Six Black Female Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing Their Industries For Good

These women are breaking down barriers in fashion, art, lifestyle, beauty, and food.
AS TOLD TO: ALISON S. COHN via https://www.harpersbazaar.com/

ugust marks the 17th annual National Black Business Month, which shines the spotlight on Black-owned businesses across the United States. And there has never been a more urgent time to commit to always supporting Black-owned businesses.

According to a recent study published by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, the total number of American businesses plummeted by 3.3 million, or 22 percent, from February through April due to the economic slowdown brought on by COVID-19. It was the largest drop on record. And Black-owned business owners were hit especially hard: Nearly 440,000 shuttered their companies for good, a 41 percent plunge.

So to keep Black-owned businesses at the forefront long beyond awareness month, Harper’s BAZAAR is recognizing six entrepreneurs from New York to Oakland in our September issue. Breaking barriers in fashion, art, lifestyle, beauty, and food, these incredible women also use their platforms to uplift other Black small business owners. Get to know them below.

Joeonna Bellorado-Samuels

THE 41-YEAR-OLD GALLERIST IS OPENING UP THE ART WORLD TO NEW VOICES AND AUDIENCES.

I’m really interested in ideas around access and who gets to see art where. I’m a director at Jack Shainman Gallery in Manhattan. I also..

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