SHOPPE BLACK, Author at SHOPPE BLACK

Jetstream Raises $3 Million to Improve African Cross-border Trade

July 2, 2021January 10, 2023

2 mins read

Jetstream, a Ghanaian technology-driven logistics company, just landed $3 million in seed funding to solve one of Africa’s biggest problems: the lack of coordination at its ports.

“These are exactly the types of problems that technology solves,” said Miishe Addy, cofounder of Jetstream.

Addy founded the startup with Solomon Torgbor in 2018 to help African businesses by aggregating private sector logistics providers at the ports and borders of Africa and then bringing them online. This way, companies could have better visuals and control over their cross-border supply chains.

“We are different from a more siloed freight management system because we are leveraging financing…so that shipments can be tracked every step of the way. We are bringing many of the local providers online for the first time,” Addy mused.

Since Africa increased its share of international exports from 80% to 90% between 2000 and 2017, there’s been a growing demand for the continent to be less commodity-dependent and diversify its exports.

Africa needs to revitalize its notoriously slow and costly ports to create more opportunities and encourage intracontinental trade. For Ghanaian native Torgbor, Ghana is the perfect place to plant Jetstream’s roots. The West African country can be a thriving hub for intercontinental trade as it’s home to the largest container terminal in West and Central Africa, Port Tema.

Jetstream isn’t just making waves in the world of commerce, however. Data suggests that women-led startups in Africa attract as little as 15% of the total VC investments available in the continent. Addy hopes that Jetstream’s win will lead to more women leaders being funded.

Technology and data are at the forefront of Jetstream’s business model, and according to Addy, these two elements might bring the future that Jetstream envisions to life.

“We see a future where trade running on Jetstream’s digital rails has a powerful competitive edge on logistics. Jetstream is to cross-border logistics what Flutterwave is to fintech in Africa.”

by Tony O. Lawson

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Black Owned EdTech Startup, AllHere Raises $8 Million to help Schools Reduce Absenteeism

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

2 mins read

AllHere is an Ai-powered educational support platform founded by Joanna Smith, a former public school teacher and family engagement leader at a charter school in Boston.

Oftentimes, Joanna’s students couldn’t receive the help they needed because of issues with their attendance.

Her attempts to leave voicemails and send letters home were futile as they went unanswered. Now, with her company AllHere, she is leaning on insights that she’s gained on how best to reach out more effectively to the student’s families.

AllHere’s approach has been proven through randomized control trial research to reduce chronic absenteeism by 17%, reduce course failures by 38%, and increase student retention.

Attendance was already an issue for K-12 schools before the pandemic, but the pandemic has increased absences across the board. This has led to K-12 schools turning to AllHere for assistance: the number of K-12 schools using the AllHere chatbot has risen by 700% to over 8,000 schools across 34 states, helping AllHere reach a total of 2 million families.

Although it was originally created with attendance in mind, schools have started to use it for other purposes as well, such as school closure announcements and troubleshooting IT problems. The two way text messaging AI bot allows schools to be in touch with families 24/7 to nudge them on attendance and give updates so teachers and admin can reallocate their time elsewhere.

By focusing on ways to improve attendance across the board, Joanna has found a way to help even more students than in her previous role as a teacher.

AllHere recently announced that it has raised over $8 million in a Series A round of funding. This round brings its total amount raised to $12.1 million. The most recent funding round was led by led by Spero Ventures and included Rethink Education, Gratitude Railroad, Potencia Ventures, Boston Impact Initiative, Softbank’s Opportunity Fund, Operator Collective, and Yard Ventures.

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Olympian Allyson Felix Launches Her Own Shoe Company After Leaving Nike

June 28, 2021September 13, 2023

2 mins read

Allyson Felix is a four-time Olympian and one of the most accomplished sprinters in U.S. track and field history. She is also the president and founder of her own shoe company called Saysh.

Two years after her public split with Nike, Felix announced the upcoming fall launch of her lifestyle company. Felix didn’t present as an activist at first glance, but her op-ed detailing Nike’s failure to provide maternity protection for its sponsored athletes proved otherwise.

Felix has since embraced her role as a fierce advocate for working moms in sports, and now she’s given birth to a company that’s dedicated entirely to women. Saysh’s first shoe, the Saysh One, is already available for preorder on the company’s website.

From the brand’s simplicity and the airy silhouette of the premiere shoe, it’s clear that Saysh shoes are designed with the everyday woman in mind.

