Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: A Spotlight on AKA's Business Expo
Empowering Black Entrepreneurs:
A Spotlight on AKA's Business Expo
Story and Images by: Jasmine Nichols, SCD Concierge
On February 12, the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Divine Nine Sorority hosted an event focused on the intricacies of running a business, with a special emphasis on Black entrepreneurs. The board not only provided insights into managing one's own business but also offered a platform for several Black women to showcase and promote their products.
A diverse array of shops were featured at the event, including Ayannia Cierra’s “Treats by Ya,” Jayda Moody’s “Ditched My Strips,” and Stella Emezue’s “Stella’s Touch Makeup Artistry.” Makeup artists, tailors, eyelash technicians, hair stylists, and more were among the talented individuals present.
In an interview, Stella Emezue expressed her mission as a makeup artist, stating, “I’m just here promoting beauty–embracing your natural beauty while enhancing your features, just making everyone feel beautiful and happy. I feel like with all the clients I’ve encountered in the past two-and-a-half years of doing makeup, I’ve built relationships… Their reaction is so fulfilling at the end… I’m just here to make people feel beautiful.”
Mimi Nieves, the AKA Proletarian and Financial Secretary, provided insight into the mission of the AKAs, stating, “We are the first Black sorority. Our mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic standards, promote unity, and be of service to all of mankind… We weren’t allowed to join sororities before, so this was a way for us to create a safe space and sisterhood among Black women.”
Through the AKAs, Black women have the opportunity to ascend to CEO positions in a society where systemic barriers and inequities often hinder such endeavors. This event exemplifies just one of the many initiatives the sorority is spearheading to promote Black achievement.
Congratulations are in order for Joy Temi-Olalusi, whose business, Temi Customs, was selected to receive a scholarship through the AKAs. Joy has been operating her business for three years, providing tailoring services, custom orders, and clothing designs.
We encourage our community to support Black businesses not only during Black History Month but throughout the year. Doing so is important for several reasons, including economic empowerment, reducing economic disparities, representation, community development, and the social impact it fosters.
Siebel Center for Design is dedicated to supporting events like the one organized by the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Divine Nine Sorority. We actively collaborate with Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), student groups, and project teams to provide them with spaces and resources to host their events. Additionally, we leverage our platform to amplify their efforts, ensuring that their initiatives receive the attention and support they deserve from the broader campus community. Through these collaborations, we aim to foster a vibrant campus environment that celebrates diversity, innovation, and community engagement.