5 minute read
Melanistic Magazine - Vol 9
TO MY YOUNG, BLACK ENTREPRENEURS
BY: TANEYA ROGERS
Advertisement
Ingenuity, purpose, and a dose of deftly executed Black Excellence have gained these entrepreneurs and activistsa spot on our list of 2022 Young BlackEntrepreneurs. Success stories borneout of service, and Black innovatorsredefining themselves outside theparameters of capitalism. These are ourstories and our reasons to celebrate aswe step into a new year.
Steve Byfield Image Courtesy of Sherry Smith
Steve Byfield winemaker / owner - Nyarai Cellars
A native to Kitchener, Ontario but of Jamaican parentage, Steve Byfield is the founder of Nyarai Cellars. He was first exposed to the craft of winemaking while working a part-time job at a brewery during his second year of university. Although he pursued a degree in Fine Arts, it was his passion for winemaking that spurred his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Nyarai Cellars is a virtual wine label, absent of a traditional brick and mortar building or vineyard; a garagite operation, as coined by the French. Byfield balances Nyarai with his work as a freelance winemaker consultant. Together, he sees his efforts as part of a collective contribution in upholding Ontario’s reputation for producing quality wines.
“The mere fact that I’m a person of Colour has not deterred my ambitions to be successful but the opposite - representation and inclusiveness is vital and essential for a cohesive community to exist.”
contact Web: www.nyaraicellars.ca IG: @nyaraicellarswine
Stacey Martin Image Courtesy of Stacey Martin Lifestyle!
Stacey Martin: Stacey Martin Lifestyle
Stacey Martin Lifestyle is an ecoconscious, Canadian-made fashion line. Its founder and namesake grew up in Ottawa Canada, with parents who hailed from St. Kitts and Nevis. She credits both her education in business and her years spent as a professional performing artist as the drivers behind her business. It is her heritage, however, that taught her poise, elegance, sustainability, and the benefits of living beautifully and naturally. Martin draws inspiration from elements in nature, places that she has traveled, and the possibility of breaking boundaries.
Her journey in the fashion industry has taught her resilience, working in a field that is bare on Black women in executive roles.
“My contribution as a woman of Colour is to create, develop and lead a recognizable brand that will show diversity and inclusion and pave the way for those who follow”.
contact
Web: https://staceymartinlifestyle.com @staceymartinlifestyle @designerstaceymartin
Joseph Dongo Image Courtesy of NiLo
Joseph Dongo: DONGO CORPORATION
This entrepreneurial journey was birthed and remains steeped in charity. Dongo Corporation, founded by Joseph Dongo, is the producer of a line of delicious sauces called Candelice. His product is an ode to multiculturalism, using natural ingredients sourced in Canada and blending with exotic spices from Africa.
Immigrating from the Ivory Coast, Dongo’s formal education focused on Materials Engineering. To support his family, he found relief from the Edmonton Food Bank and made good on his promise to return this kindness. The idea to produce his sauces began simply in the process of delivering homemade sandwiches each month to the homeless. Honing his cooking skills over the course of a year, his first commercial bottle hit the markets in August of 2020 with profits redirected to community building.
“Determination, Faith and Self Confidence; with these three we can change the world.”
contact Web: https://dongocorp-candelice.ca FB: @Dongocorp-Candelice
Taylor McNallie Image Courtesy of Taylor McNallie
Taylor McNallie: Inclusive Canada, grassroots organization
The worldwide protests following the murder of George Floyd was the catalyst to Taylor McNallie finding her voice. Her social justice platform began under the banner of ‘RAAR – Rural Alberta Against Racism’; The movement evolved into Inclusive Canada.
“Just as racism doesn’t stop at the border, it does not stop at city limits either…. Though it’s not easy, I refuse to be silent in the face of my own oppression and that of my people’’
McNallie along with two other racialized women have adopted an educational strategy and hope to engage their audience through seminars, online content, and anti-racism sessions. This work is taxing for a community builder and creating a healthy work-life balance is imperative, though sometimes elusive.
“I want to continue building on the foundation our Ancestors have created and leave that blueprint for future generations’’.
contact Web: www.InclusiveCanada.org FB: @InclusiveCA IG: @InclusiveCanada
Andrews Baah Image Courtesy of Andrews Baah
Andrews Baah: Apollo staffing solutions Inc.
Serving as a registered nurse for over 10 years, Andrews Baah maintained his aspirations to own his own business. After failed attempts to source funding for his business idea through both Federal and Provincial programs to support entrepreneurial youth, it was the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) that helped make his dreams a reality.
Apollo Staffing Solutions brought together Andrews’ business drive and professional training as a RN by providing temporary staffing of healthcare professionals to institutes that offer acute, long term care and home care services.
Thrust into the world of business ownership, Andrews was forced to gather additional skills in bookkeeping and even web design, but continues to find joy in each phase of his journey.
“No way would I choose anything differently…I wish and pray that what I do will contribute to the greater good of humanity.”
contact Web: apollostaffingsolutions.com FB: @Apollo Staffing Solutions Inc.
