This Black History Month we want to celebrate the transformative power of unity in driving progress and empowering communities. In this spirit we asked our incredible Black business owners and entrepreneurs within the Square Community to share the stories behind their businesses; how they are working to build a strong culture of collaboration and mutual support within their local communities; and what “together we thrive” means to them.
We were blown away by their responses and want to highlight some of the amazing stories that our Community members shared.
What inspired you to start your business, and how has your identity as a Black entrepreneur shaped your journey?
“I started my business because I wanted to show my kids they didn't have to follow the norm and work a job to be successful. Figure out what you love and then create and build your own legacy.
“As a Black entrepreneur my journey has been so blessed. I have customers from all different walks of life coming to support and love on me. We’ve built a community that really wants us to be successful, and that means so much to me and my boutique family.” — Jacqueline (@JUYBoutique20)
“My journey to creating this business was born from a simple yet powerful need: to empower women — especially those with nickel allergies — to express their unique style without compromise. I noticed a real gap in the market. While nickel-free jewelry existed, the stylish options were often limited. I believe every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and that starts with having jewelry that truly reflects who they are.
“This passion is deeply personal. Creating jewelry is my sanctuary, a therapeutic process that helps me navigate my own mental health journey with depression and anxiety. It’s a place where I find peace and focus.
“But my inspiration goes beyond personal experience. I also wanted to address the lack of representation for women of color in the jewelry world. Too often our community — particularly darker-skinned women like myself — are overlooked when it comes to bold statement pieces. I wanted to change that narrative. My company is about celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black women, offering stylish, eye-catching designs that allow us to shine from the inside out, no matter our shade.
“Remember our motto: Our style is so good, you should blog about it!” — Lexi (@Kelzblogs)
“I’ve always been the person who thought outside the box, who wanted the sense of ownership of my journey, my life, my income. So that’s what inspired me to start my business. I consider myself a business owner/entrepreneur who happens to be a woman of color. I love my ethnicity as well as I love being an entrepreneur. Being a woman of color in business has its ups and downs, like anyone in business. I just want the same opportunities as my Caucasian counterparts.” — Andrea (@isavvydesigns)
“I am a self-taught seamstress. My journey into fashion began with clothing and evolved into crafting one-of-a-kind clutch bags, inspired by a deep love for vintage aesthetics and timeless style. I launched my online boutique during the pandemic, turning my passion into a thriving business. MellRose is named after my mother Rose and me. Growing up I idolized my mother’s style and fashion. MellRose is more than just a brand as a proud, Black woman. I embrace the power of ownership and all it took to get here. I hope to inspire the next generation and set the tone for young dreamers, proving that, with vision and dedication, success is within reach.” — Melissa
“Boston Hairnista Salon is my passion, born from my love of hairstyling since age 10. I’ve always wanted to have my own salon. It was just a matter of how and when. Growing up in a community where Black ownership wasn’t prevalent, you wonder if opening a business is even attainable. My entrepreneurial development came from doing hair consecutively for years since elementary school. I learned so much about building clientele, services and pricing, juggling schedules. I never stopped, and it really shaped me to be the business owner I am today. After completing cosmetology school in 2008, I began to research the process for opening a business and what steps I needed to take. In just four years I decided to take the leap, and I opened Boston Hairnista in February 2012. Now, 13 years later, we’ve expanded to a second location in Canton, MA, won three “Best of Boston” awards by Boston Magazine, and still serve many clients from my early days as a kid in grade school. This journey has been incredible, and I’m so grateful! Black History Month is also our anniversary month, so this is a celebratory season for sure!” — Andrea (@BostonHairnista)
How has your business actively fostered a culture of collaboration and mutual support within your local community?
“At Anu’Crown we believe in the power of community and the importance of lifting each other up. Our business actively fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support by engaging with local artists, small businesses, and community organizations to create opportunities for collective growth.
“We prioritize partnerships with Black-owned businesses, vendors, and artisans, ensuring that our success is shared. Whether it’s collaborating on custom hat designs, participating in pop-up events, or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, we are committed to creating spaces where creativity and commerce intersect.
