2023 Pitch Black Competition

Finalists Show Proof Of Concept With Accelerator Program

population affected with mental illness, behavioral and substance abuse disorders,” she said. “It is so unfortunate that our culture has put such a stigma on mental illness, and this stigma makes people who are struggling hide in isolation. We want to work with the community to break the stigma because everyone deserves help and hope.”

More information on Serenity Home Solutions can be found at serenity-hs.com.

Island Chill 402 – 4th Place

Following the birth of her son, Shawnie Hernandez was not ready to return to work. She took a leap of faith and instead flexed her entrepreneurial muscles with the start of Island Chill 402. A beverage truck specializing in frozen lemonade, slushies and fruit boba tea, the truck can be hired for corporate events and parties alike. Additionally, Island Chill 402 can be found at upcoming community events such as Afro Fest Omaha and HutchFest.

Looking to the future, Hernandez has ambitions to expand the impact she has on the community.

“I would like to open a family-friendly coffee shop in North Omaha,” she said. “I hope to encourage anyone interested in starting their own business.”

To hire Island Chill 402 for an event, visit islandchill402.com.

Greenlexi, LLC – 5th Place

Artez and Dorinda Young wanted to provide a platform for minority-owned businesses to share their services in one convenient place. They created Greenlexi, LLC in 2020, a webbased directory to connect “conscious consumers with minorityowned businesses that are disadvantaged,” Artez Young said.

The directory, greenlexi.com, now has over 400 businesses across the U.S. in numerous categories from lawyers to home improvement. Young said they are currently expanding content on the website to provide resources to consumers.

“For instance, if someone’s looking to buy a house, there’s a lot of minority people that just don’t understand that process,” he said. “We’re looking to create and/or provide content that’s going to educate them.”

Greenlexi is also aiming to provide resources for business owners or those looking to start a business.

“I have 20 years of experience in the financial realm, a lot of it in retail banking,” Young said. “In my current position, I work for the state of Nebraska, and I come in contact with a lot of the types of businesses that I’m talking about so I’m actually working with locals, and I see the struggles.”

In the coming months, Young said the team will be making improvements to the website with the knowledge gained through the Pitch Black accelerator program.