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Kimberly Jolasun, the exceptional inventor of Villie.com, is celebrating the platform’s outstanding accomplishment in assisting numerous Black mothers all across the United States establish online fundraisers to support their baby’s needs in an era where connectivity is crucial. With a total fundraising effort of more than $1 million so far, Villie has proven itself as a pioneering destination for expectant and new parents.

A Digital Village for Moms Across the Country

Headquartered in Atlanta, Villie.com is redefining the way expecting and new parents connect, raise funds, receive gifts, and unite their village in the digital era. The platform is dedicated to simplifying the process of receiving support and offers a range of tools designed to empower parents to effortlessly engage their community. It creates personalized websites where the shared journey of parenthood is not only embraced but celebrated.

Kimberly Jolasun, the driving force behind Villie.com, shares her vision: “We believe that no parent should have to navigate parenthood alone, and our mission at Villie.com is to empower every family to get support from their village with ease.”

Black Moms
Kimberly Jolasun (Image: Instagram)

Supporting Black Moms in a Critical Time

The United States is witnessing a concerning rise in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women. The disparity is alarming, with Black women experiencing a maternal mortality rate more than double the national average and nearly three times higher than that of white women, irrespective of income.

Villie.com is on a mission to bridge this gap by bringing communities together and providing unwavering support to mothers throughout their pregnancy, birth, and beyond. With over $1 million raised for Black moms, Villie continues to expand its reach as word spreads about its vital mission. The platform recognizes that every mom’s definition of support is unique and continually develops features and functions to cater to these diverse needs.

Cultural Inspiration and Community Values

Villie.com draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of West African traditions, where community support is a cornerstone of the parenting experience. Kimberly Jolasun’s personal experiences have driven her to develop a platform that embodies the support families provide to new parents.

Kimberly emphasizes, “Villie is here to bridge the geographical gaps, reconnecting families and friends in an immersive digital village where each shared moment becomes a cherished memory.”

Parenting in the Digital Age

As a tech startup, Villie.com has garnered support from venture capital investors like Fearless Fund, XRC Ventures, and TxO by a16z. This support is especially crucial, given the challenges faced by women of color in accessing venture capital funding. Villie’s team is a diverse mix of ethnicities, including mothers and fathers of young children under five, who deeply understand the issues that need addressing.

The platform seamlessly combines tradition with technology, even incorporating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the user experience. Kimberly notes, “It’s pretty incredible to see that for most parents, our tools are their first experience with AI.” Villie offers an empowering experience that enables parents to cultivate a supportive village during the most significant chapters of their lives.

Join the Village at Villie.com

For those interested in joining this digital village of support and empowerment, visit Villie.com to discover more about the platform and sign up. Villie.com is not just revolutionizing the way Black moms connect and receive support; it’s rewriting the narrative of community, care, and connection in the digital age.

Nikki Porcher is a visionary leader. As the dedicated founder of the nonprofit entity Buy From A Black Woman, she has wholeheartedly embraced the role of advocate for Black Women Business Owners. Infused with an unyielding dedication to empowerment, education, and inspiration, Nikki spearheads a movement that’s reshaping the contours of entrepreneurship and bolstering consumer support.

Empowerment Beyond Words

Buy From A Black Woman is not just an organization; it’s a movement that amplifies the voices and endeavors of Black Women in business. Nikki’s mission is clear: to bring attention to the need for tangible support and recognition for Black Women entrepreneurs. She understands that advocacy must extend beyond mere statements, and through her actions, she’s proving that Black Women deserve nothing less than meaningful empowerment.

Equipping for Success

Nikki and her organization are arming Black Women entrepreneurs with the essential tools and resources required to thrive in the world of business. With a focus on education, Buy From A Black Woman has played a pivotal role in driving over $2.7 million in revenue for Black Women Founders in the past year alone. This achievement highlights not only the potential within this community but also the transformation that can occur when support and opportunity intersect.

The organization offers a diverse array of resources, including educational programs, funding opportunities, and a comprehensive online directory that facilitates the discovery of Black Women-Owned Businesses. Moreover, Buy From A Black Woman boasts one of the largest and most dynamic communities of Black Women Business Owners both in the United States and across the globe.

A Journey Rooted in Service

Nikki Porcher’s journey to her current role is marked by her dedication to service. As a veteran and former public school teacher, she brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her work. The challenges she navigated in these environments have shaped her approach to creating a more equitable world for Black Women. Her passion and commitment are evident in every facet of Buy From A Black Woman’s initiatives.

