Global Paint is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Rony Delgarde. It was a little challenging to choose a picture to accurately reflect this Brother and his company. I had the pleasure of talking to Rony at the HOPE Global Forum where he was sharply dressed like a corporate executive and humbly shared that he was a native of Haiti who owned a "recycling business".
It wasn't until I researched his company that I found out the magnitude of what he does. Global Paint is a non-profit that Rony started to collect old paint from residents and businesses. This initiative has 2 purposes: 1) it protects the environment by keeping those paints out of landfills and 2) the collected paint is shipped WORLDWIDE to help uplift underserved communities. The list of accolades that he has received include Allstate Champion for Good, Best of Atlanta for Waste Recycling Services, the National Energy Globe Award, and several others!
My request for you is direct and two-fold:
1) Take some time to really research the great works that his entrepreneur is doing for the globe, and
2) Make sure to support his vision for the world by donating the paint in your residential and/or commercial garage to this charity.
The Red Door is a Stone Mountain, GA event space that is owned by Sherell Daniels. While attending a business workshop, I had the opportunity to meet Sherell. She is very attentive to the needs of those utilizing her space and exuded passion for what she does!
If you're looking for an intimate event space for a small business gathering or a baby shower, check out The Red Door!
Shareef Abdul-Malik, founder of webuyblack.com has also released a line of batteries - Tubman. Move over Duracell and Energizer because here comes Tubman batteries! I don't need to tell you what it is or what it does because these are batteries to power your remotes, cameras, toys or anything else around the house.
And if the name happened to escape you, they were named after Harriet Tubman!
Tiki Clothing Company is a Florida based apparel company that was started by Javaris Neely. I watched this company launch its first pair of shoes - the WaveRunner - that was inspired by vacationers on the beaches of South Florida, Hawaii and California. Tiki has now expanded to watches, slides, sports bras and more.
We know that the clothing and shoe industry are very competitive so this Brother can use all the help he can get. Show your support by placing your next order with Tiki Clothing Company!
SAFETRIP was launched by opera singer Ja'Nese Jean as a different kind of rideshare app. What makes SAFETRIP unique is that it is specifically made for people with health problems and disabilities. It is the only rideshare app with wheelchair accessible vehicles and will accept insurance as payment!
Because of the nature of their riders, SAFETRIP drivers go through more training than the traditional Uber or Lyft driver. They also make it so that current caregivers can sign up and get paid for scheduled appointments! This is an awesome niche to serve; kudos to you Ja'Nese Jean!
The "Creole Peach", Chef Ameerah Watson, is the founder of Intimate Chef of Atlanta. Ameerah graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and spent several years working at establishments such as the Ritz Carlton. Rather than trying to change the things she didn't like about working for others, she launched her own company.
Ameerah specializes in healthy dishes that blend the unique cooking styles of her New Orleans hometown with her current Atlanta locale. Whether you are looking for a private dining experience for your wedding anniversary or need to cater a company event, Chef Ameerah Watson is the caterer to call!
Gregory Sylvia is based out of Charlotte, NC and was founded by husband and wife team Gregory & Terri Sylvia Pope. Their company offers luxury handbag and leather goods for the design-focused consumer. You may recognize their designs from the arms of recording artist Brandy, comedian Sheryl Underwood, reality TV star Dr. Heavenly Kimes or many others!
The offerings include handbags, wallets and wristlets. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Terri has lended her ideas with the Greek collection of bags. This is the perfect place to shop for that Mother's Day, birthday or "Just Because" bag!
KRG Oil Company is an Atlanta-based fueling company that is owned by Marie Hunter. It's not everyday that you are exposed to a fueling company, especially one owned by a Black woman! As a Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business alum, KRG Oil Company services commercial clients that include hospitals, trucking companies and landscapers.
If you or someone you know owns a company that requires fuel, pass this information on to them!
The Devona Downer Allstate Agency is named after the agency owner and is located in Atlanta, GA. Pictured here with her husband Corenza, they recently celebrated their 1-year anniversary of opening the agency. They also have the support of Dyan Matthews (far left) from the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce as well as Allstate corporate and Devona's mother (far right).
Not only is the couple celebrating their business, but they are also expecting their first child in May 2018! So if you are currently with Allstate, or looking to switch to them, check out the Downer Agency for all your insurance needs.
Jin+Ja was created by Reuben Canada and can be found in your local Kroger. The name is derived from the main ingredient, ginger, which is in all the flavors. As a personal fan of ginger ale and the healing powers of fresh ginger, I jumped right on this product as soon as I found out about it! I was not disappointed! The drinks are flavorful, have that ginger bite and provide a boost in metabolism.
If you are a fan of ginger ale like I am, switch to Jin+Ja today and keep our dollars circulating within our community!
Sweet Auburn Seafood is located in Atlanta, GA and is owned by Paul G. Williams (pictured on the right). Williams is originally from Pine Bluff, AR and opened Sweet Auburn in 2014 after becoming a Wendy's franchisee in 1994 (he currently has 6 profitable Wendy's stores in Atlanta). He is also active in many community endeavors including the 100 Black Men, the Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop program, Westlake High's Magnet program, local car washes and more.
