Appley Ever After is based out of Lithonia, GA and is owned by Toni Curtis. Appley Ever After has a host of apple-flavored treats for all taste buds. Think candy apples on sweet tooth steroids! Toni has also taken it to another level by offering apple slices in flavors that include strawberries, caramel, chocolate, nuts and more.

Offerings can be purchased in baskets. Additionally, you can get gourmet pretzel sticks, cupcakes or have Appley Ever After cater your next event.

SHADD Pianos is based out of Washington, DC and was created by Warren M. Shadd. As a second generation piano technician and third generation musician, Warren founded SHADD Pianos in 2003. He set out to create the best piano in the world being that he is a perfectionist.

By some standards, Warren has definitely achieved his goal. Prices range from the $22,000 Upright all the way up to the $185,000 Concert Grand. If you want to try it out before making the commitment, SHADD also rents and ships its pianos for special events. 

Nubian Skin is based out of the UK and is owned by Ade Hassan. Like many Black-owned businesses, Nubian Skin was created out of personal need. When Hassan had difficulty finding nude options for herself, she decided to create them!

Nubian Skins selection consists of lingerie, hosiery and shoes. Skin tones come in cinnamon, berry and caramel.  Don't worry about having to take a trip to London because Nubian Skin ships their products worldwide!

This Citgo is located in Jonesboro, GA at 7434 Tara Blvd and is owned by Colisha Hicks. You may remember the outpouring of support on local and social media by our community when we found out that WE owned a gas station. But how many of us have shopped with them, even if it's a little inconvenient?

I want to remind you that the purpose of this daily newsletter is to expose you to businesses that you can actually spend your money with. You can also do your part by leaving positive reviews online about these businesses. We have to start supporting the businesses that are inconvenient for us personally in order to grow our economy enough that convenient businesses open nearby. THINK ABOUT IT...WE ALL NEED GAS IN OUR CARS! 

Golf Women Mean Business is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Patrina King. Sometimes a creative advantage in business is in simply providing an offering that nobody else does. And I think Patrina hit this drive straight down the green! Patrina has combined golf training with networking to create Golf Women Mean Business.

We are well aware that many business deals have gone down on the golf course so Patrina has found a way to introduce our community to this strategy. And no need to worry if you don't know how to play the game because that's where the company starts you! 

The Colin Kaepernick Foundation was founded to "fight oppression of all kinds globally, through social education and activism". I'm sure that I don't have to tell you who Colin Kaepernick is and the movement that he created regarding standing up for your rights simply by taking a knee. What has been interesting to me are the comments over the years regarding people saying that he "needs" football. Statements like that show the ignorance of people who think that all Black athletes will frivolously blow through millions of dollars.

On the contrary, "Kap" has done tremendous things with his fame and fortune. His Million Dollar Pledgepumped money into oppressed communities...all from his personal pocket along with proceeds of his NFL jersey sales. He also fully funded a youth campaign called the Know Your Rights Campto raise awareness in several areas that affect our children. So whether or not you watch(ed) football, we can all agree that Kap used that platform to advance our people!

Me and the Bees is based out of Houston, TX and was started by then 4-year old Mikaila Ulmer. Yes you read that right - Mikaila was only 4 years old when she had the idea to create her company after getting stung by a bee twice. That inspired her to use her grandmother's family lemonade recipe and sweeten it with honey.

Established in 2009, this lemonade company is now wildly popular on the shelves of Whole Foods. Don't just go out and buy her product but use her story to inspire your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins and all the girls in our community! 

Ellis Island Tea is based out of Detroit, MI and was founded by Nailah Ellis-Brown. I was first introduced to Nailah's story while watching an entrepreneur documentary on TV. She was being interviewed and was candid about the trials of bottling her product and getting it on store shelves. With little revenue, her packaging and shelf placement has been one of her biggest challenges.

Ellis Island Tea is a Jamaican blend that is rooted in family history. The product is brewed and bottled in Detroit by Nailah's Ellis Infinity Beverage Company. Help this young entrepreneur to grow her brand by buying some of her natural tea. 

Lawntap is based out of Woodstock, GA and was founded by Wilkinson Egwu. Wilkinson has created a product that monitors your lawn with a sensor and sends that information to you and/or your lawn care provider via smartphone app. 

Rarely do I highlight startups in the newsletter but this idea is ingenious. This will also provide us with the opportunity to support his company by helping in its launch and growth. Make sure to click on the link to his website to see the short video on how the product works!  

Modular Assembly Innovations (MAI)  is based out of Dublin, OH and is owned by Billy Vickers. Vickers is an honoree of Ebony magazine's Power 100. He started the business in 2005 as a joint venture with a Honda-owned company. Since then, MAI has formed joint ventures with other companies and currently owns a 51% stake in them.