“It’s really about meeting women where they are,” Felix said in a recent interview. “It’s for that woman who has been overlooked or feels like their voice hasn’t been heard. That was the biggest thing when I spoke out, was hearing from other women across industries. And having such a connection there, feeling like it’s so much bigger. There’s just that power in the collective.”

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A post shared by Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix)

With a company led by women—including designers and engineers, Felix aims to fight against the unequal sports industrial complex and create a more equitable world for women and mothers in sports.

If you’re wondering, the track star has been running in a Saysh track spike during the Olympic trials and will wear them in the Tokoyo Games as well. Felix confirmed her spot in this year’s Olympics a couple of weeks ago, so she will technically be the first athlete to run in her own brand.

You can watch Allyson Felix perform in the unreleased Saysh shoes during the Tokoyo Games, which start July 23rd.

Visit Saysh.com and join them at @bySaysh on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

How This Developer Built an $840 Million Real Estate Business

June 17, 2021August 1, 2022

1 min read

Buwa Binitie is the Managing Principal of Dantes Partners, a boutique real estate development firm making its mark on the affordable housing scene in the District of Columbia.

Dantes Partners has closed over $840 million of real estate transactions and was recently awarded funding that will facilitate its ability to develop and acquire $1.6 billion in affordable and naturally occurring affordable assets.

In this episode, Buwa shares:

How he got started in Real estate development and why he decided to make affordable housing his area of focus.
How he has been able to build a team of almost 100% Black professionals despite a supposed lack of Black talent.
Advice for business owners that are interested in government contracts.

Tony O. Lawson

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How Herb’N Eden Became a Multi Million Dollar Skincare Business During a Pandemic

June 17, 2021June 17, 2021

1 min read

Herb’N Eden is a popular line of all-natural, plant-based skincare products founded by husband and wife team, Quinton and Terran Lewis.

Herb’N Eden

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Where and how Herb’N Eden began.
What factors contributed to going from $260K in sales in 2019 to $2.7 million in 2020.
How they were able to successfully manage this rapid growth.
How their different personalities help them succeed as business partners.
What advice they have for other entrepreneurs.

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Tony O. Lawson

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Twin Brothers Create a Non Profit That Teaches Black Children How to Swim

June 8, 2021August 26, 2021

1 min read

According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of African American children, 45% of Hispanic/Latino children, and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability. The number is worse in low-income homes, where 79% of kids don’t know how.

tankproof

Tankproof, is a non-profit that partners with swim schools to offer free lessons for underserved youth. Their goal is to provide access, equity, and opportunity through swimming lessons to make communities safer and even save lives.

tankproof

Tankproof was founded in 2011 by Louisiana-based twins Thurman and Torrence Thomas. When Thurman was just 9 years old, he nearly drowned at a pool party. After that, his mom enrolled him and his brother in swimming lessons.

“We believe everyone should have this opportunity,” says Thurman. “Learning how to swim can actually save your life.”

Tankproof has served over 2,350 individuals nation-wide with multiple sites in Louisiana, as well as in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, California. They plan on expanding to five more cities across the country this year.

Tony O. Lawson

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Fathers Day’s Gift Ideas That Support Black Entrepreneurs

June 8, 2021October 13, 2022

4 mins read

Sunday, June 20th is Father’s Day. To help you celebrate that special father or father figure, we’ve compiled a list of some cool gifts from some excellent Black owned businesses.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Torpedopot™ is a containerized self-growing gardening system with a built-in fully automated pressurized plumbing system that waters the plants, flowers or food that Dad planted.

Black owned Fathers Day

Husband and wife duo-owned Redstone Firearms is a firearms store in Burbank, California that sells firearms accessories, ammunition, and tactical gear. They also provide firearm educational resources nationwide. Get Dad a gift card to start his online classes!

Black owned Fathers Day

On Point Arms is a well-known firearms sales shop in northern Colorado. They offer a wide selection of outdoor and camping equipment. Enjoy a discount by using code FATHER1 at checkout.

Tres Lindas Cigars is a brand curated by two Afro-Cuban twin sisters. The company has three blends, each representing the skin tones of Black women. Their Father’s Day Black Tie Sampler is suited, booted & ready for gifting. Free shipping on all orders!

Black owned Fathers Day

Benson Watch was founded on the principle that “Time Should Be Spent Doing What You Love”. Get 50% off with code SHOPPE.

Black owned Fathers Day

SWAV Eyewear offers handcrafted eyewear created to inspire you. The quotes on the inside of the temples will remind you to Never Give up on your Vision.

