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Shanayla Sweat, a dynamic young Black woman, has made a remarkable and empowering move that underscores the strength of entrepreneurship and positive representation. She made the bold decision to step away from her exciting role at Microsoft to establish A Few Wood Men – a trailblazing Black-owned wooden watch collection designed exclusively for Men and Women of Distinction.

Timepieces of Empowerment: A Few Wood Men’s Vision

Shanayla’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. It’s a narrative of breaking barriers, following a passion-driven path, and redefining the watch industry. A Few Wood Men goes beyond being just timepieces; they encapsulate the spirit of empowerment and strength that exceptional men and women exude.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity: A Few Wood Men’s Impact

“As an African American woman, I realized the significance of positive representation and the need to create a space that celebrates men’s empowerment,” said Shanayla. “A Few Wood Men is a tribute to the strong, distinguished men in our lives who shape communities and inspire change.”

With a deep-rooted commitment to providing positive representation and acknowledging the stories that have shaped her journey, Shanayla’s brand stands as a symbol of inclusivity. The collection’s watches are not merely accessories; they are embodiments of the values that drive individuals to break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and embrace their unique journeys.

 Pursuing Passion and Defying Expectations: Shanayla’s Journey

Shanayla’s decision to transition from a notable position at Microsoft to becoming a changemaker through A Few Wood Men speaks volumes about her dedication to fostering empowerment and challenging norms. Her journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in the way.

 Elegance, Style, and Strength: The A Few Wood Men Collection

A Few Wood Men offers a diverse range of meticulously crafted wooden watches that embody elegance, style, and strength. The collection reflects the essence of men and women who are leaders and community pillars. Each watch serves as a reminder of the unique stories and experiences that shape individuals.

 Explore Empowerment with A Few Wood Men

To explore this exceptional collection and discover the power of positive representation and empowerment, visit the brand’s official website at AFewWoodMen.com.

Shanayla Sweat’s journey with A Few Wood Men is a testament to the impact of entrepreneurship, representation, and the celebration of distinction. It is a story that reminds us of the potential we all possess to create positive change in the world.

Tola Lawal, the visionary founder of Gyrl Wonder, is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of empowerment and mentorship. With a passion for uplifting young girls and providing them with the tools to thrive, Tola has created a platform that is transforming lives.

Visionary Leader

In a world where empowerment and mentorship are essential for the success of young individuals, Tola Lawal stands as a visionary leader, making an indelible impact on the lives of young girls. With an unwavering passion for uplifting and equipping them with the tools to thrive, Tola has founded Gyrl Wonder—a platform that is transforming lives and reshaping the landscape of empowerment.

Tola Lawal Gyrl wonder
Tola Lawal | Image: Instagram

The Journey So Far

Tola’s journey towards creating Gyrl Wonder was fueled by her own experiences as a young girl navigating the challenges imposed by society. Witnessing the lack of accessible guidance, support, and inspiration for young girls, she recognized a pressing need for a safe and empowering space. In 2017, Tola took the bold step of establishing Gyrl Wonder, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women of color.

At the core of Gyrl Wonder lies a strong belief in the potential and resilience of young girls. Tola has curated a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters growth, resilience, and self-belief. Through mentorship programs, leadership summits, and career development initiatives, Gyrl Wonder offers a holistic approach to personal and professional empowerment.

Mentorship

Mentorship lies at the heart of Tola’s vision for Gyrl Wonder. By connecting young girls with experienced mentors, she provides them with invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. Through these mentorship programs, Gyrl Wonder guides the way for young girls to realize their full potential and navigate the challenges they may encounter along their journey.

Moreover, Gyrl Wonder’s leadership summits serve as transformative experiences, empowering young girls to embrace their unique strengths and develop the leadership skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields. These summits provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of participants.

Paving Way For Gen Z’s

Recognizing the importance of career development, Tola has also implemented initiatives within Gyrl Wonder that pave pathways to success. By providing resources, workshops, and mentorship opportunities focused on career exploration and development, Gyrl Wonder equips young girls with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen professions.

