revisit the winners of
citi trends black history makers grant 2021
“Knowledge is the tool. But wisdom is the treasure. “
Randall Law
Founder of Kool Kolored Kid Generation
“Knowledge is the tool. But wisdom is the treasure. “
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Randall Law is the founder, artistic director, and designer of Kool Kolored Kid Generation LLC. Randall has an extensive list of creative skillsets that make him a trailblazer in the making.
Randall spends his free time giving back by feeding the homeless and volunteering at various non-profit organizations.
Simultaneously, learning new skillsets and perfecting the old ones, motivational speaking at different high schools, producing, directing, and editing his content on multiple platforms. He also writes jingles, lives a healthy lifestyle, and enjoys being a new father to his baby girl, Legacy. Randall lives by the quote, “It’s a responsibility to become great at whatever you do.” He believes an excellent work ethic with a splash of creativity will take anyone a long way, so never give up.
After 10 years of feeling unfulfilled in corporate America, Amber decided it was time to put her MBA to use and start a business involving something she enjoys— art & creativity! Amber is the Owner and Creator of Loudmouth Lip Attire LLC, an “in your face” beauty brand centered around bright colors!
Amber has a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives of art, and she constantly works to incorporate this fresh perspective into her brand.
“This grant program gave me the opportunity to be recognized as a legitimate beauty brand, and to develop lifetime networking relationships.“
Embarking upon her 4th year in business, she has achieved her beauty goals, including being featured on social media by Rupaul’s Drag Race and Janet Jackson, and creating custom lip colors for Janelle Monae, Monique Parker, and Missy Elliot. Amber’s ongoing goal is to encourage early self-esteem in the youth in her community through beauty camps and workshops.
“This grant program gave me the opportunity to be recognized as a legitimate beauty brand, and to develop lifetime networking relationships.“
Amber Parker
Founder of Loudmouth Lip Attire
Kristian Edwards is a professor of public health, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK + GRN, an all-natural marketplace with products made by Black artisans. Here, products are curated and sold in categories like skincare, home, and bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green.
Kristian holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a Master’s degree from the Yale School of Public Health, and a Doctorate from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
“BLK + GRN is an accelerator specifically designed to empower Black businesses to thrive and we have not received any funding or investments, so grants and pitch competitions keep us alive.”
Her purpose through BLK + GRN is to help people do exactly that while also elevating a group of artisans who would otherwise not have a place to share their stories or their products with the very people they were created for. Kristian believes that a life free of toxins and all things artificial is a life worth cultivating.
“BLK + GRN is an accelerator specifically designed to empower Black businesses to thrive, and we have not received any funding or investments, so grants and pitch competitions keep us alive.”
Kristian Edwards
Founder of BLK+GRN
“I am truly on my journey to pursuing my life’s purpose, and the grant money from Citi Trends helped to make this possible! I truly thank you again from the bottom of my heart and will be forever grateful! “
Sonya Hannah
Founder of Juas Natural
“I am truly on my journey to pursuing my life’s purpose, and the grant money from Citi Trends helped to make this possible! I truly thank you again from the bottom of my heart and will be forever grateful! “
My name is Sonya and I am the owner & CEO of Jua & You All Natural Body Care. My skin and body care products were created for people of color.
Our Jua & You product line is vegan friendly and derived from all-natural products, many of which may be found in the home. I chose to name my company Jua & You because Jua means “The Sun”.
For me, the sun represents life, influence, and strength which coincides with my career as a registered nurse for over 20 years. As a nurse, I have a genuine concern and passion for helping and educating people. My goal as an entrepreneur is to bring awareness to my community and to make others aware that obtaining hand-crafted, all-natural products made to promote better health and self-care is within reach.
“Feeling the support of the community helps me get out of bed every day.”
Kawanna Bee and Ashica Penson
Founders of Bee Shic Shoetique
“Feeling the support of the community helps me get out of bed every day.”
We are Kawanna Bee and Ashica Penson, best friends for over 20 years and the co-owners of Bee Shic Shoetique.
Over the years we always dreamt of opening a shoetique that specializes in plus-size women’s shoes that were both fashionable and affordable. So when COVID-19 hit, like so many other Americans, Ashica lost her job.
While discussing what her next steps would be, we decided there was no better time to take a leap of faith and make our dream a reality. We both gathered our savings and 401K’s, did our research, and made our dream come true. This is when Bee Shic Shoetique was born.
