Singer Chris Brown, known for his share of controversies over the years, is now facing some serious financial trouble. He is now being sued by City National Bank after taking out a huge loan to buy 2 Popeyes Chicken franchises and has not yet paid back.
According to legal documents obtained by The Blast, City National Bank claims Brown owes them a whopping $2,140,901, which includes the principal amount and interest. This loan dates back to 2018, and despite the bank’s efforts, the money remains unpaid.
Initially, the lawsuit was filed in Georgia, where the courts ruled in favor of the bank. Now, the battle has shifted to Los Angeles, where Brown resides.
Even though there are others listed as borrowers in the lawsuit, including Grammy Award-winning producer The Dream, the bank made it clear in the documents that Chris Brown is the one personally responsible for repaying the loan.
Meet Robiar Smith, a native of Southside Chicago and the CEO of R.B. Premium Products, which produces the popular bug spray product called Bug Strike. Her product is the first and only Black woman-owned pest control product to grace the shelves of Home Depot stores.
Growing up, Smith’s parents instilled in her the value of education and hard work. She followed their advice, earning multiple degrees in Business and Information Technology and climbing the corporate ladder. However, in 2015, she felt the need for more.
In 2016, she decided to enter the pest control industry after the encouragement of her father, Michael Benton, who had been a pest control technician in Chicago for decades. She took the extermination exam and passed it after a few attempts. She then founded R.B. Pest Solutions, and her passion for pest control ignited.
“When we started the company, and we’d go out on jobs, people were surprised to see me actually doing the work,” she told the Chicago Defender.
Over seven years, R.B. Pest Solutions has become the fastest-growing pest control company in the Midwest, securing government, city, commercial, restaurant, and facilities contracts. They’re expanding beyond Chicago into Indiana and planning a third location in the city.
What’s more, she launched R.B. Premium Products, including a bug spray called “Bug Strike,” which is now available at Home Depot. This achievement made her the only Black woman-owned product on Home Depot’s shelves, and it even gained recognition at the BET Awards.
For Smith, this partnership with Home Depot is more than just business; it’s about leaving a legacy and inspiring young Black girls from urban areas. She’s also passing on her knowledge to her daughters, ensuring that they can continue to nurture the business.
Despite challenges in a male-dominated industry, Smith’s determination to create a seat at the table has inspired others. She’s proud to support her community by partnering with local vendors and businesses, creating opportunities for them to thrive.
“The representation drives me, and as a result, these accolades confirm that I’m doing God’s work. They let me know I’m doing the right thing, she said.
Learn more about their products and services via their official website at TheRBPremiumProducts.com
Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram @R.B.PestSolutions
Meet Olajumoke Adenowo, the remarkable Black female architect who is responsible for some of Nigeria’s top real estate projects. In a field traditionally dominated by men, she has defied the odds and achieved great success throughout her career.
Adenowo was first inspired to pursue a career in architecture after a visit to Paris, where she was captivated by the magnificent structures she encountered. Determined to bring the same level of architectural excellence to Africa, she embarked on her journey in the field.
She started her career at Femi Majekodunmi Associates architectural firm and quickly rose through the ranks, proving her passion and dedication. She shared that while others were enjoying their leisure time, she would be found at the office, even late at night.
“I think my boss saw my passion and he gave me a chance. If we had more mentors like that in Africa, I believe the younger generation would blossom faster,” Adenowo told Wakanda Africa News.
At the age of 25, she established her own company, which has since become a world-class organization known for its excellence in architecture.
Throughout her career, Adenowo has built an impressive portfolio, working on notable projects that have garnered attention both locally and internationally. Some of her noteworthy works include the Nigerian Stock Exchange building, the Heritage Bank Headquarters, and the Ekiti State Liaison Office in Lagos.
Her exceptional performance has earned her prestigious accolades, including the International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award, the Rare Gems Award, the New African Business Woman of the Year Award, and the International Property Awards, among others.
Meet Glynnis and Shelly Smith, the dynamic sister duo behind Meme Natural You, a Black-owned line of all-natural, plant-based products that are making waves in the world of textured hair care. Based in Kansas City, Kansas, they are now known for their latest creation, the Nutritional Hair Growth & Scalp Oil, but their journey is a remarkable tale of determination, dedication, and cultural preservation.
