Confident, Successful Ebony Business Women: Inspiring Stories of Black Female Exellence
When it comes to embodying confidence, resilience, and success, Black women are not just showing up—they’re showing out. These 7 trailblazing Black women entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to be a boss: they're creating waves in industries that traditionally excluded them, all while uplifting their communities and inspiring future generations of confident, successful Ebony women to dream bigger.
This is more than just a celebration of successful Black women; it’s a showcase of the real journeys, challenges, and triumphs that define what it means to be a confident, successful ebony business woman in today’s world. Let’s dive into the stories of these incredible entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and setting new standards—and how tools like The Everything Planner can help ambitious women stay organized, set their goals, and crush every obstacle in their path.
Championing Inclusivity: From the start, Golde's mission has been to make wellness approachable and inclusive for all. Trinity's vision challenges the often exclusive narrative of the wellness industry, proving that self-care is for everyone.
Empowerment Tip: Embrace your uniqueness and disrupt the norm. Trinity's story shows that you don't need a million-dollar budget to make a million-dollar impact. Use The Everything Planner to set clear goals, track your daily progress, and keep your vision of breaking barriers front and center.
Read more about Trinity's journey in her W magazine interview.
Building Black + Forth: Angel didn’t stop at just selling spices. She created Black + Forth, a commercial space that amplifies Black owned businesses, but also hosts pop-up shops, farmers markets, and events. Angel’s space is a living testament to her belief in community over competition. “We’re doing what people say Black girls don’t do — genuinely, healthily, and effectively support each other,” Angel says, and she’s proving that collaboration is the secret ingredient to success.
Community Impact: The Spice Suite is more than just a shop; it’s a movement. Angel’s mission is to uplift Black businesses, and she does it in style by creating opportunities for others to shine. By hosting events and supporting other entrepreneurs, she’s making her business a launchpad for others—because success tastes better when shared.
Empowerment Tip: Create the space you want to see. Angel’s story shows that when you lift others up, you elevate yourself too. Use The Everything Planner to track your ideas, schedule pop-ups, and make space for your community goals—because supporting each other is always the winning recipe.
Read more about Angel's journey in her ESSENCE magazine interview.
From the Sun to the Boardroom: Shontay’s idea was born out of frustration. As an outdoor enthusiast, she was tired of sunscreens that left her skin looking ashy and ignored the needs of women of color. So, she took matters into her own hands and created Black Girl Sunscreen, a brand that not only protects but celebrates Black skin. With her innovative approach, Shontay is a confident, successful Ebony woman who has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and more, solidifying her status as a thought leader and industry disruptor.
Breaking Barriers, Building Empires: Shontay didn’t just want to make a product—she wanted to change the narrative. Through her relentless dedication, she’s sold over 2 million tubes of sunscreen and secured groundbreaking partnerships, including becoming the first Black-owned sunscreen brand to collaborate with Disney Studios and the official sponsor of USC’s women’s track & field. Black Girl Sunscreen is now available in over 12,000 stores across the United States, with a growing team of 20 employees based in Southern California, proving that her impact is as wide-reaching as the sun.
Empowering Others to Shine: Beyond the sunscreen, Shontay is all about education and empowerment. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has appeared in national commercials, docuseries, and numerous panels, using every platform to teach Black and Brown women to protect their skin and embrace their natural glow.
Empowerment Tip: Own your glow. Shontay’s story shows that you can turn a problem into a purpose-driven brand that makes people feel seen. Use The Everything Planner to map out your next big idea, track your wins, and keep glowing—because when you create from the heart, your success shines through every time.
Read more about Shontay's journey in her Vogue interview.
Photo credit: Pinky Cole
From Fire to Fortune: After her first restaurant burned down, Pinky didn't give up. Instead, she used her setbacks as a setup for a major comeback, creating Slutty Vegan and building a multi-million dollar empire.
