Touch of Life Chiropractic is located in East Point, GA and was founded by Dr. Patrice Thompson. Dr. Thompson and her husband, Bryson, are passionate about health and wellness in our community. They frequently put on clinics after hours in order to educate our people about natural health solutions.

Dr. Thompson became attracted to chiropractic after she personally experienced its healing properties. She is laser-focused on putting your body in a position for it to heal itself. (Un)fortunately I have personally used Dr. Thompson on two occasions as a result of some minor traffic accidents. I have sent clients her way and would recommend her for your needs as well!

Gilliam's Community Garden in Atlanta, GA is owned by Lovey and Farmer P. You can catch them at the weekly East Point Market on Wednesday evenings where you'll witness their passion for farming. Their fresh selection of vegetables makes you feel great with the first bite! (They also package some fresh bacon that is free of preservatives.)

We are all concerned with what we put in our bodies. Let Lovey and Farmer P be your go-to for fresh local produce! 

Occasional Occasions is based out of Atlanta, GA and is owned by Carlton A. Brown. When I first saw Carlton at a networking event, I was impressed with his passion for cooking. Carlton has been providing catering services for over 20 years. He handles everything from a private "Table for 2" to corporate clients.

Occasional Occasions provides contemporary elegance with exemplary service and southern hospitality. As a result, they were named the Best Caterer in Atlanta for 2017 by the Atlanta Tribune! 

Goodr is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Jasmine Crowe. When I heard Jasmine's radio interview, I was blown away! Before launching Goodr she fed the homeless out of her own pocket for 5 years. As people started to ask her what restaurants were donating the food to her, the idea was born.

Goodr is a mobile app that businesses can use to have excess food donated to local non-profits that feed those in need. She has recently secured an agreement with the entire Ponce City Market to ensure that they have zero wasted food. 

Of course you know that Sean John is owned by Sean Combs a.k.a. Puffy a.k.a. Puff Daddy a.k.a. P-Diddy a.k.a Diddy. Sean John has evolved way past the days of just making hip-hop inspired gear. The biggest expansion for me personally has been Sean John getting into men's formal wear. Even though I have only been able to find them at Macy's, I have no problem wearing his suits, ties and shirts. They haven't forgotten their roots because you can still get your jeans, sweaters, watches or t-shirts. 

Sean Combs is a great example of success. Because of his business acumen, he has been able to seriously consider purchasing an NFL franchise. As we continue to circulate the dollars within our community, we may be responsible for creating more stories like Diddy's.

Sheila Carmichael is the owner and creator of the Transitions D2D model. I met Sheila at a networking event and was impressed with her professionalism and intellect. The "icing on the cake" for me was when I introduced her to another attendee at that same event who talked about transitioning - not knowing that they had just retained Sheila earlier that week!

Transitions D2D specializes in helping professionals who are transitioning after being impacted by a career shift. If this sounds like you or someone you know, reach out to Sheila.

SpokeHub is based out of Durham, NC and was co-founded by Richard Berryman III (along with 4 others). When you look at SpokeHub's website, you will see the vast team that puts this all together. Berryman was actually introduced to me by one of my friends who knows him personally. 

SpokeHub's platform is centered around allowing its users to have meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals. They are looking to build an actual community rather than just having people get a bunch of likes. Check out their website, or the recent article on Forbes.com, to learn more about SpokeHub.

Experimac is located in the Midtown section of Atlanta and is owned by Ernest Duncan. I was honored to meet Ernest at an Atlanta Black Chambers meeting, of which he is well-connected. Ernest is also a life member of the National Black MBA Association.

Specializing in Apple products, Experimac can take care of all your needs. Whether you are looking to buy a new machine or need service on your existing one, Experimac has you covered.

Jay's Kitchen & Bar is located in South Fulton, GA and was founded by former music executive Jomo Hankerson along with his wife Heather Wesley. Even though Hankerson has managed artists such as Aaliyah, Toni Braxton and Timbaland, his true love has always been in the kitchen. As a self-taught chef, he desires for his restaurant to be a place where the community comes to have their bodies and souls fed.

Located on Cascade Rd., where Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles was previously housed, Jay's is a 4,000 square-foot restaurant that focuses on soul food cuisine. It also has an outdoor space with frequent live entertainment. 

If this piece looks familiar, then you recognize it from Addonis's work with One United Bank. Addonis Parker is located in Miami, FL and has done other artwork for One United Bank, including a mural on one of their buildings in Miami. His artwork honors the Black community and the struggles faced in order to achieve civil rights.

Addonis also has an Art Forever Studio in Miami which strives to reach the hearts and artistic minds of at-risk youth.

Traffic Troopers, Inc. has three offices in the Atlanta area and was founded by Lawanda Sapp. Sapp has over 20 years of experience in Work Zone Traffic Control. As a past reserve for the Atlanta Police Department, she spent 15 years working traffic fatalities. Now you have a better understanding of where the idea for Traffic Troopers was birthed.                 

