BKLYN Commons, in association with NYBeauty Suites, honored several Brooklyn-based beauty and wellness entrepreneurs amid a Women's History Month celebration.
Hosted by Johanne Brierre, BKLYN Commons CEO and NYBeauty Suites Founder, the event included a festive cocktail reception featuring craft cocktails from Hibiscus Brew, a local café owned and operated by Allison Dunn and treats from women-lead eateries Makina Café, 2 Girls and a Cookshop, and Brie on the Chrisme.
The ceremony honored trailblazing, wellness, and beauty-preneurs who are making outstanding strides in the beauty and wellness space. Honorees include Shantini Alleyne-Cooper of Skin Prerogative, Niara Mullings of Nu Skin by Niara, Samantha Frank-Beckford of the Amulet Fairy, Marissia Malcolm of Smooth Secret Sanctuary, Kerryann Bertrand of Naturally Zuri Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork, hair stylist Ashley Taylor, hair stylist Dede Dia, and Virhonjeale “Vee” Sheridan-Matteson of Vee On Glam.
In addition, New York City Councilwoman Farah Louis presented the Natural Hairstyle and Braiding Coalition with a special proclamation. With a mission to elevate the art and science of natural hair and braiding, the Natural Hairstyle & Braiding Coalition (NHBC) has been on the forefront pioneering legislation that empowers, uplift while culturally embracing and honoring the diasporic natural hair care industry. In attendance to accept the honors were founders Diane C. Bailey, Diane De Costa, Erin H. Maybin, and Natasha Gaspard.
Host Johanne Brierre, along with New York City Council Women Rita Joseph and Farah Pierre, also took timeout to recognize a few unsung community heroes. Dale Charles, Executive Director of Bed-Stuy Gateway BID and Ritha Pierre, Law Professional and Media Entrepreneur received flowers for their unwavering support in uplifting and supporting black and brown women entrepreneurs.
The evening ended with a live panel discussion entitled “Business Reimagined: Pioneering Pathways for Tomorrow.” Moderated by Kela Walker, panelists included Mandy Bowman, Founder/CEO, Official Black Wall Street; Tanyette Colon, Founder/CEO, In-FUUSE; Keisha Hickson, CEO, Hickson Agency, Inc.; Kelly Ifill, Founder/CEO, Guava Financial Services; Khalilah Webster, Co-Founder/Managing Partner, MVP Accelerator, Inc.
BKLYN Commons, a central Brooklyn business hub, provides coworking space for a diverse community of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
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