Community Impact: Beyond business, Pinky is all about giving back. Through scholarships, feeding the homeless, and hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, she's proving that success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Empowerment Tip: Don't be afraid to disrupt the norm. Pinky's story is a testament to the power of bold branding and thinking outside the box. Use The Everything Planner to track your impact goals alongside your business milestones-because success is about more than just profits.
Read more about Pinky's journey in CNN article.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Recession to Financial Guru: Tiffany Aliche, known as The Budgetnista, lost her job as a preschool teacher during the 2008 recession, which left her struggling financially. Instead of letting these setbacks define her, she used her own financial challenges as the foundation for building her brand, The Budgetnista. She has since grown it into a multimillion-dollar empire, helping millions of women improve their financial literacy through her books, courses, and online resources. Tiffany’s journey from financial hardship to becoming a successful entrepreneur resonates with many because it shows that setbacks can be the stepping stones to a larger purpose.
Empowering a Community: Tiffany’s impact goes beyond teaching budgeting basics. Through her Live Richer Academy and partnerships with major brands, she’s provided free financial education to over two million women. She even played a pivotal role in creating a law in New Jersey that makes financial education mandatory for middle school students—talk about changing the game!
Empowerment Tip: Don’t let setbacks keep you down—use them as fuel. Tiffany’s story is proof that with the right mindset, you can turn your biggest financial failures into a platform for success. Use The Everything Planner to map out your financial goals, track your progress, and keep your money moves organized, stylishly of course.
Read more about this confident, successful Ebony woman's journey to success in The Cut article.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tamar’s journey began when she experienced burnout working in the corporate world. Instead of pushing through the stress, she took a step back, reevaluated her priorities, and launched MentalHappy to provide the kind of support she wished she had—fun, approachable, and impactful.
Community Healing: MentalHappy goes beyond individual therapy. Tamar’s platform connects people through group support and community-building activities that make mental health care feel less like a chore and more like a shared journey. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and uplifted.
Empowerment Tip: Don’t be afraid to redefine the rules. Tamar’s journey shows that mental health doesn’t have to be serious to be effective. Use The Everything Planner to carve out time for your own mental wellness, track your self-care habits, and set goals that prioritize your happiness—because success starts from within.
Read more about this confident, successful Ebony woman on her site.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Concept to Cult Favorite: Danielle’s journey began when she noticed a lack of high-quality, fun, and unique makeup options that truly embraced individuality. With no formal beauty training but a whole lot of passion, she launched Stay Golden Cosmetics, quickly turning her glitzy lip kits into must-have items for makeup lovers everywhere.
Creating Confidence: Stay Golden isn’t just a beauty brand; it’s a confidence boost in a bottle. Danielle’s mission is to inspire her customers to be bold, embrace their uniqueness, and shine in their own way—because beauty should never be boring.
Empowerment Tip: Dare to dazzle. Danielle’s story shows that when you infuse your brand with personality, passion, planning and strategy, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. "I believe journaling, meditation (practicing calm) and praying have been keys to my success. These practices have allowed me to stay on track and in the right mindset to take on challenges." says Danielle. Her advice for someone looking to launch their own brand, "Find your edge—know what makes you unique and turn that into your unique selling point. Do your homework: analyze your competitors, study best-sellers, and note what’s on sale or discontinued. This insight will guide your product strategy. Ask yourself: can you revive what’s discontinued? Limited editions often have lingering demand, and tapping into that can be smart. Start with a solid plan: solve a problem, and find a niche that values your solution. That’s where strategy begins."
Use The Everything Planner and Papermuse notebooks to plan your next big launch, track your creative ideas, and stay on top of your goals—because your dreams deserve to sparkle just as much as you do.
So, whether you're starting your own venture or climbing the corporate ladder, remember these women who've paved the way. They've shown us that success is not just possible-it's inevitable when you mix passion, perseverance, and a little bit of magic that only Black women possess. Keep pushing, keep creating, and use The Everything Planner to keep your goals on track and your vision crystal clear. Your seat at the table is already waiting-you just have to show up.