“Beyond business we support our community through outreach efforts, sponsoring local events, and using our platform to highlight other small businesses. By doing so we reinforce the idea that success is not just individual, it is communal. Anu’Crown is more than a brand. It’s a movement built on the foundation of unity, empowerment, and shared success.” — April (@anucrown)
“Belle Noire fosters collaboration and mutual support by organizing pop-ups and events with Black-owned businesses, partnering with local retailers and nonprofits, and empowering artisans from the African Diaspora. I’ve worked with businesses, activated community spaces, and used my background in fashion and merchandising to support other entrepreneurs. By curating and creating ethically made accessories and creating opportunities for collective economic growth, Belle Noire strengthens Black-owned businesses, increases visibility, and ensures that creativity and commerce thrive within the community locally and abroad.” — Nicole (Belle Noire)
“I have actively worked with many communities and organizations to better serve and support. I currently have achieved contracts with @nycsmallbiz, @M/WBE, @boardofeducation, and I mentor @WENYC and Black-owned and women-led businesses who are looking to increase sales online and in person at a location!
“My skin care business BADDIE GLOW CO. has been featured on Shark Tank, News12, Staples, Essence, and many more platforms. Also sold at Walmart and other amazing retailers and platforms. Watch us on Shark Week!” — Jessica (@baddieglow)
“Last summer my business and a few other businesses were part of a back-to-school project in my local community to offer discount prices to school children. I also offer free hair braiding for low-income families. I have a few collaborations setting up as we speak.” — Brenda (@Bre4)
“All Barking Bliss has fostered a culture of collaboration and mutual support within the local community by building strong relationships with pet owners, local rescues, and other small businesses. I prioritize open communication and trust with my clients, ensuring they feel like part of a family rather than just customers. I also support local shelters by promoting pet adoption and partnering with nearby pet-related businesses to provide referrals and resources. My journey from homelessness to entrepreneurship has given me a deep appreciation for community support, and I strive to give back by creating a space where both dogs and their owners feel valued, supported, and connected.” — Yasser (@BarkingBliss)
“From the beginning we have prioritized working with local farmers, suppliers, and vendors to source high-quality, sustainable ingredients, ensuring that our success also benefits other small businesses. We actively participate in farmer’s markets, community events, and food festivals, using these platforms to engage with customers, support fellow entrepreneurs, and educate the public on the importance of sustainable, locally made products.
“Beyond our products we believe in giving back. We partner with local nonprofits and food justice organizations, donating both products and proceeds to initiatives that fight food insecurity and provide job opportunities in underserved communities. Additionally, we mentor and collaborate with other Black-owned and minority-led businesses, sharing resources and knowledge to help uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs.” — Tamyra (@Tamyra_Paunchy)
What’s a Black business or entrepreneur you look up to and why?
“Myself. I can’t name another business that has gone through what I have and actually kept going through all the hardships that were placed in the way of my success.” — Michael (@StickyMikes214)
“I don’t have any one Black business or entrepreneur I look up to. I’m so proud and in awe of every Black person who follows their dream and takes a chance. Whether they succeed the first time or not is inconsequential. Whether they make a million dollars or just make ends meet, I’m proud of them for following their dreams.” — Dana (@MamaDee)
“I’ve always looked up to Madame C.J. Walker because she was a pioneer entrepreneur and a beacon of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Her groundbreaking work in the beauty industry transformed challenges into opportunities and paved the way for generations of Black entrepreneurs. Her legacy of empowerment, hard work, and community upliftment inspires me every day as I continue my journey with Olijé Body Care, and it reminds me every day that, with passion and perseverance, we can redefine beauty and create lasting change.” — Jennifer (@olijebodycare)
When you hear the phrase “together we thrive,” what does that mean to you?
“‘Together we thrive’ means that success isn’t just an individual journey; it’s something we build as a community. For me, it’s about collaboration over competition, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for others to grow alongside me. Whether it’s mentoring new nail techs, supporting other Black-owned businesses, or fostering a space where both clients and professionals feel valued, I believe that when we uplift each other, we all win. Thriving isn’t just about personal success; it’s about making sure the people around you succeed too.” — Stacelyn (@Stacelyn24)
“If we could all come together, support each other, there’s no way we can fail. A house divided can’t stand, and where there’s unity there’s strength.” — Devin (@devingreen)
“As a Black woman in business, ‘together we thrive’ speaks to the power of community, collaboration, and shared success. It means that when we uplift and support one another — whether through mentorship, partnerships, or simply showing up — we create opportunities that extend beyond ourselves.