Black owned Fathers Day

Nubian Hueman is a social impact brand that specializes in sourcing and curating unique goods, fashion, and art by creatives representing the global Diaspora. Get Dad tickets to BLACK DADS DESERVE: An uninterrupted evening of joy in the company of Black Fathers, Brothers, Fathers-To-Be, and Father Figures.

Black owned Fathers Day

AfriSocks is a Ghanaian brand putting a modern twist on traditional Kente and Ankara designs. They offer designer socks, ties, and facemasks. Afrisocks ties and masks are locally made in Accra, Ghana. Get free express shipping for orders over $60

Black owned Fathers Day

Some fly headwear from WearBrims will help Dad improve his wardrobe instantly. Everything from a button-down, to a simple T-shirt, will look that much better. 25% OFF everything on the website.

Help Dad enhance his home bar’s atmosphere with a hand-blown glass decanter and glass set from Estelle Colored Glass

Soap Distillery creates soaps inspired by cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. Everything is made from small batches, and is made from scratch. While the products are inspired by liquor based creations, they will NOT make you smell like you’ve been drinking 🙂

Barn Owl offers a nine piece stainless steel garden tool set that will make gardenining a wonderful experience. Use code Barnowl15 for 15% off

The Undefeated is a love letter to Black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. This purchase will also support Black owned Harriets Bookshop.

This glass Loose Leaf Tea Tumbler with Infuser and Bamboo Lid from Brooklyn Tea is a revolutionary solution to combining brewing, filtering, and enjoying tea all at once.

MadeBeyoutiful offers a great way to tell Dad he’s your hero. Get him a superhero mug perfect for coffee, tea, hot chocolate or any other beverage he wants.

Tony O. Lawson

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Juneteenth Gift Ideas That Support Black Entrepreneurs

June 1, 2021September 3, 2023

6 mins read

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is also a time for rejoicing and for planning the future. Rejoicing involves sending a thoughtful gift to spread some Juneteenth joy. Planning for the future involves empowering Black entrepreneurs to create generational wealth in our community.

That being said, we’re extremely excited to present our first Juneteenth Gift Guide.

Juneteenth Gift Guide 2021

Sewit Sium makes statement jewelry, imbued with African living history, culture, spirit & indigenous technologies.

juneteenth

BLK MKT Vintage is a Brooklyn, NY-based antique/vintage concept shop, specializing in collectibles, cast-off’s and curiosities, which represent the richness of Black history and lived experience.

junteenth gift

Nappy Head Apparel is a lifestyle brand that believes there is power in the messages that we put on our bodies. We’re Always Black, and Never Sorry: we use fashion as a way to tell ourselves, and the world, that our Blackness deserves to be celebrated loud and unapologetically. CODE JUNETEENTH2021 for 20% off your order.

junteenth gift

Humanize My Hoodie creates sweatshirts that make a powerful statements that debunk racist myths, invites conversations, and empowers marginalized communities to be seen, heard, and valued.

junteenth gift

Mud2Millions is a beginner’s cheat code guide, by early millionaire Ayesha Selden, on how to build wealth through ownership.

This New York Times bestselling book by America’s fave financial education, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, is the perfect companion for your financial journey. If you’re ready to master your money holistically, Get Good with Money is the 10-step plan that you need.

Sistah Scifi is the first Black owned bookstore focused on Science Fiction and Fantasy casting spells to uplift literature written by Black and Native American women.

Everybody Eats is a colorfully simple board book, and an introduction to hip hop’s culinary lyrics. From Notorious BIG to Cardi B, parents and caregivers will enjoy rapping some of their favorite lyrics to their little ones.

junteenth gift

Neter Gold is an all natural body care brand that only wants the best for you and your family. We just want you to feel better about yourself so you can change the world in your own way; you’re enough, you’ve always been enough. We’re just here to help you see it. Use Code: ShoppeBlack for 20% off One-Time Purchase & 35% off Subscription purchase

junteenth gift

Green Heffa Farms grows medicinal plants that we use in our custom-blended teas. Our new blackiTEA blend is in honor of the contributions Black farmers have made to agriculture. Use code JUNETEENTH for 15% off any purchases of $25 or more.

junteenth gift

Herban Farms specializing in growing small batch herbs and hot peppers used in a variety of culinary expressions. Offer: 21% off any food products from now until June 20th. Code: BLACKCODE21

Herb’N Eden is on a mission to create holistic bath and body products that help maintain skin health. Our products are made with botanical ingredients that are known to do just that!

