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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When it comes to preserving history and amplifying untold stories, Tioleja Media is leading the charge. Founded by Yasmina Fagbemi, a French-American of African descent, Tioleja Films is a powerhouse with two dynamic divisions: Tioleja Films and Tioleja Editions. Their mission? To elevate the voices of everyday heroes and center Black stories that have long been erased from historical records.
In partnership with Gabriel Souleyka, they bring unique perspectives to storytelling. Gabriel, a historian by training, brings over two decades of experience as a script doctor in the United States. Together, they have released nine historical novels and a children’s book, each contributing to their mission of shedding light on overlooked stories.
Inspired by Chinua Achebe’s words—“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”—Fagbemi has made it her life’s work to challenge dominant narratives. Through Tioleja Editions, they’ve released nine historical novels, each spotlighting women’s stories and reigniting a love for reading within the community. Their debut novel, “Solitude l’Enfance” (“Solitude, Childhood” in English), achieved Amazon bestseller status within three weeks of its release.
Among their works are three extraordinary historical novels featuring Black women: Solitude, a French West Indies captive executed 24 hours after giving birth; Awa, a Holocaust narrative from the perspective of an African woman deported to Auschwitz; and Toya, the adoptive mother of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the first ruler of the first Black republic. Adding to their global impact, Tioleja Media distinguishes itself by offering content in multiple languages, making these crucial stories accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.
Operating in both the US and West Africa, Tioleja Films and Tioleja Editions are breaking new ground, reclaiming narratives, fostering economic opportunities, and building bridges between multiple communities. Explore their work at tiolejafilms.com.
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At just 16, Nyla Choates set out to create the change she wanted to see. Now, as a senior at Spelman College, she is the powerhouse behind My Roots Are Rich, a brand dedicated to building self-confidence through representation. What started as a children’s book has grown into a full-fledged brand featuring coloring books, puzzles, dolls, clothing, and—coming February 1st—her newest launch, children’s pajamas!
Born from a lack of representation she experienced growing up in Silicon Valley, My Roots Are Rich goes beyond selling products—it makes an impact. Nyla has traveled across the U.S. and even to Ghana, donating books, reading to children in underserved communities, and showing them that their stories matter. She doesn’t just talk about change; she embodies it. Nyla told us, “I started this adventure to entrepreneurship at the age of 16 with a desire to be the change I wanted to see in this world. Through hard work and the grace of God I am seeing my dream become a reality daily.”
Nyla continues to expand her reach, proving that success is about perseverance. Reflecting on her journey, Nyla shares, “I started this adventure to entrepreneurship at the age of 16 with a desire to be the change I wanted to see in this world. Through hard work and the grace of God, I am seeing my dream become a reality daily.”
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Kindred Bookshop is a Raleigh-based Black feminist digital bookshop, specializing in intentionally curated books, events, and merchandise. Born from a powerful concept in 2020 and brought to life in 2023, they aim to inspire and empower their vibrant community of Black and Brown readers, authors, and entrepreneurs.
The Tea Experience is a New York-based full service tea party catering business with an online presence for the retail sale of over 40 international loose leaf teas. They also offer tea-themed gift boxes and accessories as well as a Tea of the Month box subscription/gift service called SimpliciTEA.