This is more than just a celebration of successful Black women; it’s a showcase of the real journeys, challenges, and triumphs that define what it means to be a confident, successful ebony business woman in today’s world. Let’s dive into the stories of these incredible entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and setting new standards—and how tools like The Everything Planner can help ambitious women stay organized, set their goals, and crush every obstacle in their path.
Photo credit: Trinity Mouzon Wofford
Trinity Mouzon Wofford: The Wellness Trailblazer Behind Golde
Trinity Mouzon Wofford co-founded Golde, a Brooklyn-based wellness brand that's making superfoods accessible, fun, and inclusive. What started as a passion project in 2017 with just one product made from her Brooklyn home, has grown into a booming business that's bringing wellness to the masses with a side of sass. Trinity, one of the youngest confident, successful Ebony women to launch a brand at Sephora, has made it her mission to disrupt the wellness industry with products that are as effective as they are delightful.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Starting Small, Dreaming Big: Trinity and her co-founder husband launched Golde with just $2,000, blending superfoods in their kitchen. Today, Golde's turmeric lattes, face masks, and smoothie boosters are beloved by wellness enthusiasts worldwide.Championing Inclusivity: From the start, Golde's mission has been to make wellness approachable and inclusive for all. Trinity's vision challenges the often exclusive narrative of the wellness industry, proving that self-care is for everyone.
Empowerment Tip: Embrace your uniqueness and disrupt the norm. Trinity's story shows that you don't need a million-dollar budget to make a million-dollar impact. Use The Everything Planner to set clear goals, track your daily progress, and keep your vision of breaking barriers front and center.
Read more about Trinity's journey in her W magazine interview.
Photo credit: Angel Gregorio
Angel Gregorio: The Spice Queen Behind The Spice Suite
Angel Gregorio didn’t just open a spice shop—she created an entire movement that’s equal parts flavor, culture, and community. As the founder of The Spice Suite in Washington, D.C., Angel has turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business, all while championing other Black women entrepreneurs. The Spice Suite isn’t your average spice shop; it’s a vibrant, welcoming space that blends the art of cooking with Angel’s love for travel, Black culture, and supporting her community. With a mission to spice up our lives, Angel is redefining what it means to be a confident, successful Ebony woman—and she’s doing it her way.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Principal to Spice Boss: Angel’s journey began far from the spice aisle. As a former high school principal, she stumbled into the spice world on a whim and turned it into a thriving enterprise making six figures a month. Angel went from running classrooms to running one of the coolest spice shops in town, proving that following your passion can pay off in more ways than one.Building Black + Forth: Angel didn’t stop at just selling spices. She created Black + Forth, a commercial space that amplifies Black owned businesses, but also hosts pop-up shops, farmers markets, and events. Angel’s space is a living testament to her belief in community over competition. “We’re doing what people say Black girls don’t do — genuinely, healthily, and effectively support each other,” Angel says, and she’s proving that collaboration is the secret ingredient to success.
Community Impact: The Spice Suite is more than just a shop; it’s a movement. Angel’s mission is to uplift Black businesses, and she does it in style by creating opportunities for others to shine. By hosting events and supporting other entrepreneurs, she’s making her business a launchpad for others—because success tastes better when shared.
Empowerment Tip: Create the space you want to see. Angel’s story shows that when you lift others up, you elevate yourself too. Use The Everything Planner to track your ideas, schedule pop-ups, and make space for your community goals—because supporting each other is always the winning recipe.
Read more about Angel's journey in her ESSENCE magazine interview.
Photo credit: Shontay Lundy
Shontay Lundy: The Sun Queen Behind Black Girl Sunscreen
Shontay Lundy didn’t just create a sunscreen—she started a sun care revolution. As the founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, Shontay set out to solve a problem that had been ignored for too long: sunscreen that doesn’t leave white residue on melanated skin. Experiencing the frustration of traditional products firsthand, Shontay was inspired to develop a sunscreen “for us, by us.” With a formula that’s sheer, moisturizing, and packed with natural ingredients, Black Girl Sunscreen is all about making sun protection stylish, accessible, and unapologetically for black community. Shontay’s journey is a glow-up story that proves you can turn a personal need into a multimillion-dollar business—and look fabulous doing it.JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From the Sun to the Boardroom: Shontay’s idea was born out of frustration. As an outdoor enthusiast, she was tired of sunscreens that left her skin looking ashy and ignored the needs of women of color. So, she took matters into her own hands and created Black Girl Sunscreen, a brand that not only protects but celebrates Black skin. With her innovative approach, Shontay is a confident, successful Ebony woman who has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and more, solidifying her status as a thought leader and industry disruptor.
