Renea Boles, founder of Rosemary Renea, started a search for a “cute bookmark” that turned into a beautifully crafted business rooted in identity, creativity, and resilience. Located in Philadelphia, Rosemary Renea designs high-end bookmarks and stationery items specifically for women of color who enjoy reading, journaling, and collecting beautiful things that reflect their identity.
“I’ve always wanted to see myself in every part of my life, and reading was no different… down to the bookmark,” Renea shares. That desire became her mission: to celebrate diversity and inspire creativity through products that reflect the rich cultural identities of Black women and girls.
Her bookmarks move beyond the task of placeholders; they are personal declarations of identity, crafted with intention and love. Her journey has faced its share of challenges. Renea scaled her business while undergoing chemotherapy, a testament to her passion and perseverance. That experience taught her two things: to listen to her body and to grow at her own pace.
In 2024, she was awarded Best in Home, Beauty, and Gift at Magic New York, a pivotal moment that elevated her brand’s visibility and affirmed her purpose. Looking ahead, Renea is expanding her line and working toward a physical storefront. She plans for the storefront to serve as a vibrant community space for diverse makers and a safe haven for Black women entrepreneurs.
Her advice to Black women business owners: “Scale at your own pace. Focus on quality over quantity. And always move in ways that feel right for you.”
Learn more about the full collection at rosemaryrenea.com and follow the journey of a woman creating space for us to see ourselves, beautifully.
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What if every toast at your celebration could help someone begin a safer, stronger chapter? That’s the mission behind LOVELUVV™, a Black woman-owned sparkling wine brand founded by Samantha Danielle Dockery, a retired wedding planner turned Master of Champagne. Based in Chicago, LOVELUVV™ is pouring purpose into every celebration.
Inspired by a tour through France’s Champagne region, Samantha poured her passion for love and purpose into crafting premium sparkling wines made for weddings and milestone moments. But what sets her apart? LOVELUVV™ is the only brand in the U.S. that offers both premier cru champagne and prosecco under one Black woman owned label.
Each bottle supports organizations focused on domestic violence, infusing celebration with a cause. “I want to build a legacy of love, celebration, and meaningful impact,” says Samantha. And she’s doing just that—transitioning from self-distribution to a major distributor in under a year (a process that typically takes 2–3), and eyeing expansion across the U.S. and Rwanda.
Whether you’re uncorking a bottle of her crisp champagne or her prosecco, you’re raising a glass and awareness! Are you interested in leveling up your bubbly game? Samantha also hosts interactive sessions like Battle of the Bubbles, teaching champagne etiquette, blend differences, and more.
Her advice for Black women entrepreneurs: “Don’t be afraid to pivot. Keep the big vision in mind, but stay flexible with your steps.” Discover more about LOVELUVV™ and its mission to celebrate love and raise awareness for domestic violence at pourluvv.com.
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Although Black Maternal Health Week 2025 has passed, we’re still spotlighting a changemaker who’s turning advocacy into action for Black birthing people. Meet Charnise Littles, Founder and Executive Director of Birth & Milk Co., a Prince George’s County, Maryland-based company delivering culturally competent birth, lactation, and postpartum care to BIPOC families across the DMV and nationwide via telehealth.
Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Birth & Milk Co. was created in response to the urgent need for out-of-hospital maternal health care. Today, it offers a full spectrum of services—from doula support and lactation consultations to prenatal infant feeding classes and mentorship for future birth workers. Charnise and her team guide families through pregnancy, delivery, feeding, and weaning with nonjudgmental, community-rooted care.
What sets Birth & Milk Co. apart is its longevity of support and the deep connections formed with clients. “We get to know our families,” says Charnise, who has also been appointed to the Maryland Maternal Mortality Task Force—a role that shapes how she tailors education and preventative care.
As she fundraises to expand services into a dedicated center in Prince George’s County, Charnise is on a mission to reduce maternal mortality and increase infant wellness. Her advice to other Black women entrepreneurs? “Build your tribe and build your team.”
We honor the visionaries like Charnise Littles who are making birth joyful, informed, and safe—because thriving should be the norm, not the exception. Learn more about Birth & Milk Co. at www.BirthandMilkCo.com. Looking to patronize more Black Woman Owned businesses? Join our email list for the latest updates and BWO business news. Join Now or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, or Youtube for daily inspiration.
Inspired by her late grandmother’s love for scratch-made flavors, Cassi, Houston-based chef and entrepreneur Cassi Gregory is bringing tradition to your home through Cassi’s Cupboard and Chef Cassi’s Table.
Cassi’s Cupboard offers premium, small-batch syrups made with natural ingredients, featuring flavors like Cognac Butter Pecan and Blueberry Lemon. These syrups can be used to elevate everyday drinks and dishes, for a nostalgic, homemade touch. Meanwhile, Chef Cassi’s Table offers private chef services, corporate catering, and food concierge experiences, bringing restaurant-quality meals with a personal touch. Cassi blends storytelling, tradition, and gourmet flavors, making her fine dining experienced feel intimate and accessible.
After surviving a coma in 2018, Cassi turned life’s challenges into a mission to build community through food. In addition to entrepreneurship she mentors business women and advocates for heart health. Her impact has been recognized with a Proclamation from Houston’s late Mayor Sylvester Turner, officially declaring June 4th as “Chef Cassi Day!” Her Cognac Butter Pecan Syrup has been featured in Food & Beverage Magazine, and her products are now available at the HEB Central Market. In addition to the Central Market, Cassi has also expanded her partnership with H-E-B, providing catering services to their Supplier Diversity Department.
Now, Cassi is preparing to expand her handcrafted syrup line and launch a crowdfunding campaign to increase production and retail availability. To shop her syrups or book her private dining services, visit chefcassi.com.
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For 15 years, Medley Inc., founded by Ashley Small, has been a Black Woman Owned communications agency dedicated to helping medium- to large-sized organizations strengthen their brand reputation and expand their recognition among diverse audiences. Specializing in authentic brand storytelling, advertising, and media relations, Medley Inc. ensures that marginalized communities are represented with dignity and respect.
Medley Inc. is renowned for its ability to craft high-impact PR and digital marketing campaigns that resonate on local, state, and national levels. The agency’s work spans key markets like Houston, Tulsa, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles. Through a journalistic, research-based approach, Medley integrates the latest in digital media expertise to ensure each campaign delivers long-lasting engagement.
Ashley Small’s leadership has guided Medley Inc. through significant changes in the marketing landscape, notably shifting to a digital-first PR strategy during the pandemic. This quick adaptation allowed the agency to continue helping clients execute livestream events, virtual programming, and targeted digital ad campaigns, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking communications agency.
Looking ahead, Ashley Small remains committed to growing Medley Inc. while ensuring that it continues to center Black women entrepreneurs in its mission. Her vision for Medley Inc. is not only to help clients thrive but also to create a lasting impact on both the industry and her community. The agency’s success is a testament to its values of equity, inclusivity, and culturally competent marketing.
Visit www.medley-inc.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more about how Medley Inc. can help elevate your brand brand narratives.
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