marketplaces featuring his brand and other local enterprises.

Since he became aware of his aptitude for style and how money came from it, Jackson desired to be a “young boss.” Before opening his shop, he began selling clothing through his online store, where he garnered broad acclaim for his creativity and expertise in the fashion and design industries.
It was first recognized as a clothes and accessories store catering to men’s and women’s high-fashion, fashionable items. He founded it with the assistance of his mother, Keisha, who was very supportive of him.

At the shopping center, Jackson was honored with trophies and accolades. On the other hand, after just one year, he decided on the retail store, highlighting that the closure does not signify the end of anything but rather the beginning of something new.

During an interview with ABC News 4, Jackson stated, “I was here to show you guys that it is possible to follow your dreams.” “So, without a doubt, make sure that you live your life without any regrets, and do so each and every day.” This does not mark the conclusion; it is only the beginning.

In the future, a few years from now, Jackson will have collaborated with other companies to establish several pop-up markets in Baltimore, Maryland, which is his hometown. Because of his enthusiasm for design, he organizes lifestyle marketplaces full of inspiration. These marketplaces offer apparel, home décor, cuisine from their businesses, and other local products they sell.

December 4, 2023 0 comment

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Black Woman’s Line of Collard Greens and Chitterlings Spice Blends Now Available at Walmart

by Ava Robinson December 4, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

Meet Erica Gillespie, the visionary founder of Feisty Spices, a collection of delicious spices and mixes owned by black people and influenced by her culinary background, which ranges from her grandmother’s kitchen in Alabama to Ghana’s cultural rhythms. Her Collard Greens and Chitterlings spice mixes are among her most popular items, and you can buy all of her products at Walmart, Amazon, Grocery Outlet, and other local grocery shops. Her products are also available for purchase at other grocery stores.

Erica, a distant descendant of jazz singer Dizzy Gillespie and living in Atlanta, began her adventure in the world of cuisine with a simple yet significant observation that she made in her grandmother’s kitchen. There, she saw how various spices transformed meals into experiences she would never forget.

Because it was founded in 2020, Feisty Spices has exceeded all expectations. With only a tiny $500 investment and a burning desire to make a difference, the brand almost instantly became well-known and achieved success. Erica received her first buy order for thirty thousand dollars from a big grocery chain five months after the brand’s introduction. The company had committed to distributing the brand to its respective stores across the United States.

Feisty Spice was a brand that rapidly became a nationwide kitchen need. Erica was founded with a passion for flexibility and a dedication to providing her culture with something distinctive. Having its origins in tradition and innovation, her company is distinguished by offering one-of-a-kind mixes that are versatile enough to be used with any cuisine. This makes the brand the only one with access to these unique recipes.
“Feisty spice isn’t just a seasoning; it’s a cultural necessity,” according to Erica. In light of the widespread prevalence of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, she believes that her spice mixes are essential for the culture. She offers many low-sodium blends suitable for ketogenic diets and does not include any MSG. These blends provide healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

You may purchase Feisty Spices through Walmart Marketplace in the United States and Mexico, Amazon Prime, and the company’s website, which can be found at FeistySpices.com.

Additionally, the brand can be found at some shopping centers around Atlanta, such as the Grant Park Market and the Chandler Park Market. Additionally, it is supplied throughout Alabama via Pic n Sav grocery shops in various locations.

To demonstrate her dedication to advancing culinary techniques, Erica states: “I will continue to create unique blends in the hopes of providing healthier options for cooks across the United States that do not compromise flavor.”

December 4, 2023 0 comment

Japan’s teamLab readies renewed digital museum in Tokyo mega-complex.

by Ava Robinson November 29, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

Construction teams and digital artists are working hard to create an immersive museum that will serve as the cultural anchor of Tokyo’s most recent megaproject. This museum is constructed in an underground maze under Japan’s highest building.

Over two million people visited the Borderless Museum that TeamLab, a multinational collective of artists, established in 2019. This achievement earned the group a Guinness World Record. The museum is located on the island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The term originates from the fact that digital art pieces are designed to mix in with one another and invite visitors to explore at their own speed.

In preparation for rebuilding the property by Mori Building, one of the most prominent developers in Japan, the attraction was shut down the previous year. In February, it is scheduled to reopen in the Azabudai Hills complex, located in the heart of Tokyo.

“To be able to create this kind of large space in which we can exhibit is important to us,” said Toshiyuki Inoko, the creator of TeamLab, in an interview on Friday.

