I woke up one day with it on my mind. I was like, [thought bubble], how powerful it would be to have a collective list of Black women businesses in New Orleans. The original idea was to spotlight 10 of our “Black Women WCWM Members Businesses.” But when I googled “Black women businesses in New Orleans”, I didn’t see much. Immediately, I recognized a more significant idea to have our WCWM Member list connected to a larger group of Black women businesses in New Orleans.
So, we have 10 featured WCWM Members women businesses with a list of 100 businesses to follow. I know the article is titled 101 Black women businesses…and there are only 100 listed but don’t forget to count WCWM: Who’s Coming With Me in as a Black woman owned business in New Orleans too. We, #TheUnityMovement, are honored to present this list to you.
And it wasn’t easy getting it down to just 100 Black women businesses because there are so many amazing women doing excellent business in New Orleans. It surely isn’t possible to fit them all on one flyer, but we have a few on the Ujamaa Directory, our New Orleans Black business directory, and we are working hard to list more each day. We hope that this supports leveling an unbalanced playing field and brings forth equity to the arena of Black women businesses in New Orleans.
Black women businesses are said to be the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in America. Ironically, we deal with more discrimination inside and outside of our businesses than most groups. Many times we have to work more than three times harder than men, just to get half the jobs at a percentage of the pay. Don’t get me wrong, we bring quality work, worth, and skills to the table but many times there are slim to no seat(s) at the table for us, let alone being pulled out for us to rest our bones. That’s why we have started building our own tables and chairs and offering other sisters seats at the tables; getting our Solange on so to speak.
Cause lets face it, patriarchy is a real ugly beast. As a root of white supremacy and all of the systems America operations under, patriarchy tiers down from white men and women to even dwelling in the mind of some black men and women. Yes even Black men and women participate in the practice of patriarchy at times.
Think about it, how many times do you see Black men supporting each other? Very often, right?! Even more often than we see Black women supporting each other. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with Black men supporting each other either. Its actually a good thing. However, sometimes it is exclusive and that’s when the good thing of supporting your brother turns into discrimination towards your sister.
Now think about it, how many times do you see Black women supporting Black men? Most often, right?! And this isn’t a bad thing but it isn’t as common to see Black men supporting Black women. This doesn’t mean that women love men more or vice versa. Nor does this mean all men don’t support women and all women do support men. This isn’t even a competition between man and woman, but it is intended to raise a point that when you put any group up to Black women, even Black women up to Black women, usually the Black women get the least support. Malcolm X said it before in the 60s and not too much as changed in reference to this subject; the most disrespect, unprotected, and neglected person in America is the Black woman.
Moreover, it takes a special kind of muscle to be a Black woman business. Sometimes you have to flex those muscles while bearing child(ren), breastfeeding, providing meals for sets of hungry little bellies, or even nurturing other peoples children. Trust me, there is so much more to being a woman beyond reproducing and nurturing; like forgetting what society tells you to be in order to get to know who you truly are…Then, you have the challenge of managing self-care and self-time. Its the beautiful struggle of being the mothers of civilization. However, we don’t have to struggle so hard if we simply take time to reflect on the ways we all can contribute in making it more of a blessing to be a Black woman.
I encourage us all, starting with Black women and men, to intentionally support Black women businesses, even if its recognizing when there are slim to no seats for women at the table. We have got to work together to make it better for us all; including the future of Black women and men to come. When we as Black women, and supporters of Black women set the example and standards in our communities then we are sure to grow healthy, stable, and nurtured communities of children, and Black women and men of the future.
Check out our 10 WCWM Members features along with the list of 101 Black Women Businesses in New Orleans to Support. Please spread the word & love. Thanks for your support in advance.
AMARU COME-UNITY HOMESCHOOL
Amaru Come-Unity Homeschool, founded in 2015 by Nicole Adams, is dedicated to nurturing the Black child; mind, body, and spirit. Amaru is a tuition based business that uses its community based resources and love to provide young people with the education and knowledge of self need to propel them in the necessary directions to acheive success. For more info: www.amarucomeunity.com
HAPPY VILLAGE KIDS
Happy Village’s goal is to create African inspired fashion for kids of all ages, at affordable prices. Founder and world traveler, Renee Johnson, says her inspiration for Happy Village Kids was inspired by the culture and traditions around the world with a special affection for those created in the motherland. Renee Johnson is also the founder of Afrimodiste, an African inspired formal attire line that formed its roots during Zulu Ball 2015. Happy Village Kids has a commitment to sharing global discoveries through fashion and designs, hoping to inspire kids of all ages in rediscovering the gifts of Africa and encouraging international exploration. For more info: www.happyvillagekids.com.
