Recognizing Our Inaugural Cohort of the Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana has addressed systemic racial disparities in our communities. As we begin our next chapter, we have a renewed commitment to changing the systems that perpetuate racial inequities.
In celebration of Black History Month, we acknowledge and honor the contributions of black individuals throughout history and look to how we can make positive change going forward. One such program is the Thriving African American Small Business Initiative which aims to decrease the racial wealth gap. The program offers matched funds to black business owners who participate in seven months of concentrated instruction designed to help them fine-tune their budgeting skills and improve their profits and viability. Throughout the month we are featuring our program graduates and their businesses. Partner with us in supporting these individuals and breaking down the barriers black business owners have historically faced.
MEET THE OWNERS FROM THE 2023 COHORT
YaQuana Sylve
YaQuana is the creative force behind Socialite Events LLC, a top-tier event styling business. Hailing from Davant, Louisiana, YaQuana's journey of self-discovery began at Southern University, where she unearthed her love for self-expression and creativity. She embarked on a journey to infuse a touch of luxury into every event she touched, whether it's an intimate gathering or a corporate affair. At the heart of YaQuana's approach is dedication to timely execution, meticulous attention to detail, and providing exceptional client service. Her goal is simple: make every individual feel like a true Socialite.
Socialite Events, LLC
Event Planning
ymsylve@gmail.com
Malaika Moran
Malaika is the owner and principal consultant of SocialStep Marketing and Consulting. In 1996, Malaika Moran made waves by launching SOCIALSTEP.COM, an online resource that transformed event promotion for young professionals in ten major cities and reached over 2 million impressions and 300,000 monthly visits at its peak, catering to major brands like Microsoft and HBO. Today, her consulting firm, SocialStep Marketing and Consulting, collaborates with government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and economic development corporations, delivering effective marketing and business solutions.
SocialStep Marketing and Consulting
Marketing
malaika@socialstep.com
Nicole Banner
Nicole is a native of Slidell and a certified reflexologist and licensed massage therapist in Maryland and Louisiana with degrees from Central Michigan University and the University of Maryland. With over 16 years of experience as a massage therapist and eight years as a certified reflexologist, Nicole's expertise covers a broad spectrum of modalities – including clinical, chair, sports, prenatal massage, and reflexology – across a diverse clientele, including individuals with motor vehicle injuries, workers' compensation claims, sports injuries, TMJ disorders, and more. Her commitment extends to sharing her extensive knowledge with published work on reflexology for peripheral neuropathy.
Therapist With Talent
Health & Wellness
twtmassage@gmail.com
Akeisha Tircuit
Akeisha is the mastermind behind Touches by Tircuit, a Baton Rouge native with design expertise across multiple spectrums. Her journey started at Southern University where she earned a bachelor's degree in architecture, which led to her work as an architect and drafting and design educator. In 2011, Akeisha stepped into entrepreneurship, initially focusing on jewelry and wigs. By 2015, she became a licensed stylist, and in 2018, she opened her own salon, creating job opportunities for ten accomplished Black women. She aims to touch people from all walks of life, making them look beautiful and feeling blessed.
Touches of Tircuit
Hair & Beauty Salon
amtircuit@yahoo.com
Angell Claverie
Meet Angell Claverie, the owner of Paparazzi Cam Photo Booth and Photography, a family-owned photo booth business that has been lighting up events since 2018 in the Greater New Orleans area and beyond. Their mission is simple: to elevate event entertainment with cutting-edge photo booth technology, because "Wherever there is a party, there should be a photo booth!” Paparazzi Cam offers a variety of customizable photo booth services, from physical prints to digital and video experiences, all with budget-friendly packages and flexible payment options. Get ready to experience their unique photo booth magic at your next event as they create lasting memories that you'll cherish.
Paparazzi Cam Photo Booth & Photography
Event Rental Company
nolapaparazzicam@gmail.com
Everyl-Ann Archibald
Everyl-Ann is a dynamic entrepreneur who kick-started her journey at age 15. Today, she's a full-time entrepreneur with four businesses - Noir Naturals (est. 2009) in Louisiana, Popcorn Island (est. 2017) in Louisiana and Mississippi, Archie's (est. 2021) in Mississippi, and the mobile version (est. 2023) in Louisiana. In Trinidad, she co-owns Pinguino Purified Water (est. 2013), the sole biodegradable bottled alkaline water manufacturer in the Caribbean. In July 2023, Everyl-Ann was named one of Gulf Coast Woman magazine's "100 Successful Women to Know on the Gulf Coast."