Mori’s vision of integrating residential and commercial developments with cultural attractions is being implemented, and relocation is a component of that strategy. The Mori JP Tower, which is 330 meters (1,082 feet) tall, is scheduled to open next week. In addition, shopping arcades, residential towers, medical facilities, and a school are all in various stages of construction in the surrounding area.

Several components of the new borderless facility are getting close to being finished. These components include “Flowers and People,” a continuous computer projection of petals budding and scattering, and “Bubble Universe,” a mirrored chamber filled with glittering bulbs that appear to extend into infinity.

In recent years, teamLab has garnered a worldwide reputation for its creative and interactive set pieces, combining visuals and the senses. In previous initiatives in Tokyo, digital art was combined with a sauna experience, and a laser light display was used to enhance a performance of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Turandot.”

“We as a team want to create something that makes people feel that the continuity itself is beautiful,” according to Inoko.

November 29, 2023 0 comment

Cast member Timothee Chalamet attends the world premiere of "Wonka", at Royal Festival Hall, in London, Britain, November 28, 2023. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska

ARTS BUSINESS CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Timothee Chalamet turned to a vocal coach to the stars for ‘Wonka.’

by Ava Robinson November 29, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

When Timothee Chalamet was getting ready to play Willy Wonka in a new film that chronicles the tale of how Roald Dahl’s famous figure came to be, he received voice lessons from a renowned vocal coach. This was done in order to prepare him to follow in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp.

“Wonka” is a musical film, and the actor who played the role of the chocolate-loving scientist in “Dune” and “Call Me by Your Name” portrays a younger version of the character.

According to the author, “it was intimidating because the character is beloved, people are very protective over characters they love, and people are skeptical about Hollywood remakes.” But I believe that we did an excellent job. During the global premiere of “Wonka” on Tuesday at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Chalamet sent a statement to Reuters in which he expressed his satisfaction with the picture.

The individual, who is 27 years old, stated that he had collaborated with Eric Vetro, who is a voice coach to a number of artists, including Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and John Legend.

When asked about his preparation for the musical parts in the film, he stated, “A lot of work, a lot of vocal lessons with Eric Vetro in Los Angeles, and a lot of training were involved.”

“Wonka” depicts a figure who wears a top hat and a long garment, arriving at a mythical city after spending several years at sea. Even though the town is home to some of the best chocolatiers in the world, Wonka still has his sights set on opening his own store. During the course of his pursuit of his ambition and his conflict with a strong chocolate cartel, he becomes friends with a little orphan girl and a curious tiny creature with orange skin and green hair. This creature is an Oompa Loompa, and Hugh Grant provides the voice for it.

The director of “Paddington,” Paul King, is also involved in the writing and directing of the film.

We wanted to develop a movie that would serve as a companion piece to the Gene Wilder movie, which clearly has these timeless iconic melodies,” said King. “We wanted to build a movie that would stand as a companion piece.”

According to Simon Farnaby, who also contributed to the writing of the script alongside King, “There are a lot of clues that Roald Dahl left as to what Willy did before ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ so we felt confident that if we just picked up on those clues, we could make something that Roald Dahl would be proud of.”

Cardin in 2020.

Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, the late designer’s great-nephew, told reporters that the ocean and environmental preservation inspired the new collection, which centered on the color blue.

On a deep blue catwalk, models displayed indigo-blue clothing beneath the enormous reinforced concrete dome of Oscar Niemeyer’s futuristic building.

The Espace Niemeyer was where French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel unveiled his electoral platform at the beginning of the year. However, other events like fashion shows and music videos are periodically held there.

Over 100 designers, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and dozens of new foreign designers, will be featured during Fashion Week, which runs through October 3. French fashion brand Balmain’s exhibition will also take place despite the theft of some of its inventory.

The automobile carrying about 50 goods between a Paris airport and the label’s offices in the French city was taken by thieves. Balmain said it will exhibit its spring/summer 2024 collection after replacing the lost pieces.

Dior and Saint Laurent are expected to open later in the week, followed by Courreges and Dries Van Noten on Wednesday and Lanvin and Givenchy on Thursday.