TRUE LOVE MOVEMENT
The mission of True Love Movement is to empower Black people to achieve optimal health and wellness through counseling, education, community activism and the production of creative arts and media all of which promotes self-awareness and self-love. Founded by New Orleans native, Ayanna Molina, True Love Movement has been growing and building in the community in various ways including free community wellness events, workshops, etc. They can even be found on WBOK1230AM on Saturdays 5-6PM for the True Love Movement Hour. For more info: www.truelovemovement.com
SISTA MIDWIFE PRODUCTIONS
Sista Midwife Productions is founded by Nicole Deggins. They provides education and training through teleconferences, webinars, keynotes and live workshops. They work with pregnant women, doulas, families, birth workers, communities, advocates, and allies. Sista Midwife Productions hosts a Breast feeding support group every Monday 6:30-8:30pm at Black Star Books & Caffe. Their website hosts a directory of midwives and doulas across the country. For more info: www.sistamidwife.com
KEYS OF BEAUTY, LLC
Keys of Beauty, LLC is founded by Keysha Dennis aka the Beard Oil Lady and located at 2518 Bayou Rd. Keysha is also the owner of BeardTifull Beard Oil, an all natural product used to support health beard growth while reducing razor bumps and keeping beards smelling and looking fresh. Not only is Keys of Beauty a Black woman business but they are also a Black woman business employer. Visit Keys of Beauty Hair Studio for all your hair needs. For more info: www.keysofbeauty.com
MONTANA PRODUCTIONS, LLC
Montana Productions LLC is a full service production management company specializing in art fairs and music festivals. Founded by New Orleans native Gina Montana, Montana Productions LLC, a locally owned and nationally recognized company, has over 20 years experience in special events and festival productions. For more info: www.montanaproductionsllc.com
ARTIST JOURNEY ALLEN GALLERY STUDIO
Situated in the heart of New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward district, Artist Journey Allen Gallery Studio strives to build community and empower its members through its consistent provision of creative opportunities. Simply stated, Artist Journey Allen is more than JUST a gallery or painting studio. In addition to exhibiting artwork by local artists and hosting public paint and sip sessions throughout the week, AJA Gallery Studio is further developing its intention to provide a platform for under-served youth (as well as others) who are interested in exploring the gift of creativity through art classes and exploratory workshops. For more info: www.artistjourneyallen.com
NAILS BY NALO
Located in Body Bistro Spa at 8710 Oak Street, Nails By Nalo provides natural nail care services in a one-on-one spa environment. Nails by Nalo is founded by Nalo Johnson. Check out their services and book your appoint with Nails by Nalo. For more info: Nails by Nalo
BLACK SWAN FOOD EXPERIENCE
Black Swan is a pop-up restaurant and catering company that merges casual fine dining with street food culture. Their food is Creole, Thai, Caribbean-inspired, contemporary Soul food that honors tradition and creativity. Black Swan was founded in 2014 by Native New Orleanian Chef Nikki Wright. Chef Nikki brings more than 7 years catering experience and takes great pride in highlighting the African and Native American influences on New Orleans cuisine. For more info: www.blackswanfoodexperience.com
CFREEDOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Cfreedom Photography LLC is a photography & cinematography production company based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cfreedom Photography is located in Central City New Orleans on Oretha Castle Haley (also known as historic Dryades St.) and provides services and products locally, nationally, and internationally, specializing in all things positive, festive, musical, colorful, historical and monumental. Founded in 2008 by New Orleans artist and activist, Cfreedom (Christine Brown), Cfreedom Photography is currently co-producing a short film along with WCWM titled The Essence of N.O.W. : A Short Film to spotlight and unify New Orleans. For more info: www.cfreedomphotography.com and www.theessenceofnow.com
Below is a list of 101 Black Women Businesses in New Orleans that we thought you should know and support. While many are listed on the Ujamaa Directory, we want you to do your research and check them out for yourselves. When you do, feel free to visit our Ujamaa Directory and rate and comment on the businesses. Also feel free to screenshot and share this list with your friends, print it up on your wall, on the wall at your job, put it in the glove compartment of your car… Make a conscious decision to support Black women businesses as often as possible.
