DBW

Satonya’s journey into the world of storytelling began in 2009, during a difficult professional transition. When the mortgage industry collapsed, she turned inward and discovered writing as a new outlet. That creative spark eventually evolved into screenwriting, directing, and producing.

Nikki’s creative voice is both bold and restorative. Her stories frequently explore themes of social justice, cultural identity, personal transformation, and the weight of silence. She’s committed to showing readers how speaking up, especially in the face of adversity, is a powerful act of reclaiming one’s narrative.

A Virginia native, Hall began writing stories as a child. By the time she graduated from college, she decided to take a chance on herself and self-published her first book. What followed was years of trial, error, and eventually mastery. Her dedication to learning the business side of publishing led to the creation of her Booked & Busy™ course, which helps aspiring authors turn their passion into published works and profit.

Each design starts with a spark of inspiration—whether it’s a scripture, a nature walk, or a conversation with a customer. Tonya prays over her workspace and believes that creative energy flows through spiritual alignment. “God is my creative partner,” she says. “Everything I make starts with intention and ends with purpose.”

Monique Fisher is a rom-com writer with a superhero origin story. A lifelong theater and comic book geek, Monique’s creative journey took her from playwriting and television scripts to building an entire romantic universe—one hilarious and heartfelt novel at a time. With her pen firmly planted in the indie romance space, she creates cozy, character-driven stories that put Black women at the center of love, laughter, and modern real-life relationships.

Cam’s inspiration comes from everyday experiences. Product packaging, 2000s web aesthetics, even wine bottle labels spark ideas. “Most concepts come to me in my sleep,” they say. “I wake up, grab my phone, and put it in Google Keep.”

Jasmine officially launched her brand in October 2021. With little guidance available for designing clothes for people with dwarfism, she had to create her own framework—sizing, fit, construction, and fabrication—all from scratch. Manufacturers couldn’t support her needs. Industry mentors didn’t exist for her niche. So she taught herself how to produce everything.

Raised in a world where books were refuge and imagination was survival, Phylisha discovered her gift for storytelling early. As a child on the autism spectrum, she found safety in solitude and power in creativity. “I just was who I was,” she says. “I didn’t realize I was different until others told me I was.” Rather than retreating, she leaned into her uniqueness. “I lived in my own world,” she says. “But that world became my strength.”

Angela’s journey began early. Encouraged by her grandparents and teachers, she was writing by elementary school, often assigned extra essays just to keep her busy. She was nurtured in a household that valued reading, writing, and independent thought—skills that would become her lifeline and launching pad. Her love of penmanship—something she honors by writing many drafts by hand—was passed down from her grandfather, a writer and orator who modeled intellectual power and quiet

She used her project management background to piece together the business infrastructure, combining strategy with divine alignment. Though fear still arises, she centers herself in prayer and continues to show up. “If I’m being honest,” she shares, “I still worry if folks will support. But I pray and keep working.”

Tanisha didn’t always know this would be her path. She worked in other industries before arriving at massage therapy. But once she found it, she realized it had been calling her all along. “I’ve always been a nurturer,” she reflects. “Once I saw how much power there was in intentional touch, I knew this was the work I needed to do.”

The brand name, Seduireirah—which translates to “seduce her”—is layered with meaning. For Breianne, seduction is not about performance or external validation. It’s about inner confidence. “It’s about presence,” she explains. “When a woman feels powerful, she exudes that energy. That’s the spirit behind everything I create.”

Desireé’s vision is steeped in her Caribbean heritage. Born into a family of creatives and educators, she grew up surrounded by vibrant colors, rich textures, and a deep reverence for tradition. “My upbringing taught me that beauty wasn’t optional—it was a form of respect,” she says. “How we show up in the world is a reflection of who we are.”

Renea Boles didn’t set out to start a business—she just wanted to share what she’d made. A few photos of handmade headwraps and soft fabric caps sewn with intention and style. But when a friend posted her work in a Facebook group, everything changed. “It took off from there,” Renea recalls. “That day, I made 12 sales. I was shocked.”

Sabrina’s work is deeply personal. After retiring from the military, she found herself in a season of uncertainty. Retirement, personal grief, and identity loss collided in ways she couldn’t ignore. “There was a time I didn’t know who I was outside of my titles,” she shares. “Wife. Soldier. Mother. But what about Sabrina?”

After nearly 30 years in tech sales helping others scale and succeed, DeNise decided it was time to invest in herself. “I realized how much money I was spending on high-end candles and fragrances,” she says. “Then it hit me—this is the business I need to build.” And she did just that.

Her clients come to her for more than visuals. They come for alignment—between who they are, what they offer, and how they show up. Whether through audits, coaching, design, or her growing suite of digital products at The Brand & Beyond, Toni provides comprehensive support for brand development at every level.

Like many designers, Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa began with custom pieces—measuring, fitting, and tailoring outfits for individual clients. But after relocating from Nigeria to England, she noticed something that changed her business model. “A lot here depends on the weather,” she says. “Weddings are seasonal. Events happen mostly in the summer. I needed something that could work year-round.”

If Tamara has a personal mantra, it’s this: do it scared. She doesn’t wait for fear to disappear before taking action. Instead, she moves through it. “I’m afraid and walking right through it,” she says. “When I’m scared, it’s often a sign I’m heading in the right direction.”

Launching a business in a saturated market during personal turmoil is no small feat. Shalinthia's first challenge was financial. Selling her car gave her just enough capital to get started—but she knew she’d need more than money to succeed. She relied on six years of hands-on experience, communication skills, and a strong foundation in customer service. She began with one client at a time, offering more than tax preparation—she offered trust.