November 29, 2023 0 comment

Young Business Leaders

Mom and 9-Year-Old Daughter, Owners of Black-Owned Doll Company Make History With Target and Amazon

by Ava Robinson November 28, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

Esi Orijin, who was only nine years old then, and her mother, Melissa, founded the flourishing black-owned doll company Orijin Bees, which keeps ascending to new heights. The firm has made a spectacular trip from Oprah’s coveted list to the broad aisles of Target. Orijin Bees, known for being one of Oprah’s favorite things, has recently expanded its association with Target, which has caused a stir with the inclusion of the whole Nu’Bee Plush Baby Doll Collection in both Target’s retail and online locations.

The Baby Bee Collection from Orijin Bees was thrust into the spotlight due to Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement, which generated excitement about the company and brought attention to its dedication to diversity and representation. The Nu’Bee Plush Baby Doll Collection, well-known for its inclusiveness and cultural diversity, has found a place on Target’s shelves, bringing delight to children from various backgrounds.
The narrative of success does not come to an end there. In addition, Orijin Bees has been included in the Holiday Toy Books of both Amazon and Target for 2023, further solidifying its position as an essential item for the holiday season. The accomplishment of this momentous milestone not only emphasizes the quality and popularity of the items offered by Orijin Bees and brings to light the increasing desire in the market for culturally relevant and varied toys.

The fact that the brand has expanded into Target is evidence of its dedication to ensuring that its dolls are available to a more diverse range of consumers. The firm guarantees that more families will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Nu’Bee Plush Baby Doll Collection and enjoy the rich variety it symbolizes by forming a partnership with a retail behemoth such as Target.

Even though Orijin Bees is still breaking down boundaries and redefining the toy business landscape, the firm’s path serves as an illuminating example of how inclusiveness and representation can be the driving force behind success. Melissa states: “Our brand is not just a doll company; it is a celebration of diversity, culture, and the power of a dream realized.”

November 28, 2023 0 comment

Young Business Leaders

12-Year-Old Black CEO Who Started a Lemonade Beverage Company at Age 9 Releases New Inspirational Book

by Ava Robinson November 28, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

At the moment, Tre Glasper, who is just twelve years old and founded Tre’s Squeeze, an all-natural lemonade beverage company that he established when he was nine years old, is celebrating the release of his new motivational book. In the book, which is titled Squeeze into Your Dreams, he describes how he was able to establish his business at such a tender age and how he was able to distribute his lemonade beverage to local grocery shops, restaurants, and food trucks.

With his first book published by LaunchCrate Publishing, a publisher headquartered in Kansas that a black woman owns, Young Tre has given readers an uplifting gift.
Tre, who, with a glimmer of vision and tenacity, started Tre’s Squeeze in the thick of the epidemic, is the protagonist of the book Squeeze into Your Dreams, which tells the story of his courageous journey. Tre introduced a brand of lemonade that is more than simply a wonderful beverage when he saw an opportunity that had not yet been taken advantage of at his neighborhood farmer’s market. It is the personification of hopes, aspirations, and the indomitable spirit of business, highlighted by his motto, “Squeeze into your Dreams.”

Even though the book is profoundly anchored in Tre’s journey into the world of business with his lemonade stand, it welcomes dreamers of all ages and from all over the world with open arms. The readers are elegantly guided into a universe where ideas are limitless, and age is not a barrier to any individual’s ability to realize their objectives via the compelling story of Tre’s business enterprise.

The breathtaking graphics by Xavier Gayden, a well-known artist best known for his work on the iconic Brown v. Board of Education mural in Topeka, Kansas, enhance the vividness of Tre’s narrative even more. Every page is a canvas on which words and images dance together in perfect harmony, creating a tapestry that is just as motivating as Tre’s trip.

The publication of this first work has made it possible for Tre to communicate his inspirational story and receive praise, praising him as a shining example of youthful business. Tre received the title of Kansas Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, a manifestation of Governor Laura Kelly’s recognition of Tre’s contributions. The Network Kansas Empower Minority Pitch Competition and the HyVee Opportunity Pitch Competition are just two of the statewide and regional pitch contests in which Tre has triumphed. NPR, WIBW, and Black Enterprise have all featured him in the past. Tre has achieved all of this while staying in school and maintaining an A grade.

November 28, 2023 0 comment

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Black Author, Latoya Nicole, Achieves Milestone with 60K Coloring Books Sold, Launches New Self-Publishing Program

by Ava Robinson November 28, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

The respected novelist and creative businesswoman Latoya Nicole might have stopped making history by selling sixty thousand books and developing her brand of skin-tone colored pencils for black women.