The Smith sisters embarked on their path to success in 2018 when they founded their company. Their mission was clear from the start: to address the unique hair care needs of Black women and transform the world of textured hair care. Their products, now widely used in hospitals, have made a significant impact on the diverse needs and environments of children.
The Smith sisters spent seven years owning a beauty supply store in 2000, followed by over two decades of operating Braid Heavens, a hair salon that became a local legend. Their stories have been featured in prestigious magazines such as Allure, Essence, KC Studio, American Salon, and various local media outlets.
Now, their latest creation, the Nutritional Hair Growth & Scalp Oil, stands as a testament to their commitment to serving their community’s hair care needs. It’s not just a product. “It pays homage to our cultural roots,” says Shelly. “This unique formula is designed to stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth, thickness, and hair strand fortitude.”
The motivation behind this visionary product is deeply rooted in Glynnis and Shelly’s connection to their native culture in Guyana, South America. They recognized the profound need for a culturally-inspired hair care solution, resulting in a harmonious blend of natural and organic ingredients. Glynnis and Shelly, the driving forces behind Meme Natural You, extend a warm invitation to everyone to join them on this incredible journey to healthier, more vibrant hair. Their commitment to the Black community and their passion for cultural preservation shine through in every drop of their products.
For more details and/or to purchase their products, visit MemeNaturalYou.com
Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
About Meme Natural You is a proudly Black woman-owned hair care brand, dedicated to celebrating the beauty of textured hair. Inspired by their Guyanese heritage, sisters Glynnis and Shelly have created a range of products that fuse tradition with innovation, providing holistic solutions for healthy, strong, and beautiful hair.
For media inquiries, interviews, or product samples, please contact haircare@memenaturalyou.com or 800-215-8095.
Antonio McBroom, a veteran business owner from North Carolina, has transformed his love for ice cream into a remarkable success story. He started out as a scooper at a local ice cream store, but now he owns 15 Ben & Jerry’s stores in multiple cities. This makes him the company’s first CEO of a Black-owned and Black-led multi-unit franchise group.
Antonio’s journey with Ben & Jerry’s started during his college days when he worked as a regular employee. Fast forward to just days before his graduation, Antonio took a bold step and bought his very first Ben & Jerry’s store in Chapel Hill, NC which quickly became a hit.
Since then, he has expanded to 15 locations across Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Florida.
“I’m an ice cream connoisseur,” he told Spectrum Local News. “That’s what drew me to the job in the first place. I started as a scooper back when I was in college at UNC, and I had a milkshake as my first menu item, and that was one of the perks of working on the job. So, I’ve been sticking with it ever since.”
But Antonio’s journey doesn’t stop at ice cream. He’s also the owner of a Starbucks franchise in the southeast. Being an entrepreneur was always his dream, and working with Ben & Jerry’s provided him with a platform to grow that dream.
Antonio takes immense pride in giving back to the community, just as he once received support. He leads a dedicated team that allocates a portion of the profits from all 15 Ben & Jerry’s locations to support upcoming and small Black-owned businesses.
“Small businesses have a heartbeat for the community, and we’re plugged in a way that a lot of large corporations can’t,” he said. “I’ve always been an advocate for small businesses and really enjoy being a small business owner.”
“One of the responsibilities of being a Black entrepreneur is just showing others what’s possible. I know that a lot of folks growing up don’t see cases of Black excellence, and so for me to be a model, an example for folks in my community of just what’s possible,” he added.
Be sure to follow him and his business adventures on Instagram @AntonioMcBroom_
Meet Yve-Car Momperousse and Stéphane Jean-Baptiste, a couple from Haiti behind the eco-friendly beauty brand Kreyol Essence who secured a $400,000 deal with Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank. In just three years, the investment not only helped increase their sales by 50% but also got them out of a $300,000 debt.
