Professional Services - Native Black box

Chris Brown Facing $2M Lawsuit For Unsettled Popeyes Chicken Franchise Loan

September 28, 2023 (updated September 29, 2023) Published by News Feed

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.

Founder Makes History, First Black Woman-Owned Pest Control Product To Be Sold In Home Depot

September 22, 2023 (updated September 29, 2023) Published by News Feed

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 The Black Female Architect Behind Nigeria’s Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Projects

September 20, 2023 (updated September 29, 2023) Published by News Feed

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.

Be sure to follow her on Instagram @JumokeAdenowo

Black Sibling Entrepreneurs Making History With All-Natural, Plant-Based Haircare Products

September 18, 2023 (updated September 29, 2023) Published by News Feed

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.

Meet The Black Entrepreneur Who Owns 15 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Stores

September 13, 2023 (updated September 29, 2023) Published by News Feed

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_

Black CEO And Pitmaster Still Running Family Restaurant His Uncle Started Almost 90 Years Ago

September 12, 2023 (updated September 28, 2023) Published by Admin

For nearly three decades now, Derrick McCray has served as the CEO of McCray’s Backyard BBQ and Seafood, a Black family-owned restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida. His great-uncle, Jay Harvey, opened the restaurant almost 90 years ago in 1934. As both CEO and pitmaster, Derrick has worked hard to preserve the restaurant using his family’s rich traditions and flavors that have delighted patrons for decades.

“Uncle Jay brought my father up in the barbecue business and made him a barbecue extraordinaire,” he told CNBC. “He was the barbecue man. And he was pretty much the only black restaurant business in his area during that time.”

In the midst of historical challenges, from segregation to the civil rights movement, the restaurant served as a safe haven for people to enjoy a good meal and companionship. Over the years, the restaurant stood strong against several challenges, even threats from the Klan. But the “war on drugs” in 1971 took a toll on the community and the business.

Derrick stepped up to restore the family business, following in his father and uncle’s footsteps. But his journey to becoming CEO was not without twists and turns.

While studying business management at Florida A&M University, an HBCU, he was sidetracked by the life of a student-athlete. He had to leave college earlier than planned, but he learned to hustle during this time, selling hotdogs and even starting a magazine with a friend. He also played professional football but it was a career cut short because of his off-field activities. Those setbacks eventually led him back to the family BBQ business.

Despite the changing times, McCray’s Backyard BBQ and Seafood continues to cook with open pit wood, preserving the authentic flavors passed down through generations. Their signature barbecue sauce and desserts reflect the family’s cherished recipes.

The restaurant’s success is evident, generating $1.58 million in revenue last year, with a $230,000 annual net profit. They’ve served esteemed guests, including presidents and musicians, and at events like the Super Bowl.

Moreover, Derrick has ambitious plans for the future. He aims to expand the family business nationwide, raising capital for his first franchise location. But his vision extends beyond profits. He is passionate about hiring and mentoring young Black and Hispanic people, teaching them skills from cooking to running a business, all aimed at creating generational wealth. His two sons are also being groomed to continue the family tradition.

“It’s in my DNA to keep moving forward,” he said. “I don’t see a reason why the McCray’s can’t be like the Rockefellers or the Posts or other big families that have secured generational wealth.”

Learn more about McCray’s Backyard BBQ and Seafood via its official website at McCraysBBQ.com

Also, be sure to follow the restaurant on Instagram @McCrays_Backyard_BBQ

Entrepreneur Makes History, Opens Houston’s First Black-Owned Boutique Hotel

September 10, 2023 (updated September 22, 2023) Published by Dee & Lalo

Deidre Mathis is once again making history in Houston, Texas as the owner of Wanderstay Boutique Hotel, the city’s first adults-only themed hotel. It is another remarkable achievement for Mathis, who also made history in 2018 when she launched the first Black-owned hostel in the United States.

Wanderstay Boutique Hotel has 10 unique rooms, all designed for adults. The guests can choose from different themes such as the Black and White Art Museum, Safari Escape, Desert Vibes, and Houston Sports Teams. Those seeking more adventure can also leave the room choice to the staff for a delightful surprise.

“You can literally stay with us ten different times and have ten different experiences,” Mathis told Travel Noire.

The hotel, located in Houston’s Midtown area, is a 7,000-square-foot property developed from a 30-year-old air condition warehouse. Mathis decided to build the new boutique hotel after the success of the hostel she opened in 2018 which has welcomed over 15,000 guests from 30 different countries.

Drawing from her travels to 46 countries across all 7 continents, she knows the importance of having a fun, safe, and unique place to stay while traveling. That’s why she wanted to offer visitors and staycation seekers a one-of-a-kind experience. Besides the exciting themes, each room comes with comfy robes, slippers, and a towel warmer for that extra touch of luxury.

Moreover, Mathis, at just 36 years old, is breaking barriers in the hotel industry, where there’s a severe lack of representation for people of color. A report by Hotel Management shows that less than 2% of U.S. hotel owners are Black, and the numbers are even lower for Black women, at less than 1%.