She could have also stopped making history by selling sixty thousand books. Being a significant coloring book and materials business that is run by black women and aims to assist women in improving their mental health and reducing their anxiety is something that is desperately required during these times. On the other hand, she has remained committed to giving back to the community and motivating women. She does that by instructing others to self-publish and sell their books online.

In addition to her best-selling book, “Exhale Self-Care Coloring Book,” and the eight other books she has written, Latoya’s efforts to push for representation also include her work as a self-publishing coach. In 2018, when I began my career as a publisher, just 11% of published books were authored by people of color, and according to the New York Times, black authors made up only a tiny portion of that amount.

“I was and still am determined to change the narrative, and I hope that my story will inspire people to not only think big, but also to know that you can create passive income and freedom for yourself,” she added. “I hope that my story will inspire both of these things.”
One of Latoya’s goals for 2024 is to launch her hallmark curriculum, Book Bag University: A Roadmap to Establish and Expand Your Author Brand.

She intends to undertake this endeavor with great ambition. From the beginning to the end, the curriculum guides writers and prospective authors through the several stages of the marketing process involved in selling books online. According to Latoya, “I will walk you through the entire process that I have used to publish on Amazon and beyond,” which includes everything from putting together your best-selling book to assisting you in building your author company and selling additional books.

On the other hand, if you are new to self-publishing, you may begin by subscribing to and following her YouTube channel, located at Latoya Nicole Official.

November 28, 2023 0 comment

Young Business Leaders

22-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Medical Doctor in Ghana

by Ava Robinson November 28, 2023

written by Ava Robinson

Kwaku Boakye Gyamfi, who is from Cape Coast in Ghana and is 22 years old, is experiencing a surge in popularity as one of the youngest medical professionals in the country. He received acclaim for his accomplishments after graduating from the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) not long ago.

Gyamfi was born in 2001 to a mother who is employed as a caterer and a father who works in business and financial consultation. Soon after he was five years old, he began his early education at Danem Royal Montessori School, which is located in Accra.
After completing his primary schooling in 2014, he enrolled in the senior high school program at Prempeh College when he was thirteen. At the age of sixteen, he received his high school diploma. Following his success in a “rigorous” interview, he quickly got admission to the University of California, Santa Cruz School of Medical Sciences.

Taking a step back in time, on September 7, 2023, Gyamfi triumphantly crossed the stage, marking his formal transition into the medical profession at 22. His family and friends have shown great pride in him because he is the only boy out of four siblings and the second kid overall.

In addition, his graduation photographs have gone viral on social media, which has sparked astonishment and intrigue among those curious about how someone of such a young age could accomplish such an extraordinary achievement.

November 28, 2023 0 comment

STARTUPS

Callyope monitors mental health through speech-based technology.

by Alex Turner November 22, 2023

written by Alex Turner

Callyope, a French company, is unlike other startups since it is tackling a challenging issue in a highly regulated sector. The business is developing a platform for remote patient monitoring for individuals with bipolar illnesses, schizophrenia, and maybe other mental health conditions. Furthermore, the firm uses the monitoring tool with the patient’s voice.

Bpifrance’s Digital Venture Fund and 360 Capital led Calliope’s $2.4 million (€2.2 million) financing round. The round also includes participation from No Label Ventures and several angel investors.

Six hundred thousand individuals in France have schizophrenia. Over a million individuals suffer from bipolar illnesses. Many of them routinely visit a psychiatrist. However, psychiatrists can only meet each patient once every four to six weeks because of their workload.

“Several chemicals have been used to stabilize humans since the 1970s. However, half of the patients at mental hospitals relapse within the same year, according to CEO and co-founder Martin Dennis, who spoke with me about this.

Regular visits to a psychiatrist may generally stop relapses before it’s too late. Callyope hopes to “enhance” psychiatrists with a patient monitoring system that may notify medical personnel in an emergency. They can then schedule a time slot for the patient the following day.

Callyope employs voice recognition and additional soft indicators (including sleep, physical activity, and social interaction) in place of forms to periodically check in with patients. This is because patients frequently struggle with how they perceive their symptoms. Even though things are as they were a week ago, they feel good.

Dennis stated, “We’re still in the early stages of product development on the patient’s side.” Calliope is not interested in watching you all the time. Alternatively, the company may ask you to use voice messages to respond to a few short questions. Dennis gave other instances, such as “Are you now getting enough sleep? Does it appear like your medicine is doing its job?

Naturally, not every patient will actively record a voice message each week. A hospital nurse may then phone you and record the conversation for analysis.