junteenth gift

Bright Black is a Durham-based company that uses scent as an artistic medium and candles as a platform to share positive narratives about Blackness. Offer: 10% off all orders with code: SHOPPEBLACK.

junteenth gift

Posh Candle Co. is a Los Angeles based home fragrance brand with products that inspire you to stay lit with their catchy phrases and unique scents. They offer a fresh take on pampering and self-care for a vibe you can’t find anywhere else. Take 15% off your order until June 30th with the code: SHOPPE15

junteenth gift

Ronald Sippio Jr is known as The EDC Guy, and is the author of Erica’s Big Day, a book about unattended firearms and firearm safety for children. He is also the owner and head instructor of The EDC Guy Academy, firearms training for the everyday simple individuals based in South Florida.

Wardrobe Architect specializes in stylish and versatile yet discreet EDC belts that can hold the weight of a full size handgun. Our belts provide a precise fit for a fast and secure draw 24/7. Offer: 25% off EDC belts promo code is: 061921

kweliTV is a streaming platform that celebrates global Black stories through 500+ curated films and shows that amplify the Black experience in the US, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Australia. kweliTV is $5.99 per month. The first 7 days are free!

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Collab Capital Raises $50 Million To Invest In Black Founders

May 26, 2021May 26, 2021

1 min read

Collab Capital is an Atlanta-based investment firm on a mission to establish an institution that provides a viable pathway to sustained wealth for the Black community.

In 2018, the firm launched with $2 million in capital, a $50 million target, and a mission to focus on investing in Black founders specifically.

Despite being told that their focus on Black founders was too narow and that there aren’t enough qualified Black founders to back, Collab Capital perservered and today announced that they have now raised over $50M to invest in the best Black led early stage startups over the next few years.

Backers include Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Mailchimp and PayPal, making it one of the largest funds closed from an entirely Black-led firm solely committed to Black founders.

The firm will invest in 50 startups across the US over the next 3–5 years. The majority of the investments will fund companies in cities like Atlanta, DC, Houston, Detroit, St. Louis, and New Orleans, which have a high concentration of Black entrepreneurs and a low concentration of risk capital.

Tony O. Lawson

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Curtis Lawrence III Graduated High School Early, Was Accepted to 14 Colleges and Chose an HBCU

May 16, 2021May 16, 2021

3 mins read

In 2014, Curtis Lawrence III began taking dual enrollment courses at School Without Walls High School and George Washington University.

This spring, he will earn his Associates Degree and head to FAMU where he will pursue a double major in computer science and biology as well as a minor in Mandarin.

Curtis Lawrence III

Lawrence has also been awarded over $1.65 Million in Merit Scholarships. He was also accepted to Howard University, North Carolina A&T University, Morehouse College, Hampton University, Morgan State University, Claflin University, Hutson-Tillotson University, George Washington University, West Virginia Wesleyan, UC Berkeley, the University of Chicago, Yale and Harvard.

Lawrence’s love for education started at a young age. His parents, both educators, instilled the importance of school into he and his younger brother Corey early on, constantly taking them on trips to different museums, colleges, states and countries to expose them to what the world has to offer.

The competition is stiff among universities to recruit top young scholars. Dedra O’Neal, director of the FAMU Scholarship Program, has conducted Zoom calls with alumni scholars and prospective students since last fall.

The recruitment effort deploys alumni based in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Zambia, the Caribbean, France, and across the U.S. to discuss the FAMU scholar experience with top prospective students.

FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson lauded Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. William E. Hudson Jr. for his role in successfully recruiting Lawrence. Hudson visited Lawrence’s Washington, D.C., high school, School Without Walls at George Washington University, last fall.

Lawrence said FAMU felt like home and explained one of the reasons he wants to be a Rattler: “Especially as a young student having been able to meet other students who also started college early at FAMU, and so I was able to really know that FAMU will provide me with that academic and professional support on top of schooling.”

Florida A&M University is competing with the best schools in the country to get top of the line students, including sixteen year old Curtis Lawrence III.

The young scholar now with his sights set on his undergraduate degree in which he doesn’t have to pay a dime.

Lawrence III could’ve continued his education at almost any university in the country but for his undergrad degree, his parents pushed an HBCU.

“We felt that at their start, right, at those fundamental times when you figure it out yourself. Who am I? What am I going to do in life?,” explained Curtis’ father Curtis Lawrence Jr. “To be in an environment that we felt would be nurturing I’m very supportive of their development. So that was very very important for us to create that level of foundation.”