Mathis is determined to change this by offering courses to teach others how to open their own hotels, using the knowledge she’s gained over her seven-year journey. She has also received support from none other than Houston’s own superstar, Beyonce, through her BeyGood Foundation, which granted Mathis’s company a small business grant.

Learn more about Wanderstay Boutique Hotel via its official website at WanderstayBoutiqueHotel.com

This 36-Year-Old Black CEO Sold $2.3M In Philly Cheesesteaks In Atlanta Last Year

September 7, 2023 (updated September 20, 2023) Published by Ads

Meet Derrick Hayes, a 36-year-old Philadelphia native and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, who sold over $2.3 million worth of Philly cheesesteaks in Atlanta just last year alone. He owns five restaurants in the area and is now on a mission to take his iconic sandwiches nationwide, aiming to open 100 franchise locations by 2025.

“I’m a visionary, I’m a dreamer.” Hayes told CNBC. “Franchising is something that I thought about years ago, but I didn’t have the experience or the team to do it.”

Hayes recently started the franchise process, nearly a decade since he started his business. In 2014, he opened a dessert shop at a gas station in Georgia called Big Dave’s Water Ice, which is named after his late father who ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. When he struggled with selling frozen treats, he decided to do cheesesteaks.

Hayes also had a challenging start with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks but he got his big break when rapper and TV host Eve, a fellow Philadelphian, tried his cheesesteak. Eve raved about it on social media, boosting his business overnight.

In August 2019, Hayes opened his flagship store in downtown Atlanta. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily closed it in March 2020, and it was also damaged during the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder. During these challenging times, Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, a plant-based-food franchise, reached out to offer assistance. Their connection in business blossomed into romance, and they are now married with a growing family.

Moreover, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has seen remarkable growth, with his flagship Atlanta location generating over $2.3 million in revenue in the past year alone. The brand is expanding, with multiple locations in Georgia, including three inside Mercedes Benz Stadium. There’s also a location in suburban Atlanta, and one is set to open in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Now, Hayes wants to establish Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in major cities across the country, seeking franchisees who share his vision. Initially, Hayes is seeking franchisees in the food industry, but he aspires to inspire those who may have faced legal issues, lack a college degree, or lack experience to pursue their business dreams.

“I want to deal with people who care about people. The customer is never wrong, we stand on that,” Hayes says. “I want people to feel like it’s theirs. Big Dave’s is not just a restaurant; we stand for the community, for peace, and for culture.”

Learn more about Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks via its official website at BigDavesWay.com

Black Couple That Landed $400K Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ Celebrate 500% Growth Three Years Later

September 1, 2023 (updated September 18, 2023) Published by News Feed

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

Black Entrepreneur Launches LyingClient.com, A Platform That Exposes Dishonest Customers

August 29, 2023 (updated September 13, 2023) Published by admin@test.so admin@test.so

Meet Tamera Preacher, the founder and CEO of LyingClient.com, a website she envisioned after having three consecutive bad experiences with difficult customers. On one occasion, her general contracting company, one of very few owned by a Black woman, had been falsely reported to the BBB, and this motivated her to create a platform that would expose dishonest and Karen-like customers. Ultimately, it would be a website that would allow business owners and entrepreneurs to report problematic customers and share their experiences.

It wasn’t easy, however, for Tamera to create the platform. She does not have a technical background, she is a military veteran, and she earned her master’s degree in Human Resources – all factors that have nothing to do with website development. But she was determined to get it done regardless.

She sought out an attorney to learn the laws about recording and displaying customers’ information. Then she began the process of finding the right website developer but initially, no one seemed to have the same passion and standards to develop the perfect website. It needed to be user-friendly, have a social media platform adjoining, and most importantly, be accessible to busy people really easily. Most individuals who work for themselves don’t have a lot of time to write about or even research a customer’s information.

Eventually, though, she found the right developer, and the site was officially launched shortly after. Now in year two, she has grown a substantial social media following and gained attention from several business owners active in their careers. Her website has even now ranked #1 on Reddit.com as the best platform to report “Karen” customers.

Here are some of the website’s features:

Real-time Scam Alerts: Stay informed and avoid falling victim to scams by accessing real-time alerts about fraudulent customer activities.

Directory of Terrible Customer Experiences: Make informed decisions with a comprehensive directory of negative customer experiences.

Advertising for Your Business: Showcase your services to a targeted audience of like-minded professionals on the platform.

Legal Aid Page: Provide legal resources for starting a business, maintaining a business, and legally securing your business.

Tips against Hackers: Safeguard your data and online presence with best practices.

Tips for Cybersecurity: Enhance your cybersecurity knowledge to protect sensitive information effectively.

Like most things, when it gains notoriety not everyone will understand the purpose. Recently she was racially attacked and cyberbullied for her firm stance on exposing Karen customers. The platform’s significance has been acknowledged by its ranking as #1 on Reddit for its innovative approach to addressing the issue of “Karen” customers—individuals displaying unreasonable demands. After much litigation though, the website is still here and ready to provide services to the general public.

For more details and/or to sign up for membership, visit LyingClient.com

Also, be sure to also follow the brand on TikTok and LinkedIn.

For press inquiries, contact contactus@lyingclient.com

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Category: Professional Services