Founded in 2024 by former nurse Jacqueline Greer, A Hot Mess Candle Co. is a home fragrance brand rooted in culture, nostalgia, and unapologetic creativity. Greer has turned her creative outlet during burnout season into a full-fledged sensory movement designed to honor Black stories and spark conversations, one fragrant experience at a time.
Based in Frisco, Texas, the brand offers handcrafted candles, nostalgic wax melts, and culturally inspired resin art holders through its signature collections: No Mess, A Hot Mess, and Hot Luxe. Every product is intentionally crafted to blend scent with storytelling, from candles that smell like grandma’s house to resin art shaped like Africa, to products inspired by iconic Black films and music.
A Hot Mess Candle Co. is fortifying its legacy. Through its “Bless the Mess” initiative, the company is committed to reinvesting in the communities that shaped it—because at A Hot Mess Candle Co. Every design choice is made with cultural meaning and personal connection in mind. They’re about how it feels, what it represents, and who it’s for.
One standout moment? Being named a Top 10 finalist in the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success grant, out of over 4,000 applicants. For Greer, that recognition was a powerful reminder that her vision mattered. Looking ahead, the brand is expanding into incense, room sprays, and car fresheners, building a lifestyle experience that travels with you.
Greer’s advice for other Black women entrepreneurs: “You don’t have to follow the rules to succeed—you just have to be consistent, creative, and committed to your vision. Trust the process, but bet on you. Every time.”
Visit ahotmesscandle.com to explore a fragrance experience that centers us—because scent, like culture, should be felt, seen, and celebrated.
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What if caregivers were cared for, too? That question sits at the heart of Somalia Swing’s work, the Louisiana-based Director of Operations behind Compassionate Care U. With firsthand experience in the field, she saw the pattern too clearly: caregivers entering roles unprepared, undervalued, and expected to give their all without receiving enough in return.
So she responded with structure and soul. Through Compassionate Care U, she’s created a space where caregivers build confidence, gain real support, and feel seen in the process.
Compassionate Care U offers Direct Support Worker (DSW) certification, continuing education units, agency licensing, and a caregiver wellness membership. It’s a service-based company grounded in lived experience and designed for long-term impact. The 15-module training system, paired with a matching manual and workbook, equips caregivers to walk into their first day with clarity, not confusion.
Operating in Louisiana, Texas, and Massachusetts, CCU is focused on practical solutions that reduce turnover and elevate the standard of care. They’re also gearing up for the “Pour Into You” Caregiver Appreciation Event this September in Louisiana, a celebration to uplift and restore the people doing the often unseen labor of care.
Founder’s Advice “Move like it’s already working. Don’t wait for validation. If the vision was given to you, it’s because you’re equipped to carry it. Start building it now—and refine it as you go.”
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These three Black Woman Owned furniture and interior design companies brought their imaginations to life and are now bringing new energy into your homes! Meet, Almond Wind, O & Company Interiors, and Savannah Space in the listicle below. While Almond Wind and O & Company Interiors are based in the US, Savannah Space is based in Kenya and ships internationally. Be sure to browse through all their collections and shop Black Woman Owned when ready!
Almond Wind – Almond Wind was created to fill the void of diversity in the furniture space. They’re all about creating cozy, chic spaces that make you feel like you’re living in a Pinterest board—minus the pressure to keep everything perfectly staged.
O & Company Interiors – O & Company Interiors is committed to offering a unique blend of high-quality, soulfully resonant decor solutions. Their goal is to empower individuals to create sanctuaries that speak to their true essence.
Savannah Space – Savannah Space celebrates the vibrancy and beauty of Kenya by curating and creating high-quality and unique pieces for the home. They work with multiple artisans around the country to bring fun and eclectic furniture and home decor to clients.
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There were seasons when everything felt heavy: PTSD from a car accident, the deep grief of losing her best friend, and the uncertainty that followed a layoff. In the quiet that followed each season, Alexys Thornton found light, creating small bouquets for loved ones. In creating for others, she found pieces of herself again; she was healing.
In December 2023, she took her first paid order. A single bouquet. And with that, Golden Child Flowers bloomed from a creative healing practice to a business. Today, Thornton crafts custom floral arrangements across the DMV for weddings, corporate events, in-home displays, and subscription packages. Every design is a quiet reminder that beauty can be found in any circumstance. “I’m not here just to sell flowers,” she says. “I’m here to create moments.”
In just her first year, she’s sold out on two major holidays and been trusted to design for life’s biggest milestones, an 80th birthday celebration, a full wedding party, and everything in between.
Golden Child Flowers is growing fast, and Thornton is ready. With a new website, she’s now delivering across DC, Maryland, and Virginia while and preparing to ship preserved florals nationwide. Her dream? To become the go-to florist for unforgettable experiences rooted in heart.
Founder’s Advice to Black Women Entrepreneurs: “Lead with love and let your purpose bloom—even when it starts in the dark. Our roots run deep for a reason.”
If you are in the DMV area and ready to bring intention and beauty to your next special moment explore www.goldenchildflowers.com.
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Sawdust and ambition filled a cozy Cincinnati studio apartment when D.W., an engineer by training, picked up her first piece of wood. With no formal woodworking background and barely enough room for a table saw, she carved out her first pieces of artwork and a new lane. Drills & Dremals began as a creative experiment in a tight space and has evolved into a growing collection of custom wood pieces that reflect the art and craftsmanship of D.W.
Every piece is made by hand, designed to serve both form and function. Suitable enough for your kitchen or café, Drills & Dremals offers clients intention, and a real story behind the grain. “Woodworking is where imagination meets skill,” says D.W. “With persistence and open-mindedness, I’ve learned I can create anything.”
As a Black woman moving through a male-dominated field, she’s committed to building products and pathways. Her mission is to make Drills & Dremals a household name that gives back generously and champions visibility for young women exploring careers in trades.
Her advice to Black women entrepreneurs? “Never give up, even when it’s hard. Even when you’re the only one who looks like you. It never gets easier, but the rewards are worth the sacrifices.”
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