MAI procures parts for customers across the globe, including 9 Honda manufacturers in North America. They have generated over $1B of revenue and employs nearly 300 people.

MARTI Transportation is based out of Atlanta, GA and is co-owned by Marlon & Tiffany Morman. This veteran-owned company has the right vehicle for the job. Whether you're looking for a ride from the airport in a Mercedes SUV, attending a special event with friends in the Sprinter party bus or going big in the Motor Coach, you're bound to look good coming and going.

You know we like to ride out in style so the next time you're planning a night out on the town, hire MARTI Transportation! 

Custom Made For You is located in Lawrenceville, GA and is owned by Lacie Williams. There are many graphic designer options available to customers. As I teach in my S.A.L.E.S. Is Simple™ approach, businesses have to S.et Themselves Apart in order to be considered by clients.

I was impressed with how Lacie S.et Herself Apart when I reached out to her to get new business cards. Every other graphic designer that I had contacted could not replicate my current design. She was able to do it after only a couple of emails...I guess that's the advantage of being in business since 1996! 

Assisted Living Locators is based out of Peachtree City, GA and is owned by Ralph Booker. Assisted Living Locators is a free service that provides personal assistance in finding the right option for your aging loved ones. Ralph's desire is to educate his clients on the various places that can assist them in their time of need.

Assisted Living Locators works with a variety of facilities from active communities to hospice care.They even provide home heath care recommencations when appropriate. Reach out to Ralph if you want to get some information about the future care of your family member.

Return to Zayin is based out of Atlanta, GA and is the brainchild of Zahvdee-El Ben Naseek Yadiel. Yesterday I introduced you to Keena of Swet 209 - this is where I met Zahvdee-El. He was set up during her grand opening and had some amazing bracelets on display. Zahvdee-El is passionate about the healing qualities of his product.

Return to Zayin offers an array of colors and stones with bead sizes that range from 8mm to 10mm.

Co-owners Kathleen McQueen and Michele Tompkins have partnered together with Urban Foodie Feed Store located in College Park, GA. This eclectic restaurant is located on Main Street and is usually packed in the evenings and weekends. Their specialty is "re-imagining Southern Cuisine".

These restauranteurs describe the atmosphere as Fibe, which is a combination of Food and Vibe. They feel that both the cuisine and atmosphere are vital to customers having an excellent experience at their restaurant. Stop on by the Urban Foodie Feed Store the next time those hunger pains strike.

Swet 209 is located in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in Atlanta, GA and is owned by Keena Stephens. When I first met Keena, we had a long conversation about the state of Black-owned business and what we can do individually to make a difference. That was her impetus behind Swet 209.

Keena describes Swet 209 as an Etsy-style shop that showcases local artisans and their collections. There you can find books, oils, clothing, bracelets and more. If you know of a local business that could benefit from being displayed in Swet 209, let Keena know!

Sparkling Gutters is based out of Atlanta, GA and is owned by Falonzo Porter. Gutters are one of those home maintenance and repair items that we all know need to be done but we don't want to get up on that ladder ourselves! Now you don't have to; Sparkling Gutters can do the dirty work for you.

Falonzo has over 17 years of experience with gutter repair, installation and cleaning. And if you're considering getting some gutter guards to eliminate the regular cleaning, Sparkling Gutters has you covered! 

Locs for Life is an Atlanta-based salon owned by Jackie McHugh. Having dreads myself for over 10 years after graduating high school, I know the benefit of having someone you can trust to take care of your ever-evolving locs. Locs for Life can be that place for you.

There are 3 Atlanta locations that you can check out: 2 in Decatur and 1 in Riverdale. Services include starting locs, maintenance and even loc extensions (if you want to try out the look). They also sell products on-site to help keep your locs at their best!

Scotch Porter is a men's grooming company that was founded by Calvin Quallis. Quallis founded the company when he realized the problem that men were having growing and maintaining their facial hair. After juggling being an employee and an entrepreneur for two years, Scotch Porter received Calvin's undivided attention.

Scotch Porter was formed to help men with their beards but has since grown into facial washes and hair care as well. 

Mo's Bows is based out of Memphis, TN and was created by Moziah "Mo" Bridges. You may be like me in that you've seen this young man grow up right before our eyes! We have heard how he started his company as a 9-year old when his grandmother showed him how to make ties. He later hit the national stage at the age of 12 when he secured a deal with fashion mogul Daymond John on Shark Tank. 

Moziah has since been seen rubbing elbows with President Obama and has landed a deal with the NBA, partnering with them to make branded neckwear.  He dreams of becoming a fashion mogul himself...I think you are well on your way Moziah!!