“For me, thriving isn’t just about personal success; it’s about building generational wealth, opening doors for others, and fostering a network where we all rise. It’s about dismantling barriers, rewriting narratives, and proving that success isn’t meant to be solitary. It’s a collective journey. When we stand together, invest in each other, and celebrate our wins as a community, we don’t just survive. We thrive.” — Alycia ( @Galloway)
“To me, thriving isn’t just about personal success; it’s about collective growth. It’s about uplifting each other, sharing opportunities, and ensuring that success isn’t just for a few, but for all of us. When we support, invest, and show up for one another, we build something bigger than a business. We build a legacy.” — Deandra (@DecotaNaturals)
“‘Together we thrive’ means that success is not an individual journey, but a collective effort. It represents community, collaboration, and the idea that when we uplift and support one another, we all grow stronger. At Lion Buttaz this mindset is at the core of our business — honoring our roots, empowering our people, and creating high-quality, holistic products that nourish both skin and spirit. Thriving together means building generational wealth, culture, and wellness as a united force.” — Terrance (Lion Buttaz)
“When I hear the phrase ‘together we thrive,’ I immediately think of community, collaboration, and collective growth. Thriving is not an individual pursuit. It happens when people uplift, support, and empower one another. In my work as a therapist, business owner, and mentor, I’ve seen firsthand how healing and success are rooted in connection. Whether in mental health, education, or entrepreneurship, we thrive not in isolation, but through shared knowledge, encouragement, and mutual care.
“For me, ‘together we thrive’ represents the power of cultural and communal support, particularly in spaces where systemic barriers exist. It means creating opportunities, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering environments where everyone — especially those from marginalized backgrounds — can grow and succeed. It reminds me that when we show up for one another, invest in each other’s well-being, and create spaces for shared success, we build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future.” — Lesley (Usawa Wellness Services)
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to participate in this article. 🖤 You can learn more about their businesses here:
- @anucrown owns Anu’Crown Luxury Brims, an online luxury boutique
- @baddieglow owns Baddie Glow Skincare, a natural skin care brand
- @BarkingBliss owns Barking Bliss, offering pet services in Lake Forest, California
- @BostonHairnista owns Boston Hairnista Salon & Market based in Dorchester, Massachusetts
- @Bre4 owns LaMichaelz, a mobile hairstylist and braider based on Toronto
- @DecotaNaturals owns Decota Naturals, selling small batches of plant-based skin care products
- @devingreen owns Spoil Me Rott’n, a one-stop spa party spot in Louisiana
- @Galloway owns Galloway’s Plate, offering weekly meal prep subscription and catering
- @isavvydesigns owns Isavvy Designs, offering event planning and interior design services
- @JUYBoutique20 owns Jackie’s Uniquely U Boutique, a women’s boutique based in Anchorage, Alaska
- @Kelzblogs owns Lexi J Jewelery, selling one-of-a-kind metal and nickel-free jewelry
- Lesley owns Usawa Wellness Services, offering individualized counseling and wellness services
- @MamaDee is a self-taught contemporary artist behind Georgettes Granddaughter
- @MellRose owns Mellrose Rack, offering personal stylist services and one-of-a-kind fashion
- Nicole owns Belle Noire, an online jewelry shop curating unique designs
- @olijebodycare owns Olijé Body Care, an online store specializing in natural and organic skin care
- @Stacelyn24 owns Digit and Spikes, a nail salon in Charlotte, North Carolina
- @StickyMikes214 owns Sticky Mikes, a food truck in Dallas, Texas
- @Tamyra_Paunchy owns Paunchy Elephant, offering fresh bottled teas, lemonades, lip-smackin’ BBQ sauce, and more
- Terrance owns Lion Buttaz, offering premium natural shea butter, soaps, and skin care products
Did you know that the Square Community has a group specifically for Black entrepreneurs and business owners? Join Uplifted Voices today.
Tra is a Square Community manager at Square. She is responsible for several programs, including Question of the Week, Seller Groups, and our new Mentorship Program.