Directing traffic is not the sexiest of jobs. But how many times have you left a church or social event and were able to get out due to some help? Traffic Troopers provides uniformed officers and certified flaggers to provide relief from congestion for large and small companies. When planning your next event, reach out to Traffic Troopers to make entry and egress stress-free. 

Meat Masters, founded by Dionne Moore-Peasant, is located in Decatur, GA and has been around since 1990. They carry all the meats you need to stock your freezer or to prepare for that next cookout: chicken, steak, burgers, seafood, etc. You can purchase in packages or a-la-carte. 

So forget Omaha steaks, spend your economic dollar at Meat Masters! 

Ge'Boy is located in Virginia Beach, VA and was founded by Geoff Owens. In business since 2009, Geoff takes pride in giving his clients an experience that they will remember. Ge'Boy is a comfortable and professional establishment that is well-respected in the community.

Ge'Boy's first location is located right off the highway in Virginia Beach but they are actively looking for a second location - possibly in a state near you. So if you need quality treatment for any occasion, "Holla at Ge'Boy!"

The Jay Morrison Academy is a real estate and wealth education school based out of Atlanta, GA. You might recognize Jay Morrison from his activism displayed on social media. Whether protesting local restaurants displaying racist behavior or attending community events, Jay is serious about changing the narrative in our community. 

The Academy courses include mastering credit, business start-up and real estate. There is also 1-on-1 coaching opportunities available.

Blossom is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Diamonde Williamson. One of the things I love most about this newsletter is when readers like you tell me about businesses that you'd like highlighted. Diamonde was introduced to me because of her awesome company but also because she has a goal to raise over $26k during her fundraising campaign.

Blossom is an online streaming service that focuses on creating content for women of color. The amazing platform has "blossom originals" like Melanin Mommas and exclusive web series. There is a free membership as well as an all-access version. You have got to check it out! (And feel free to support with your dollars.)

Kevin Grimes, CEO of CFOL International, is a veteran of the Navy Nuclear Submarine Force. He is the youngest person in U.S. Naval history to graduate #1 in Nuclear Submarine School (BESS) and has been featured in Black Enterprise and VIBE magazines.

CFOL Leasing is headquartered in Atlanta, GA with an additional office in Washington, D.C. CFOL is an 8(a), HUBZone and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides: Information Technology, Human Resources Management, Executive Coaching, Administrative Support, Medical Billing, Staffing, Accounting, Project Management Services, and Facilities Support Services.

Black Mermaid products are manufactured in Snellville, GA and was founded by Denise Zannu. While having a coffee meeting with a recent connection from a networking event, I was introduced to Black Mermaid. My coffee partner was so impressed with the company that she had previously become an investor. Having won the Gwinnett Chamber's The Amazing Entrepreneur and Best of Gwinnett awards, Black Mermaid is well on its way to becoming a national brand!

Products include face bars, bath sets, body bars, aftershave, deodorant and more! You can find them at select stores in Georgia, Florida and soon-to-be New York. And with everything being all natural with no additives or preservatives, you can feel good both physically and emotionally by supporting this Sister.

Brian Joubert started L&B Tax Service in 1996 with visions of being the next H&R Block or Jackson-Hewitt. He said to himself that "if they can have multiple locations, why can't I?" Having owned a courier service previously, L&B's claim to fame was the fact that they picked up and delivered clients' taxes in and around the Atlanta area. L&B has grown from its Mableton, GA headquarters to offices in Houston, D.C., New Orleans, and Nashville.

While being the true CEO of the company, you may catch Brian traveling to highlight black-owned businesses across the nation. After visiting all 50 states and all 7 continents, Brian is now beginning his next round of travel to visit every professional basketball arena in the country.

If you are looking for a tax expert who has over 20 years of success along with thousands of satisfied and repeat clients, reach out to L&B Tax Service!  (And make sure to follow Brian on FaceBook and Instagram.)

CarLotz was originally launched in Richmond, VA and was co-founded by Aaron Montgomery. Having an extensive background in the automotive industry, I continue to keep my pulse on what is going on in that industry. I stumbled across CarLotz while researching some business models and was impressed with their setup. It wasn't until I was speaking to a friend about Black-owned dealerships that he told me about Aaron, who happened to be a high school friend of his.

Instead of sinking millions of dollars into inventory - which is the bulk of used dealership expenses - CarLotz only sells consignment vehicles. This model has allowed CarLotz to expand into 5 locations in Richmond, Norfolk, Greensboro and Charlotte.

So if you are looking to buy or sell your next vehicle, contact your local CarLotz consignment store!

Creative Soul is an Atlanta-based photography company owned by husband and wife team Regis & Kahran. My wife and I used them shortly after coming to Atlanta when we were looking for a new portrait to go above the fireplace. We couldn't have been happier with the experience and quality of the photo shoot. Creative Soul recommended that we go to Little Five Points where they shot in 3 different places with us in 3 different outfits. 

They have since directed their focus to children's photos but if you want to get any family photos done, definitely go with Creative Soul!