There was a certain buzz in the air at The Voice Black Business Fair, held at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton. So many entrepreneurs and business owners squeezed into the venue to set up stall and showcase their goods and services. The atmosphere was vibrant with animated exchanges of deals and contacts by a diverse range of businesses. The event certainly proved that business is booming in the black community.
Ugochukwu Ezeji, founder of Tickson Accessories, specialises in handmade beaded accessories made to decorate the whole household. From key rings to place mats and so many more items, the traditional African art of bead making has been brought alive with Ezeji’s interpretations. It was also refreshing to see a guy at the helm of this ancient craft. To find out more about ‘Tickson Accessories’ log onto twitter @ Tickson or Instagram @Tickson.
The Change Nigeria Project is a social enterprise connecting the diaspora communities between Britain and Nigeria. At its heart is a mission to empower young people in Nigeria with employability skills and practical work experience. The figures towards achieving these goals have so far been impressive. Though only established since 2016, the Project has transformed the lives of 63% of young people on the programme who have retained or completed work placements in Nigeria: It has returned 24% to education and supported 13% to secure job offers as a result of gaining a work placement.
The Founders say that they are doing their utmost to reverse the trend of rising unemployment in a country that is now considered to be the ‘Poverty Capital ‘of the world surpassing India. If you would like to ‘change Nigeria’ and make a difference to a young person’s life then visit the website:
https://www.changenigeriaproject.co.uk/donate-now/
This happy couple pictured (above) have come up with the beautiful idea of producing plates, cups and other table ware imprinted with deigns inspired from Africa. The founders of Attah Designs noticed a gap in the market and wanted to offer a selection of products that would not only decorate but educate people on the history of Africa’s broad heritage. Like the enterprise above, a percentage of the proceeds go towards supporting development activities across African villages. To find out more check out their website: https://www.attahdesigns.com/
Nolz Health Goalz provides comprehensive health care support and advice for those wishing to improve their health. A graduate in Science in Nutrition and Sports Science, the founder Anoli is keen to spread programmes that promote overall well-being. “After eight years of studying bio-chemistry, I became very passionate on the role nutrition and exercise has on the body” and has created a programme combining diet, nutrition and physical activities. Even skincare products which boast the purest of ingredients are offered as part of the integrated, everyday health regime. More about Nolz Health Goals can be found on: http://www.nolzhealthgoalz.com/contact/
Now which little girl would not enjoy receiving a ‘Biankha’ for Christmas or as a present on any other celebration? With the slogan: ‘Empowering little Princesses to become Queens’, the CEO of ‘Biankha and Friends’, Charlotte Francis realised there were a shortage of dolls reflecting African and Caribbean experiences. She created a series of figures with the aim to “educate and encourage young girls to embrace their culture and heritage, whilst succeeding in a modern and ever changing society, through dolls, role play, books, animation and everyday items.” The range of dolls was borne starting with, ‘Natural Biankha’ who is “comfortable within her own skin and embraces her beautiful afro”: ‘CEO Biankha’ – “a strong, fierce, driven girl who knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to go and get it.” Coming soon are Queen Biankha and Traditional Biankha, all of whom represent positive role models for the modern girl of colour. More on Biankha and Friends can be found on website: https://www.biankhaandfriends.com/
For the creative child, the brand Simkray Art and Design, is just what is needed to let young imaginations go wild. The founder Simone Smith, a graduate of Art School wanted to provide comics, prints, animations with content including black people. Browsing on the Simkray website customers are encouraged to interact with the fantasy characters created as animations and comics. Or as Simone Smith, the founder would put it, you are encouraged to ‘Get your Kray-On.’ You can also shop for the latest T-shirts and prints from the portfolio of items: https://www.simkray.london/
The Afro Business Empire aims to connect black businesses around the world through its online directory. It’s an ambitious project for any small business but for the founders it has been a labour of love. “We asked ourselves what we could do to help drive collaborative working within the black community, with a view to empower, celebrate our successes and build a robust & cohesive network. From this passion and dream came the start of Afro Business Empire. ”
Registration onto the website is completed in three easy steps which then allows your business to become part of a powerful, global network: https://afrobusinessempire.com/index.php
For any of the businesses featured above please visit the websites listed.