By Tashi McQueenAFRO Workers Writertmcqueen@afro.com
Throughout the US, Black girls entrepreneurs are constructing profitable companies whereas paving the way in which for the following technology. By way of internships, mentorships and management packages, they’re deliberately investing within the subsequent wave of African-American girls enterprise leaders.
In accordance with Wells Fargo’s 2025 Influence of Ladies-Owned Companies, there are over 2 million Black women-owned companies within the U.S., representing 14 p.c of all women-owned companies and 48.8 p.c of all Black-owned companies. Collectively, they make use of greater than 647,000 individuals and generate over $118.7 billion in income.
Lena Jennings, govt director of Cinnamongirl, Sonia Daniels, founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting (SDC) and Samahria Richie, founding father of Two Sisters Maid to Clear, are three girls who’re doing simply that.
Lena JenningsCinnamongirl, based in 2003 by Renée Richard, welcomed Jennings as govt director in early 2024. The nonprofit, primarily based in Oakland, Calif., empowers women of colour to develop into enterprise leaders and alter makers. They provide a variety of alternatives, together with journey, mentorship and coaching in enterprise.
Jennings mentioned their packages start by shaping individuals’ mindsets, serving to them see that they are often leaders and entrepreneurs.
“As soon as we develop that mindset, we offer a sisterhood as a result of we don’t need to construct leaders in isolation,” mentioned Jennings. “Everybody at all times talks about the way it’s lonely on the high, and it doesn’t should be.”
Addressing why she believes mentorship is so vital, Jennings mentioned that it’s illustration.
“It’s altering the image and the thought of their head of who an entrepreneur is and what an entrepreneur can do,” mentioned Jennings.
Jennings mentioned that it is necessary for entrepreneurs to “elevate as you rise.”
“We’ve got a lot to be taught, but additionally a lot to supply the world,” she mentioned. “If we pour into others and assist each other in constructing their desires, the world could be a greater place.”
Sonia DanielsSDC, based in 2017, presents cultural audits, management coaching, expertise growth displays and expertise intensives.
“I’ve made it my mission to not solely develop a profitable consulting agency however to create pathways for the following wave of feminine entrepreneurs, particularly younger girls of colour,” mentioned Daniels. “Whether or not by paid internships, management intensives or real-world shopper publicity, I deliberately construct areas the place rising leaders can develop with confidence, technique and objective.”
“I don’t simply educate enterprise,” she added. “I educate perception—in a single’s voice, imaginative and prescient and worth—as a result of I do know that mentorship isn’t nearly sharing information, it’s about exhibiting what’s doable.”
Daniels shared recommendation for up-and-coming Black girls entrepreneurs.
“Shield your psychological, emotional and bodily well-being as fiercely as you shield your corporation property,” she mentioned. “Lengthy-term management requires longevity, not burnout.”
She additionally suggested constructing intentional relationships throughout industries, geographies and demographics to make sure entry to higher-level alternatives and partnerships.
Samahria RichieTwo Sisters Maid to Clear, based in 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn., presents deep, post-construction and workplace cleansing.
“We serve a various vary of purchasers throughout Rutherford, Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties in Tennessee,” mentioned Richie. “We’ve constructed a people-first tradition the place our crew members are paid residing wages, given alternatives for private {and professional} development and inspired to steer.”
Richie typically mentors different Black girls, each informally and thru structured steering.
“I imagine that creating robust processes early on is essential to sustainable development, so I overtly share the instruments, methods and classes I’ve realized from my very own journey,” she mentioned. “Whether or not it’s strolling somebody by how one can automate shopper follow-ups or exhibiting them how one can worth for profitability, my objective is to assist them construct confidence and keep away from the pitfalls that many new entrepreneurs face.”
Richie emphasised the significance of up-and-coming entrepreneurs “proudly owning their story.”
“Your experiences, challenges and triumphs are your power and your differentiator,” she mentioned. “Don’t conceal them—use them to attach and encourage.”