Apart from the discussion’s substance, Callyope examines additional symptoms. For example, according to Dennis, “disorganized speech is one of the seven symptoms of schizophrenia.” Four or five symptoms characterize bipolar disorder. Accelerated speaking is one sign that someone is overly healthy.

instruction using private information
Calliope must consider product milestones in contrast to other sectors. After the first iteration has been trained, it must stop working on this version of the proprietary model and submit it to the appropriate health authorities for certification.

“In the general population, we have very good initial results today,” Dennis stated. We ask them to complete brief self-assessment forms on depression and anxiety. Additionally, we ask children to speak so we can check for minor symptoms early on. Therefore, we have already demonstrated its effectiveness, and early in the next year, we plan to publish a scholarly study on the subject. The business then intends to apply the same technique to people with schizophrenia and depression.

The business is presently collaborating with mental institutions to obtain data and train its model on this private data while keeping privacy in mind. In the long run, the business hopes to develop a model that can evaluate audio directly on the device, sending the data exclusively to the psychiatrist.

From a technical point of view, this data will essentially allow us to improve the algorithm’s performance while maintaining the fundamental principle that we should only use information that the patient has consented to provide. This will ensure that, in the long run, we have no access to any personal information.

November 22, 2023 0 comment

STARTUPS Young Business Leaders

Cameroonian health tech Waspito gets a $2.5M seed extension to scale tap offline patients.

by Alex Turner November 22, 2023

written by Alex Turner

Cameroonian health company Waspito has obtained a $2.5 million seed extension from DP World through Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and CFAO’s Health54 to support its expansion in the Francophone area.

Waspito is a health-oriented social network where members may access and consult with certified medical professionals via video conversations. It also makes it easier to administer medication and collect samples from residences.

With support from a fresh funding round following last year’s $2.7 million seed, the business expanded to Ivory Coast at the beginning of the year, where it is also testing a hybrid model. Moving forward, it plans to expand to Senegal and Gabon.

Just before the COVID epidemic became a worldwide health disaster in 2020, Jean Lobe Lobe created Waspito. This was an opportune moment for the health company to launch its aim of ensuring that healthcare is available to everyone.

Waspito, on the other hand, aimed to take a distinct telemedicine strategy. Lobe created a platform where customers could directly connect with doctors rather than one requiring pre-registration and consultation appointment booking.

It doesn’t make sense to go online and schedule an appointment later when someone is ill or in urgent need of medical attention. We provide instantaneous video consultations for this reason, Lobe told TechCrunch.

A user may choose a doctor from a list of those currently online when they log on to the website, which Lobe calls Facebook for healthcare. Additionally, a technician from one of its partner laboratories is dispatched to collect samples when a doctor prescribes medical testing. Waspito has partnered with a few nearby hospitals to help those needing admission or more thorough evaluations.

“We have partnered with hospitals so that care can continue in the closest hospital following a consultation on Waspito without requiring additional registration or payment for consultations.” Our main goal is to link the healthcare ecosystem online and serve as a one-stop shop for all healthcare services, which is why we have gotten in touch with all these players, according to Lobe.

Before appointments, patients pay using various methods, including insurance, which, according to Lobe, encourages physicians to stay online to make more money. Additionally, users may join numerous condition support groups anonymously to receive personalized guidance.

According to Lobe, one method to make physicians more accessible to patients living in target countries—where there are reportedly less than two doctors for every 10,000 people—is to have them available online all the time.

The firm won the VivaTech awards this year as the best health startup in Africa, has reached 650,000 customers in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, onboarded 950 doctors, and conducted 60,000 consultations.

Waspito expects that the number of consultations conducted via its platform will increase when it implements the hybrid model it is testing in the Ivory Coast, where it has set up mini-clinics to reach offline patients. The firm is setting up these clinics within the extensive nationwide coverage of La Poste Corporation, the national postal service of Ivory Coast. Patients can electronically contact doctors and access other healthcare services their partners provide, with the assistance of the nurses staffing these venues.

Because of the high cost of cell phones and the internet, most African consumers stay offline despite the continent’s growing digital economy. This makes Waspito’s approach essential. At the end of the first quarter of next year, Cameroon and Senegal will receive the hybrid approach. Raisers, a fundraising advice business, advised Waspito throughout the deal.

Since everyone has access to healthcare, we must engage with everyone. Lobe added that these mini-clinics are the most effective means of reaching underprivileged communities.

November 22, 2023 0 comment

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