In 2020, the married couple appeared on Shark Tank to pitch their brand Kreyol Essence, which sells natural products infused with pure Haitian Black Castor oil known for promoting healthy skin, hair growth, and more. The duo shared how they successfully raked in $1 million in 2018 but faced hurdles after losing their biggest buyer and accumulating $300,000 in debt, according to AfroTech.
Momperousse and Jean-Baptiste were seeking $400,000 for 10% of Kreyol Essence. After intense negotiations, they agreed to Kevin O’Leary’s offer of $400,000 for 5% equity and 25 cents in perpetuity.
The investment deal had an immediate impact, driving a significant 50% increase in Kreyol Essence’s sales. Their products gained widespread popularity, now available in major retailers like Ulta, Amazon, JCPenney, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
But the story doesn’t revolve solely around profits. They made a promise that every purchase from their brand would make a positive global impact. Kreyol Essence is on a mission to create sustainable jobs, protect the environment, and empower women. In fact, 90% of their team comprises women.
Moreover, after just 3 years since their Shark Tank appearance, their business reportedly skyrocketed by a staggering 529%. Kreyol Essence made it to No. 44 on the list of Inc. Magazine‘s “Regionals 2023: Southeast” featuring 200 companies making an outsized impact in the Southeast.
Learn more about Kreyol Essence via its official website at KreyolEssence.com
Dr. Shawanda Moore aka “The Tax Docta” who is the founder and CEO of Royal Financial Services based in New Orleans, Louisiana has created a Tax Preparation curriculum for aspiring entrepreneurs that includes a textbook, a workbook, and hands-on teaching for her students. She made history last year after grossing $1.5 million in three months, and now she wants to help others to be able to do the same.
Her Tax Preparation curriculum is embedded into a course that is an 8-week program held twice weekly via Zoom during the late evening hours to accommodate interested ones who may still have day jobs. During the winter season so far, she has had over 30 individuals from across the United States enroll in her course.
Dr. Moore and her colleague, Shante Williams (C.A.O.), have worked diligently to ensure that every individual enrolled in the program became knowledgeable on Taxation. They hosted a completion ceremony for those individuals who wanted to participate to ensure a habit of celebrating every milestone they accomplish is developed. Dr. Moore also assisted every individual who successfully completed the program with the opportunity to start up their very own tax business by providing them with copies of her tax software.
Dr. Moore received great feedback from each participant of the program as they ensured her that the knowledge gained through her program exceeded their expectations. One participant, Ms. Kandy Hall, was in tears at the graduation as she thanked “The Tax Docta” and her staff for educating her, empowering her, and motivating her to step out on faith to move forward with starting her very own tax company.
Other participants of the program were very appreciative of the warm and welcoming personality of the “The Tax Docta” and Ms. Williams and believe they made a wise choice by enrolling in the program. Furthermore, Dr. Moore will be offering this program twice a year and welcomes all interested individuals to contact her company for more details.
Dr. Moore has been credited with many accomplishments which includes being an author of children’s financial literacy books, tax preparation books, a tax software provider, a business growth coach, a speaker on several topics, and a community service host of several annual outreach events. Dr. Moore is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Moore will began offering franchise opportunities for Royal Financial Services in May 2023. For more information on how to become a franchisee, visit TheTaxDocta.com/franchise or contact 833-769-2549 ext. 700 or send an email to drshawandam@royaltaxbox.com
Also, be sure to follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram
For press release inquiries, please contact pr@royaltaxbox.com
Free online advertising for black owned businesses
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As a small business, there’s nothing better than free online advertising. In the digital age, there are a variety of platforms to help you spread the word about your business, but you have to start by getting yourself online. Search engines are a common starting point for consumers, and as a business owner, being knowledgeable about free ways to help your business appear more often in local searches will bring you more visibility and business.
We’ve compiled a list of seven free online advertising opportunities that any small business can take advantage of. Each of these free online advertising tricks will get you in front of potential customers and help you to be more relevant in local search.
1. Claim and complete your business listings
In addition to ensuring that all of your business information is accurate on your own website, be sure all of your online business listings are claimed and complete. A Yelp Business Page is free to set up and is a great way to spread the word about your business. Not only do many consumers use the Yelp app to search for great local businesses, but the business information that you add to your Yelp Page—such as hours, website, etc.—is typically pushed through to Yelp partners.
