Photo courtesy of PowerCore

Big Frog is located in Fayetteville, GA and is owned by Monte Raynor. Monte began his career in computer networking while attending Morehouse. Rather than going to work for a start-up, he decided to build his own dream and buy a Big Frog franchise along with his wife of Antalita of over 20+ years. 

Big Frog is the premier place on the south side to get your customized shirts. Whether you are looking for t-shirts for the family reunion or polos for your staff members, Big Frog is the place to go! 

Image provided by Nadine

SERVPRO of Panthersville is located in Decatur, GA and is owned by Nadine Marsh Coleman (a few of her team members are pictured along with her). I met Nadine at a networking event and was shocked to hear that she owns the ONLY Black-owned SERVPRO franchise in the state of Georgia! Their affiliations include the Atlanta Black Chambers, the NAACP, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United Negro College Fund.

Many people don't think about disaster relief until they are scrambling to put their lives back together. SERVPRO provides cleaning and restoration due to loses caused by fire, water, mold and storm damage. They service both residential and commercial spaces. In addition, they offer professional cleaning. SERVPRO of Panthersville would be a great connection to have if you are an insurance agent, for instance. And for the consumer, make sure to request that your insurance company use this local Black-owned franchise if the need arises.  

Pro Leather and Team is located in Austell, GA and is owned by Jack Clark. Many of you know that I have been riding bikes since I was in my early 20s. That's how I got introduced to Jack - a fellow enthusiast told me about his shop. You will see the passion for the biker community as soon as you enter the shop.

Although Pro Leather and Team carries all types of clothing and accessories, they are best known for their leather work when it comes to patches for vests and jackets. 

Cinema South Studios is located in Fayetteville, GA and is owned by husband and wife team Alvin & Tammy Williams. Alvin is a Grammy award-winning music executive who has worked with the likes of Shirley Ceaser, Marvin Sapp and Destiny's Child. Tammy has been in the broadcast industry for over 20 years with a diverse portfolio of writing and producing. 

They are currently planning to construct a $58 million, 200,000 square foot complex with a tentative completion date of December 2019. Once completed, it will consist of 6 stages and is projected to create 5,000 jobs over the next 5 years. Stay abreast of their journey on the company's website. 

Photo courtesy of Tin Shingle

Lifestyle Pillows is based out of New York, NY and is owned by Dr. Dawn Jones. Yes she is a Doctor...of dentistry. We all know how much Black women go through trying to protect their hair while they sleep. Dr. Dawn created the Hair Pillow to provide a good night's sleep while keeping the "do" in check.

The Hair Pillow was inspired by the headrests of Japanese Geishas and also offers satin pillow cases for added protection.

Ms. Ro's Dance Closet is located in College Park, GA and is owned by Roshawn Buxton. She is also the co-founder of the nonprofit Permission to FLY (Fully Love Yourself). A former dancer herself, Roshawn has a passion for the art of dancing. Her own dance career was cut short as a result of being involved in 2 major automobile accidents. But Ms. Ro's Dance Closet keeps Roshawn connected with the dance community near and far.  

Permission to FLY's mission is "to empower and inspire girls and women with rare and complex conditions through the performing arts, advocacy, education and mentor-ship".

Make sure to go and support Ms. Ro's Dance Closet as it is the only Black-owned dance apparel boutique inside of the perimeter! 

Photo courtesy of Her Style Media

Pear Nova is owned by Rachel James. When she realized that finding the right job after graduating from the International Academy of Design & Technology wasn't in her cards, she started Pear Nova. Destined to be the best she could be, Rachel traveled to Paris to be around the leading cosmetic chemistry companies in the world.

Pear Nova has been around since 2012 and is available in several locations across the country, including VIP Nail Lounge in Stockbridge. They also provide wholesale and professional rates for nail techs and salons.

Nature's Miracles and Solutions is based out of Fayetteville, GA and is owned by Bertram Johnson. Bertram is committed to providing a 100% natural solution to pest control. He regularly mentions how his clients are excited to hear about the option to not spray pesticides around their kids, pets and aging family members. 

Betram has a passion for eliminating the need for dangerous chemicals when ridding your home of unwanted critters. Give Bertram a shout to find out more about his services...and tell him Tamahn sent you. 

Photo by Michael Gruber

Michael Strahan has partnered with JcPenney to launch his MSX active wear clothing line. This spotlight speaks not to the quality of the product - which I can't speak to yet - but rather to diversification. From football to daytime TV to writing a book to a clothing line, Michael Strahan is giving us a good example of how to "not put all your eggs in one basket".

With regards to the MSX brand, Strahan is staying in his lane by offering clothing that he spent most of his life wearing. Will this be the next Under Armor...we'll just have to wait and see. 