Breaking Barriers, Building Empires: Shontay didn’t just want to make a product—she wanted to change the narrative. Through her relentless dedication, she’s sold over 2 million tubes of sunscreen and secured groundbreaking partnerships, including becoming the first Black-owned sunscreen brand to collaborate with Disney Studios and the official sponsor of USC’s women’s track & field. Black Girl Sunscreen is now available in over 12,000 stores across the United States, with a growing team of 20 employees based in Southern California, proving that her impact is as wide-reaching as the sun.
Empowering Others to Shine: Beyond the sunscreen, Shontay is all about education and empowerment. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has appeared in national commercials, docuseries, and numerous panels, using every platform to teach Black and Brown women to protect their skin and embrace their natural glow.
Empowerment Tip: Own your glow. Shontay’s story shows that you can turn a problem into a purpose-driven brand that makes people feel seen. Use The Everything Planner to map out your next big idea, track your wins, and keep glowing—because when you create from the heart, your success shines through every time.
Read more about Shontay's journey in her Vogue interview.
Photo credit: Pinky Cole
Pinky Cole: The Vegan Queen Behind Slutty Vegan
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Fire to Fortune: After her first restaurant burned down, Pinky didn't give up. Instead, she used her setbacks as a setup for a major comeback, creating Slutty Vegan and building a multi-million dollar empire.
Community Impact: Beyond business, Pinky is all about giving back. Through scholarships, feeding the homeless, and hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, she's proving that success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Empowerment Tip: Don't be afraid to disrupt the norm. Pinky's story is a testament to the power of bold branding and thinking outside the box. Use The Everything Planner to track your impact goals alongside your business milestones-because success is about more than just profits.
Read more about Pinky's journey in CNN article.
Photo credit: Tiffany Aliche
Tiffany Aliche: The Budgetnista Turning Finances from Stress to Success
Tiffany Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista, didn’t just start a financial education empire—she sparked a movement that’s helping millions of people, especially Black women, take control of their money with confidence. From her bestselling books to her engaging online courses, Tiffany’s mission is clear: to make financial literacy accessible, relatable, and—dare we say—fun. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Tiffany has empowered an entire generation to budget, save, and invest their way to financial freedom.JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Recession to Financial Guru: Tiffany Aliche, known as The Budgetnista, lost her job as a preschool teacher during the 2008 recession, which left her struggling financially. Instead of letting these setbacks define her, she used her own financial challenges as the foundation for building her brand, The Budgetnista. She has since grown it into a multimillion-dollar empire, helping millions of women improve their financial literacy through her books, courses, and online resources. Tiffany’s journey from financial hardship to becoming a successful entrepreneur resonates with many because it shows that setbacks can be the stepping stones to a larger purpose.
Empowering a Community: Tiffany’s impact goes beyond teaching budgeting basics. Through her Live Richer Academy and partnerships with major brands, she’s provided free financial education to over two million women. She even played a pivotal role in creating a law in New Jersey that makes financial education mandatory for middle school students—talk about changing the game!
Empowerment Tip: Don’t let setbacks keep you down—use them as fuel. Tiffany’s story is proof that with the right mindset, you can turn your biggest financial failures into a platform for success. Use The Everything Planner to map out your financial goals, track your progress, and keep your money moves organized, stylishly of course.
Read more about this confident, successful Ebony woman's journey to success in The Cut article.
