Creating an award show for Black Women has always been a dream of mine because I understand what it feels like to work tirelessly without recognition. And I’ve seen the toll it takes on even the most driven Black Women, so I wanted to create something that let them know we do see them. So in 2020 this became a reality with our first Black Woman Business Awards ever, and last year we celebrated with a Black Women Deserve Gold gala and ceremony, which was in person for the first time.
That was in Atlanta, but this year we took the Black Woman Business Awards to Florida to AFRO TV Studios, a state-of-the-art Black-owned production studio in Orlando. This decision was not just about a change of location, it was a statement. I’ll share more on this later, but let’s get into the true purpose of the awards.
The Purpose of the Buy From A Black Woman Business Awards
The Buy From A Black Woman Business Awards brings entrepreneurs, partners and supporters of the Buy From A Black Woman community together to celebrate and honor the incredible achievements of Black Women Business Owners. Beyond being an awards show, this event is a beacon of hope and recognition, a testament to the value of hard work, dedication and resilience of Black Women Entrepreneurs.
Our event not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of Black Women Entrepreneurs, but it also provides a platform for networking, empowerment and inspiration. Every year we bring together a community of leaders, founders and change agents who are excited to celebrate the brilliance and resilience of Black Women Business Owners and this year was no different.
Black Women and our allies showed out for an intimate evening where we got to celebrate our success with our host, actress and comedian Chanel Ali.
Why Florida?
The reason we decided to bring the Black Woman Business Awards to Florida is simple: To support Black Women. We wanted to show support for the Black businesses that are here and that aren’t able to leave despite the political climate. Because historically oppressed groups don’t always have the resources to leave and start over somewhere else. And to show the Black Women in spaces that need our support, that there is a community for them. They don’t have to struggle alone.
So we intentionally chose Afro TV Studios, a Black-owned space to host our ceremony. And I was proud to be a guest on The Sisaundra Show the day before the awards because Afro TV is a leader in polycultural Black content in North America, they operate eight channels that broadcast TV shows and films from across the African and Black diaspora. Sharing our mission and talking about the work that these incredible Black Women are doing in their communities was an honor.
Other than Afro TV Studios, the majority of our service providers were also Black businesses. So together with our community we were able to pour into local businesses in a meaningful way. Our community traveled almost 40,000 miles from across the country to Orlando for the ceremony. And according to our estimates, together we brought $70,000+ to local Orlando businesses, with $19,650 being spent on hospitality services alone. Which once again proves that when you support a Black Woman Business Owner, you support a whole community.
Announcing the 2023 Winners
Now, let's take a moment to recognize and celebrate the outstanding winners of the Black Woman Business Awards:
Accessory Business of the Year: Youmie Jean Francois, Flex-n-Fly
Beauty Company of the Year: Kim Roxie, LAMIK Beauty
Book & Paper Good Company of the Year: Ariel Young, Copper & Brass Paper Goods
Children's Company of the Year: SonJoria Sydnor, Our Family's Doing Yoga
Creative Artist of the Year: Khadejha Brunner, Dejha B Coloring
Drink Service of the Year: Shanae Jones, Flyest
Hair Care Company of the Year: Yashika Walker, Hair Affair Stimulating Growth Oil
Food Company of the Year: Lisa Marsh, Ms P's Gluten Free
Lifestyle Business of the Year: Kalyn Johnson Chandler, Effie’s Paper :: Stationery&Whatnot
Home Goods Business of the Year: Deloyce Dhoruba, Mahogany Brown Candle Co.
Professional Services of the Year: Nantale Muwonge, Black Girl PR
Skin Care Company of the Year: Wendy Rose Berry & Eugenia Marshall, conditionHER
Health & Wellness Company of the Year: Lesline Pittman, Lesline Does Wellness
Special thanks and congratulations to our Community Winners:
Business Partner Of The Year: H&M US
Volunteer Of The Year: Tuesday P. Brooks, AJOY Management Enterprise
Community Business Partner Of The Year: Reserve Concierge, Isaiah Michael Joyner
And congratulations to our "You Got This, Black Woman!" recipient: Shanae Jones, Flyest
This year was the first year that we gave this award because we wanted to give the community an opportunity to show Black Women Business Owners how much they really value their efforts. To give the community an opportunity to show that they believe in these Black Women because we can say, “You got this, Black Woman,” all day, but when your community says it, it hits different.
So we’re very proud of Shanae and honored to have her as the very first recipient of this award.
Watch the awards on Afro TV
We’re excited to announce that you can join us in celebrating Black Women because the Black Woman Business Awards will be airing on national TV. Tune into Afro TV at 7p.m. and 11p.m. ET on Thursday, November 23 to watch the awards via the Xfinity Comcast Network. Afro TV is channel 1623 on Comcast Xfinity and is also viewable on the Afro TV app on Roku.
Join the movement
The Buy From A Black Woman Business Awards has grown into more than just an event, it's a movement. It celebrates excellence, encourages resilience and embodies the spirit of unity and community. It's a reminder that every effort we make to support and uplift underrepresented voices has the potential to create a lasting and meaningful impact. This event is a beacon of hope for Black Women in business, and it sets the stage for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Join the movement by donating to our cause here.