His Grace Enterprises, LLC
Food & Drink
everyl@noirnaturals.com
Denise Robinson
Denise is a native of Angie, Louisiana, an accomplished entrepreneur and multifaceted individual whose influence spans diverse industries, from telecommunications to community activism. Denise's business ventures, including Perfectly Vinyl Prints by D&B and Picture Perfect by D&B have made a lasting, positive impact. In May 2023, she opened The Gathering Village Community Playground, creating a safe and family-oriented space in her hometown. Her dedication to her community – as a mother, wife, activist, and friend – is evident in her being honored with the Trailblazer Award by the Washington Parish NAACP.
Perfectly Vinyl Prints D&B, LLC
Graphic Design
perfectlyvinylprints@gmail.com
Danyell Hampton
Danyell is a culinary artist from the heart of Uptown. Her journey in the world of flavors and culinary artistry started in a family where food was an embodiment of love, celebration, and comfort. While attending Southern University, Danyell's passion for home-style cooking quickly gained popularity and fueled her ambition to share her creations with a broader audience. In June 2018, Danyell transformed her dream into reality by founding Danny's Creole Kitchen, a thriving catering business where her childhood flavors and a generous helping of love combine to create unforgettable dishes.
Danny’s Creole Kitchen, LLC - Catering
danyellhampton49@gmail.com
Shanda Domango
Shanda is a trained dancer and choreographer whose transformative journey began during her pregnancy under the guidance of Minister Esprit. Building on her arts management and dance background, she crafted Healing Movement, an integrative approach that draws inspiration from chakra-based and ancestral healing, somatic practices, and embodiment techniques. Shanda's own experience of positive physical, mental, and emotional changes led her to open a studio where she could share Healing Movement with others, with a primary focus on women.
Domango Training - Health & Wellness
info@domangotraining.com
Theata Mason
Theata is a seasoned realtor with over two decades of experience. Since 1999, she has been a dedicated professional in the real estate industry. In 2012, she took the reins as Broker/Owner of New Day Properties, LLC, specializing in residential real estate sales in New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish. Licensed in both Louisiana and Mississippi, she is committed to turning buyers' dreams into reality and utilizes innovative marketing strategies. Whether you're buying or selling, trust in Theata's expertise and dedication to make your real estate journey a success.
New Day Properties, LLC - Real Estate
tirmason@yahoo.com
Renée Johnson
Renée is the owner and creative force behind AfriModiste, a high-fashion brand where culture meets couture. Hailing from New Orleans, Renée is a fashion and costume designer with a deep passion for preserving and elevating her city's unique style and traditions. Her fashion-forward designs pay homage to the vibrant culture she grew up around. Discover her renowned creations and shop her collections online at AfriModiste.com or experience the magic in person and inquire about custom designs at the Salon Studio on the second floor of Canal Place Shopping Center.
Afri Modiste
Retail/Fashion Design
afrimodiste@gmail.com
Denise Johnson
Denise is the braiding expert who credits her mother and cousins with affording her the talent and practice she needed for success. As a mother of four daughters, Denise's journey began with a desire to provide affordable hairstyling solutions for her family, which led to Braids by Denise LLC in 2020. Denise caters to clients of all ages and genders – whether in her home salon or on the go – offering a wide array of the latest styles to meet all budgets. Her dream? Establishing a storefront location on the Northshore, bringing her artistry closer to the community.
Braids By Denise, LLC
Hair Stylist
deniseclarkgray0716@gmail.com
Christie L Kaywood
Christie is a New Orleans born advocate for holistic health and wellness. She's a registered nurse coach and certified holistic wellness consultant. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish the Dream Life Virtual Wellness Center on the Mighty Network Platform, creating a unique health community. In 2019, she founded the Christiel Holistic Healing Center, initially a Reiki practice and essential oil shop, which has grown into a thriving wellness hub. Today, Christie continues to be a trailblazer as a community health and wellness nurse coach, blogger, and writer, impacting the world of health and wellness locally and globally.
Christiel Holistic Healing Center
Health Care and Social Assistance
clockett@inursecoach.com