Sweet Auburn has an enjoyable atmosphere - everything from the food to the bar to the live music. It is a great place to meet for business or pleasure. And your out-of-town guests will enjoy the short drive to Martin Luther King Jr's childhood home which is right up the street!
Legacy Funeral Home is located in Jonesboro, GA and is owned by Stacey Reynolds. I know this is not a comfortable topic to discuss but let's be honest, us black folks have a history of "passing the hat" for funerals. Stacey impressed me enough to share this sensitive business with you by discussing the educational aspect of his work. His mission is to teach our community the ins and outs of final arrangements - before we need them!
Stacey's massive funeral home will impress you as soon as you pull up! Constructed in 2013, this beautiful architecture is matched with elegance on the inside. It is a testament to how detailed Legacy will be when addressing the needs of your loved one.
Don't wait until you need him - stop by Legacy Funeral Home and have a chat with Stacey. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.
One United Bank is headquartered in Boston and is owned by Teri Williams. By now you probably have heard about the "Bank Black" movement and hopefully you have opened up an account at a Black Bank. The biggest thing that impressed me with One United Bank is their commitment to being unapologetically black. (This photo is of a mouse pad that they sent me!) Their debit and credit cards also follow the same theme of having a strong and powerful Black image on them.
You can frequently see the owner doing live FaceBook videos with people such as Trayvon Martin's mother or the CEO, Kevin Cohee, on The Breakfast Club! Unlike a publicly owned institution, One United Bank doesn't have to "tone it down" for stockholders.
Don't let the distance deter you; it is very easy to open an account online. Support this Black Bank by opening your account today!
Aularale Cosmetics is based out of Atlanta, GA and was started in 1984 by Al & Joanne Trawick. If you use, buy or sell Avon or Mary Kay, then it's time to try out Aularale! In addition to the loyal customers - some for over 20 years - Aularale has nearly 5,000 beauty consultants nationwide.
This cosmetics company has a long list of products that includes foundation, powder, lip stick, nail polish, mascara and much more. Many of their colors are custom-made and cannot be found in other product lines. So ladies - and gentleman - check out Aularale for all your skincare and cosmetic needs.
Black on Purpose Television (BOP TV) Network is the largest black-owned television network in the world and was founded by Michael Campbell. After 30 years in the music industry, Michael moved to Atlanta because he kept hearing it was "Black Hollywood". Seeing that our people were being misrepresented on television, Michael launched BOP TV as a "platform to show people of color in a positive light with no negative stereotypes".
When I first met Micheal, I immediately saw his passion for portraying our community in a manner like no other network! He is laser-focused on only showing programs that show us in a positive image. You can check out BOP TV on most streaming devices - Amazon Fire, Roku, Smart TVs, etc. He is always looking for additional programs to air so if you are interested in getting your show seen, reach out to Black on Purpose TV Network!
Next Level Boys Academy is located in Union City, GA as was founded by Gary Davis, Sr. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Gary has always been concerned with uplifting the community. A father himself, Davis understands the challenges that are placed upon the Black male.
Next Level Boys Academy has programs for young men from the ages of 5 - 18. Not only does Next Level focus on providing support through education but his Saturday Diversion program focuses on young men who are part of the judicial system. His program is an alternative to incarceration for many of our youth.
Heaven Sent Greeting Cards is based in Virginia and is co-owned by cousins Damita Gonzalez and Marilyn Harvey. This card company has a unique twist on greeting cards. The custom written messages are from the perspective of loved ones that have passed on. It gives the recipient a sense of connection with friends and family members that they've lost.
The concept of Heaven Sent Greeting Cards was birthed out of the co-founders' personal family losses. They decided to use their company to heal the pain and grief that others suffer as well.
Make sure to check out their website to order your custom Heaven Sent Greeting Card.
Tassili's Raw Reality is located in Atlanta, GA and is owned by Tassili Ma'at. Ma'at is a Master Raw Food Alchemist whose purpose is to help people achieve optimal health. She is known for her passion of making some of the best kale you have ever eaten.
This raw vegan restaurant is located in Atlanta's historic West End. In additional to raw delectables, Tassili's also offers wraps, drinks and snacks. You've been thinking about trying vegan so do so with Tassili's Raw Reality.
Rock City Cycles is located in Conyers, GA and is owned by Tim "Doc" & Michelle Brown. Motorcycling is a lifestyle but many shops forget this fact. Rock City is the exception! Not only do they sell bikes and gear, but they host and attend many community events catered to bikers. They don't care what you ride; if you ride, you are a part of their family.
Make sure to check out Rock City Cycles for yourself or the biker in your life!
Around the Town Moving & Storage is located in Marietta, GA and is owned by Natacia Moss. As you can see by the photo, Natacia is an avid motorcycle rider. She enjoys spending her free time cruising the open road with family and friends.
Around the Town can handle residential, commercial and office moves. They also offered containerized storage and can help property managers with evictions. Check them out for a free onsite estimate.