Tola’s dedication and impactful work with Gyrl Wonder have garnered significant recognition and accolades. She has been featured in various media outlets, amplifying her message of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Tola’s voice has become sought after, as she passionately shares her insights and experiences to inspire others to make a difference.

Tola Lawal’s Passion

With Tola Lawal at the helm, Gyrl Wonder continues to make waves, empowering young girls to dream big and fearlessly pursue their aspirations. Her leadership, unwavering passion, and steadfast belief in the power of mentorship are reshaping the narrative surrounding the potential of young girls. Through Gyrl Wonder, Tola Lawal is creating a brighter future for generations to come—a future where every young girl has the opportunity to thrive, succeed, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Amazon just acquired Zoox, a self-driving startup company, run by Black female CEO Aicha Evans, for $1.2 Billion, Black Enterprise reports.

Zoox is the maker of self-driving vehicles built for purpose that also happen to be eco-friendly. Since 2014, the company has been testing these autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with most referring to them as a “robotaxi” service. For the last two years , Evans has been at the helm, working as CEO to help the company expand. Now, Amazon, a longstanding investor in various self-driving startups, has acquired the company for over $1 billion. 

“This acquisition solidifies Zoox’s impact on the autonomous driving industry. We have made great strides with our purpose-built approach to safe, autonomous mobility, and our exceptionally talented team working every day to realize that vision. We now have an even greater opportunity to realize a fully autonomous future,” Evans said. 

The online retail giant plans to use the technology to tackle last-mile deliveries, officially automating ground delivery and revolutionizing the industry. Chief Safety Innovation Officer at Zoox, Mark Rosekind, spoke about the possibilities of the partnership, saying, “We now have an even greater opportunity to realize a fully autonomous future. We’re going to start seeing [in] three to five years where people start actually deploying in cities, but it’s going to be 20 to 30 years before you start seeing this all over the place.” 

Evans will help spearhead the initiative, continuing to lead in her current role as CEO. 

Congratulations Aicha!

Francesca Chaney, already a successful Black business owner at the young age of 22, has great taste for food and a big heart for underserved people. Her Brooklyn-based vegan restaurant called Sol Sips, is not only famous for its healthy food but is also recognized for letting patronizers pay what they can afford – even if it cuts into her profits!

Chaney developed an interest in healthy eating when she was just a child. She was inspired by her mother, who is a vegan, and became a vegan herself when she was 18-years old. Since then, she began dreaming about opening up her own restaurant that offers nutritious, plant-based foods.

Initially, she started Sol Sips as a pop-up shop in the neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. However, in April earlier this year, Chaney made the location permanent. Her and her staff serve plant-based beverages and plant-based “bites” made with only four ingredients or fewer that are soy-free and with low acidity. One of the best-sellers is a plant-based dish that is an alternative to the New York staple — eggs are made of chickpeas, bacon is tempeh, and the cheese is dairy-free.

More than introducing a unique and healthy food alternative, Chaney wanted more people, especially those who are in underserved communities, to be able to come and eat at Sol Sips. So she decided to create a brunch menu with a sliding-scale pricing — which means people can enjoy their dishes for a price that’s anywhere between $7 to $15. That way, she hoped everyone can take part in the dishes.

“We started that initiative,” Chaney told the Rachel Ray Show, “because we wanted to make sure that everyone that lives here can get more foods that help us to get our nutrients in.”

Since it’s already a given that she couldn’t make much money with such altruism, there are people and organizations who wanted to help Chaney with her cause. Dairy-free brand So Delicious — which Chaney herself uses in her dishes — donated $5,000 to help her continue her advocacy.

Also, earlier this year, Chaney started a GoFundMe campaign to help her with the expenses to further expand Sol Sips. So far, it has raised over $5,500 and contributions from $5 to some hundred dollars keep coming in.

For more information about Sol Sips, follow her on Instagram at @solsipsnyc

Source: Blackbusiness.org