In the past two weeks, there's been an outpouring of support for black businesses. Today, we're highlighting 5 businesses in Memphis owned by black women and hearing how their business has changed in these past two weeks.
Memphis is one of the friendliest cities in the country for minority owned businesses, and it is home to many amazing and resilient small businesses founded by bright and brilliant entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, races, and ages. Here at StyleBlueprint, we have shone the spotlight on hundreds of these businesses and the brilliant minds behind them over the years, but today, we are putting the spotlight on five local businesses that are owned and run by black women. Meet these five amazing women, learn more about their businesses and find out from them how their businesses have changed in the past two weeks as the country’s focus has turned to the very important topic of racial equity in America.
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Keneisha Malone of Ziya Soul Co
PinKeneisha Malone is the owner of Ziya Soul Co, as well as a 5th grade teacher at Macon-Hall Elementary. | Image: Keneisha Malone
Keneisha Malone credits necessity for the creation of her business. She wanted to find a solution for her dry skin, eczema, and hair breakage, but there wasn’t a product on the market that fit her needs. So she created her own. Ziya Soul Co was born in Keneisha’s kitchen in Memphis, and it has blossomed from there. All of Ziya Soul Co’s products are vegan and cruelty free, and they’re made for all skin types. Her products include masks, scrubs, and oils for both men and women.
If running her own business wasn’t enough, Keneisha is also a 5th grade teacher at Macon-Hall Elementary School. While most of her business is online, Keneisha’s products are carried in many stores in Memphis, and she attends a lot of festivals and other events to show off and sell her products. When COVID-19 hit, she had to move everything completely online.
We asked how business has changed in the past two weeks. Keneisha said, “In the past two weeks, my business has been highlighted a lot, and I really appreciate the push from non-black business owners to support us. But I hope that trajectory continues after this all dies down. I would like us to receive this type of support all the time.”
To learn more about Keneisha and support her business, shop online and follow Ziya Soul Co on Instagram and Facebook.
Christina McCarter – City Tasting Tours and Feast and Graze
PinChristina is the owner of City Tasting Tours and co-owner of Feast and Graze | Image: Christina McCarter
Christina McCarter is a native Memphian whose passion for eating local became her lifestyle. She is the owner of City Tasting Tours, which offers different food tours of Memphis, and she is the co-owner of Feast and Graze, a cheese board delivery service. After everything shut down due to COVID-19, Christina got creative and quickly pivoted her business model. She created a virtual food tour experience, where customers receive a no-contact delivery of a dinner for 2 from 3 Memphis restaurants as well as videos that highlight the local restaurateurs and other hidden gems of the Memphis food scene. Not only do you get a delicious meal, you get to learn something new and support 4 local businesses at once!
When not social distancing, Christina offers
When we asked her about what business today is like versus two weeks ago, Christina said, “It feels the same. I still feel there is a deep need for black businesses to be supported year round, not just during a crisis.”
To learn more about Christina and support her business, follow City Tasting Tours on Instagram and Facebook, as well as Feast and Graze on Instagram and Facebook.RELATED: 12 Places in Memphis for Family To Go Meals
Paula Raiford – Paula & Raiford’s Disco
PinPaula is truly the queen of Memphis disco! | Image: Erin Mosher Studios
Born and raised in Memphis, Paula Raiford has had a passion for disco nearly all her life. Both her parents owned clubs, but her father’s, Raiford’s Hollywood Disco, was the one that gave her the spark to start her own later down the line. She opened her club, Paula & Raiford’s Disco in 2009, and it’s been a hit ever since. “My dad built this institution of disco and no discrimination and just a happy place to come and let your hair down,” Paula said. She strives to honor the authenticity of Memphis for locals and visitors alike, and she loves to support her city.
PinPaula is a true ambassador for Memphis, and she makes her club a truly welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. | Image: Erin Mosher StudiosSupport Paula by following Paula & Raiford’s Disco on Facebook and Instagram!
Pamela Hill and her husband Maurice have owned and operated Makeda’s cookies in Memphis for over 20 years. In that time, it’s become a local favorite with 2 physical locations. Makeda’s Cookies was named after Makeda Denise Hill, Pamela’s niece who passed away at age 7 after a battle with Leukemia in 1997.
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