You can also sign up for Yelp Ads, which prominently places your business listing throughout the Yelp site. This no-contract, no-commitment advertising campaign allows you to choose your own budget and pause/cancel whenever you like. Many businesses are eligible for a free Yelp Ads credit if they haven’t tried ads before. Just sign in to your Yelp for Business account and click the Yelp Ads tab, or contact a representative to determine your eligibility.
Search engine optimization, or SEO, can sound like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. With knowledge of a few basic tools you can begin to move the needle and increase the virtual presence of your business. This guide to small business SEO is a great place to start.
Once you begin to understand the basics of keywords and search engines, you can apply that SEO knowledge to other sites, like your online listings. Having complete profiles is important, and ensuring that those profiles are rich with keywords and phrases that describe what you do will help to increase your visibility.
3. Get into blogging
Blogging is a great way to spread the word about your business and establish you as an expert in whatever vertical you operate. Consider a few topics that are relevant to your offerings, and produce a few informative articles to show others that you have diverse experience and expertise in your field. If you’re not sure where to start, do a few searches and see what content already exists.
Consider common issues or challenges that your customers are faced with. What insights can you provide to help them in their time of need? Just because you provide knowledge and information online doesn’t mean that you’re going to be giving the secret sauce away to your customers for free, but it establishes you as a credible source at the exact time they need it.
If creating your own blog content seems like an overwhelming task, consider doing a guest post on someone else’s blog. You can search for blogs relevant to your industry, and look up trade publications to see if they accept contributed content. Most magazines, industry publications, and websites look for contributors, so reach out and see if they’d be interested. And remember to always create a backlink that takes people to your work.
4. Email marketing
Email marketing is a great way to promote content, share business-related news, reengage your customers, and build deeper relationships. Your email list is a captive audience, and connecting with them to provide updates and information is a great way to create transactions and even reach out to new, potential customers. Get creative and have some fun with your messaging. Include vibrant images of your business and your goods or services. You can provide offers or deals and encourage that network to spread the word to their family and friends.
Creating frequency with your emails can help keep you top of mind. A scheduled email newsletter is a great way to stay connected with your customers over time and allows you to capture their attention at a specific time with a specific message. This also helps your goods or services stay top of mind between actual customer contact points. Just be aware of overcommunicating; you don’t want to come off as spammy. If your business provides services that most customers take advantage of annually, a monthly newsletter may be too frequent and you should perhaps consider sending every six months. Adjust your cadence based on your customers and the things they need from your business.
5. Develop a social media presence
Social media is free advertising, and it provides an opportunity for you to develop your brand in an engaging way. Having a consistent message of who you are across all of your social platforms helps create connections with consumers looking for the goods or services you provide.
Whether it’s a Facebook business page, an Instagram, or a Snapchat account, you want to visually express who you are as a small business. Include images with engaging and descriptive captions to highlight what you’re showing. Be authentic, and show what’s going on behind the scenes. Video footage is very engaging and will often get increased visibility. What sets you apart from your competitors? How can you show that visually? Having a social media strategy can be valuable in growing your community and increasing new customers.
6. Creative YouTube videos
YouTube has more than two billion active users, and video content is a great way to entertain and engage potential customers. People are much more likely to watch a short video than read a long-form article, and they’re also most likely to share videos. Creating engaging and informative content is a great way to sell your brand and spread awareness for what you do.
Creating YouTube content is similar to blogging in that you’ll want to continue to publish things over time. Consider creating a YouTube channel where you can cover everything from who you are and why you got into business to expert advice for your industry.
7. Partnerships with other businesses
Digital partnerships are a great way to expand your network and spread the word about a good or service you provide. Consider other business owners or brands who would make good collaboration partners—people with strong social media followings, businesses in similar or cross-functional areas, and industry experts who you admire or respect.
Partnerships and collaborations allow small businesses to spread the word about who they are and what they do beyond their immediate and existing customer base. Simply tagging another local business in a social media post, or asking them to join you on a Youtube episode can help increase the number of eyeballs who are seeing what you have to offer.