Photo credit: Tamar Blue
Tamar Blue: The Mental Health Advocate Behind MentalHappy
Tamar Blue didn’t just start a company; she sparked a mental health revolution. As the founder of MentalHappy, a digital platform dedicated to emotional wellness, Tamar’s mission is to make mental health support accessible, relatable, and stigma-free, especially for communities that often feel left out of the conversation. With products like Cheerboxes filled with uplifting items and personalized support from wellness coaches, MentalHappy isn’t just about therapy—it’s about building a community that heals together.JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tamar’s journey began when she experienced burnout working in the corporate world. Instead of pushing through the stress, she took a step back, reevaluated her priorities, and launched MentalHappy to provide the kind of support she wished she had—fun, approachable, and impactful.
Community Healing: MentalHappy goes beyond individual therapy. Tamar’s platform connects people through group support and community-building activities that make mental health care feel less like a chore and more like a shared journey. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and uplifted.
Empowerment Tip: Don’t be afraid to redefine the rules. Tamar’s journey shows that mental health doesn’t have to be serious to be effective. Use The Everything Planner to carve out time for your own mental wellness, track your self-care habits, and set goals that prioritize your happiness—because success starts from within.
Read more about this confident, successful Ebony woman on her site.
Photo credit: Danielle Edmond
Danielle Edmond: The Innovator Behind Stay Golden Cosmetics
Danielle Edmond’s journey from Jamaica to beauty industry disruptor is nothing short of golden. Before launching Stay Golden Cosmetics, Danielle’s life was a whirlwind of modeling, managing an artist, and working as an event consultant. Realizing her knack for planning and strategizing, Danielle went on to establish Danz Distributors, LLC, the parent company for Stay Golden Cosmetics. As the founder of Stay Golden Cosmetics, Danielle is redefining what it means to shine with bold, statement-making products that celebrate self-expression. Known for her iconic glitter lip kits and eye-catching pigments, Stay Golden Cosmetics is all about empowering beauty lovers to stand out, speak up, and stay true to themselves.JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
From Concept to Cult Favorite: Danielle’s journey began when she noticed a lack of high-quality, fun, and unique makeup options that truly embraced individuality. With no formal beauty training but a whole lot of passion, she launched Stay Golden Cosmetics, quickly turning her glitzy lip kits into must-have items for makeup lovers everywhere.
Creating Confidence: Stay Golden isn’t just a beauty brand; it’s a confidence boost in a bottle. Danielle’s mission is to inspire her customers to be bold, embrace their uniqueness, and shine in their own way—because beauty should never be boring.
Empowerment Tip: Dare to dazzle. Danielle’s story shows that when you infuse your brand with personality, passion, planning and strategy, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. "I believe journaling, meditation (practicing calm) and praying have been keys to my success. These practices have allowed me to stay on track and in the right mindset to take on challenges." says Danielle. Her advice for someone looking to launch their own brand, "Find your edge—know what makes you unique and turn that into your unique selling point. Do your homework: analyze your competitors, study best-sellers, and note what’s on sale or discontinued. This insight will guide your product strategy. Ask yourself: can you revive what’s discontinued? Limited editions often have lingering demand, and tapping into that can be smart. Start with a solid plan: solve a problem, and find a niche that values your solution. That’s where strategy begins."
Use The Everything Planner and Papermuse notebooks to plan your next big launch, track your creative ideas, and stay on top of your goals—because your dreams deserve to sparkle just as much as you do.
The Future Is Black, Bold, and Boundless
These stories of confident, successful ebony business women aren't just inspiring-they're a call to action. They remind us that Black women are not just part of the conversation; they're leading it. From breaking into industries that once excluded them to building brands that celebrate their culture, these entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to be a Black woman in business.So, whether you're starting your own venture or climbing the corporate ladder, remember these women who've paved the way. They've shown us that success is not just possible-it's inevitable when you mix passion, perseverance, and a little bit of magic that only Black women possess. Keep pushing, keep creating, and use The Everything Planner to keep your goals on track and your vision crystal clear. Your seat at the table is already waiting-you just have to show up.
Posted on September 07 2024
