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.”

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.”

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.”

Steele’s life reflects a rhythm familiar to many Black women entrepreneurs: working multiple jobs, juggling family commitments, and creating with limited resources. When she’s not on set or behind the lens, she’s working overnight shifts in retail to sustain herself between projects. But instead of hiding that fact, she includes it in her narrative—because it’s real.

For Nina-Simone Jones, hairstyling has always been more than just a profession—it’s an art form and a means of self-expression. Based in Que

Tiffany Shanta White is a filmmaker, composer, wellness advocate, and nonprofit executive dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices throug

Dr. Kristy Taylor’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to strength, innovation, and social impact. Through WORxK Solutions, she is not just shaping careers—she is shaping the future of workplace tenacity and equity. Her journey serves as a reminder that challenges are not meant to break us but to build us. As she continues her "Year of Resilience," she remains committed to advocacy and leadership, transforming professional landscapes worldwide.

Maya’s journey into storytelling began in childhood as a way to escape reality. "As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, creating stories i

For Sabine Guillaume Hayes, the founder of Georgette Marise Interiors, interior design is more than just creating beautiful spaces—it’s abou

For DJ Queen Breezy, music is more than just sound—it’s a feeling, a movement, and a way to bring people together. As a Dallas-based mobile

Dr. Shariee Jones is a rare force—a creative visionary who refuses to be confined by a single title. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, she ha