Luxxe Life CEO, JoMuriel Allen hails from Hampton, VA. She is a 2014 graduate of Elizabeth City State University and a 2017 graduate of Ashford University with a Master’s degree in Childhood Education.
As an undergrad, Ms. Allen cheered and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
“The BHM Grant has allowed me to not only invest in myself and my future, but others as well! Thank you for such an amazing opportunity!”
She has over seven years of experience in clinical research, and with a passion for hair and beauty, and the desire to enrich her community, she founded the Luxxe Life Hair Group in 2020. Ms. Allen is the proud mother of a son and daughter. Miykael and Journee are her motivation for everything, along with her mother, who she pays homage to with some of her products. A quote she lives by is, “Always lift as you climb!”
“The BHM Grant has allowed me to not only invest in myself and my future, but others as well! Thank you for such an amazing opportunity!”
JoMuriel Allen
Founder of Luxxe Life Hair Group
“Being a BHM grant awardee reminded us that everything we do must be impactful, purposeful, and part of the overall plan. So we pivoted our focus on using our current resources to their capacity rather than starting something new.”
Reginald and Lysa Simmons
Founders of Simmons Ink and Stitch
“Being a BHM grant awardee reminded us that everything we do must be impactful, purposeful, and part of the overall plan. So we pivoted our focus on using our current resources to their capacity rather than starting something new.”
A former firefighter, Reginald Simmons envisioned Simmons Ink and Stitch after he was unable to purchase a single hat from a local embroiderer. With help from his wife Lysa, Simmons Ink and Stitch was created to simplify the personalization and customization services for the individual, without a minimum!
The uniqueness of Simmons Ink and Stitch lies in their “family friend-styled” customer service.
Customers are actively engaged in the design of t-shirts and logos, choosing thread and rhinestone colors, or pushing buttons to start the machines. Community communication and connection are at the heart of their desire to “make and keep it personal”. This commitment is equally demonstrated when they host high school students who participate in a six-week introduction to entrepreneurship. Simmons Ink and Stitch is growing and moving forward!
My name is Janovia and I am a creative soul, wife, and mother of 4. I love taking raw materials and turning out mini-masterpieces.
I have been designing for about six years and it’s become my passion, as well as my full-time job.
“This grant is an answered prayer, and confirmation that I am walking in my calling.”
After searching the bead market and not finding a bead style that captivated me, I began to experiment with Polymer clay, which allowed me to create earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. My hand-rolled beads can now be purchased from Atlanta-based bead and gem supplier, Beadlanta as well as my Etsy Shop.
“This grant is an answered prayer, and confirmation that I am walking in my calling.”
Janovia Glass
Founder of Kree-Ey-Tiv Designs
Crystal DeBerry is the founder and CEO of Natural Wonder, Inc. based in the metro Atlanta area.
Natural Wonder, Inc. is a spiritual lifestyle brand whose main focus is to empower individuals and celebrate the natural wonder that lives within us all through the use of healing elements, including copper and crystals, sound healing, meditation, manifestation skills, energy rituals, and self-love.
“The grant means furthering my message of empowerment in one’s self and spirit.”
Natural Wonder, Inc. is also a give-back brand that donates 10% of all sales to College4Sure-CBO, a non-profit, community-based organization that provides college counseling services for black and brown high school students by helping them to navigate every phase of the college preparation and application process.
“The grant means furthering my message of empowerment in one’s self and spirit. ”
Crystal DeBerry
Founder of Natural Wonder, Inc.
“New opportunities for us brings new opportunities for the people we serve.”
Kendra and Kenneth Joyner
Founder of Blank Canvas Organic
“New opportunities for us brings new opportunities for the people we serve.”
Kenneth and Kendra Joyner are proud co-owners of Blank Canvas, an all-natural and organic hair and skincare business. Together, they have set out to make high-quality hair & skin products more accessible.
The majority of Blank Canvas products are multi-use which helps customers spend less time narrowing down which products are needed for hair and which ones are needed for the skin.
Inspired by so many people and their journeys, the Joyner’s hope that by sharing theirs, it will encourage, motivate, and drive others to keep hope and faith alive; to believe in what was said to be unattainable. Kendra is an East Carolina University graduate with a Communications degree. Kenneth is an anticipated graduate of Fall 2022 in Business.