South Coast Paper is headquartered in Columbia, SC and was co-founded by Kenny Loyd (pictured) and Paul Mitchell. I recently heard about South Coast Paper at a networking event and share the sentiments of one of the panelists...we all need paper! The array of products that you can use include copy paper, envelopes and writing pads. 

This one is a no brainer! Keep the name South Coast Paper at the top of your mind when - not if - you're restocking your home or office. 

Photo courtesy of South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine

Camp Village is located in South Fulton, GA and can be credited to Jo Roberson. I was first introduced to Camp Village shortly after our city (South Fulton) was incorporated. Roberson was one of the first organizations to receive a proclamation from the Mayor due to her outstanding work with her camp.

Camp Village is a 501(c)(3) that provides local youth with opportunities to experience different activities in and around their community.

Capers Restaurant & Bar is located in Kennesaw, GA and is owned by Steve Dudley. Capers prides itself in using fresh ingredients in its New American menu that consists of salads, pasta, steak and seafood. Steve is very involved with the menu to make sure only the best is represented in his establishment.

The relaxing atmosphere of Capers compliments the vast menu of appetizers, main course offerings and desserts. Make a reservation online or just swing by for a cocktail at the bar. 

Photo courtesy of Black Enterprise

PDG Branding & Marketing is based out of Atlanta, GA and was co-founded by Sherrod Shackelford and Lavon Lewis. I don't usually highlight two companies back-to-back who are in the same arena but there is some method to my madness. Not only are these companies both top notch but we need to have options as business owners.

PDG has 18+ years of experience and have worked with over 1,700 brands including AT&T and Wal-Mart. But they are just as focused on small business as they are with corporate accounts. Lavon and Sherrod are very down-to-earth Brothers who can quickly assess your brand and get you on the right track!

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls is based out of Cambden, ME and was founded by Cyndi Prince. While looking for a healthy alternative to dryer sheets for her own child, Cyndi went to the drawing board and created LooHoo. She officially launched the company in 2010 with the use of domestic wool.

Not only are these dryer balls a healthier alternative, but they also help to dry your clothes faster - thereby reducing your energy costs. LooHoo can be purchased directly from the website or at one of the many retailers nationwide. 

Courtesy of VIVO360.com

VIVO360 is based out of Alpharetta, GA and was founded by Sophie Gibson. Gibson ventured into marketing when her curiosity peaked about the internet in the early '90s. She relied on her corporate and government background experiences to focus on helping IT companies translate their brands through the web.

VIVO360 has done work with Delta Airlines, the NAACP and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. I was introduced to VIVO360 while they were doing some branding work for our recently formed city of South Fulton. 

Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns was started in Brooklyn, NY and is owned by husband and wife team Monique Greenwood and Glenn Pogue. Monique is the face of the brand as she serves as President and CEO of the company that opened its first location in 1995. Akwaaba means "Welcome" in Ghanaian language. Since starting their first location, Akwaaba has since branched out with additional locations in D.C., New Jersey New Orleans and Pennsylvania.

Akwaaba has been featured in countless magazines that include Upscale, TIME, New York Travel, Essence and many more! They are winners of Travel Channel's Home Showdown and received a Certificate of Excellence from tripadvisor. So when you plan that trip to D.C. to visit the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, check out Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns!

Photo courtesy of ACE loans

Nature's Own Herb Shop is located in Hapeville, GA and is owned by Dr. Ardina Pierre. Dr. Pierre earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree - alternative medicine that focuses on natural and non-invasive self-healing methods -  in 2017 after a career as a Registered Nurse. 

The Herb Shop is the place to go to get all your natural herbs, oils, recipes and support. They also have several resources on their website. 

Progressive Techniques, Inc. is based out of Fayetteville, GA and was formed by Nancy J. Lewis in 1996. I'm sure the email subject of millennial trainer caught your attention, but Progressive Techniques is so much more than that. In addition to being certified to train millennials, Nancy has also spent a good portion of her career training corporations and governments.   

Nancy is a member of the National Speakers Association and former Dale Carnegie instructor. To find out more about the many accolades and accomplishments that Nancy has achieved over the past 22 years, check out her website.

Glory Professional Cleaning Service is based out of Atlanta, GA and is owned by Alisa Clark. Clark's company is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) as well as a Certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). 

In addition to residential cleaning, Glory Professional Cleaning Service also specializes in construction cleanup, medical facility cleaning and floor care.

Prim & Proper Ink is based out of McDonough, GA and is owned by Janae Kendall. One look at Prim & Proper Ink's website and you can see the passion that Janae puts into her work. Many claimed "graphic designers" can't even get their own website right but Janae pours all her energy into her work. 

Prim & Proper Ink is a go-to option for marketing materials, graphic design, social media design elements and more. Take a look at Prim & Proper Ink when it's time to update your materials.