A Trailblazer and Inspiring Force

Nikki’s list of accomplishments is impressive and impactful. She has forged partnerships with major players such as H&M and Goldman Sachs, leveraging these collaborations to empower Black Women entrepreneurs on a larger scale. Over 600 founders have benefitted from her guidance in boosting their online visibility, positioning them for success in the digital era. Moreover, Nikki’s innovation shines through in her creation of one of the pioneering platforms dedicated to Black Woman-Owned Businesses – her groundbreaking online directory.

However, what sets Nikki apart is not just her impressive track record, but her unwavering spirit and ability to inspire others. Her dedication to her mission and her community has ignited a fire that fuels positive change and growth.

A Multifaceted Force for Change

Beyond her role as the founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Nikki Porcher wears many hats. She is a sought-after Business Consultant, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Trainer, and Speaker. Her expertise extends beyond the organization, making her a valuable voice in various spheres where her insights are driving change and awareness.

Discover More

If Nikki Porcher’s story has captivated you, and if the mission of Buy From A Black Woman resonates with your values, you can learn more about Nikki and her journey at ablackwomanwebsite.com. To delve deeper into the impactful work of Buy From A Black Woman, visit buyfromablackwoman.org. By supporting this movement, you become part of a transformative force that’s reshaping the narrative of entrepreneurship and empowerment for Black Women across the world.

Women of Rubies is proud to announce our much-awaited Media Visibility Bootcamp, an event designed to empower and equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential skills to amplify their brand’s presence through media channels. Let’s introduce you to our esteemed lineup of speakers who are trailblazers in their fields. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ready to share valuable nuggets to help you unlock the power of media visibility. Get ready to be inspired and informed as we delve into the details of this transformative event!

Date: August 11th- 12th, Venue: Zoom, Time: 2pm

Register  here

  1. Esther Ijewere, Founder- Women of Rubies Inc

An  Expert in Media Strategy with over 10 years of experience in media strategy and branding, Esther is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. As the founder of Women of Rubies, she will reveal the secrets behind crafting compelling media campaigns that capture attention and drive results. Get ready to learn the art of storytelling to resonate with your audience and boost your brand’s visibility.

2. Tosin Ajibade, Founder- Olorisupergal

Media Visibility Bootcamp

Tosin Ajibade, also known as Olorisupergal, is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, blogger, and influencer. Through her popular blog, Olorisupergal.com, she has become a leading figure in Nigerian media and entertainment. With a strong social media presence and engaging content, Tosin has amassed a large following and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the industry. She will share practical tips and tricks to harness the power of social media marketing and create an engaged community around your brand.

3. Brenda Okorogba, Founder-MomentswithBren

Media Visibiloty Bootcamp

A multi-award-winning service and learning experience designer, Brenda is the founder of Momentswithbren Consulting, a professional training and coaching company. Known for creating targeted learning solutions, Brenda has helped diverse students and professionals secure significant funding, transition into dynamic careers, and develop their leadership abilities.  She will share tips on how to use thought leadership to expand your reach in the digital landscape.

4.  Nora Agbakhamen, LinkedIn Influencer & Impact Storyteller

Media Visibility Bootcamp

Nora is an exceptional content creator and LinkedIn influencer. With a decade of experience in content creation and storytelling, she helps businesses gain visibility and increase revenue. Nora’s rapid growth on LinkedIn, where she’s nurtured a community of over 100,000 individuals, is a testament to her expertise and influence.

5. Gusi Tobby, Brand Strategist & Founder- Girl Hub Africa

Media Visibility Botcamp

Gusi Tobby is a social impact strategist, communications expert, and PR and Media relations specialist. She’s made significant contributions in diverse industries such as Finance, Fashion & Lifestyle, Social Development, and Telecoms. She’s the founder of Girl Hub Africa, Nigeria’s largest all-female volunteering organization, focused on closing gender disparities. From crafting compelling pitches to establishing fruitful media relationships, she will share the PR strategies that lead to meaningful visibility.

6. Chichi Uchendu, Founder- Six Figure Mom

Media Visibility Bootcamp

Chichi Uchendu is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and a skilled Digital Marketing Consultant. Through her platform, “Six Figure Mom,” Chichi teaches women essential principles of financial literacy, equipping them to take control of their financial future. In her role as Team Lead at Dynamics Virtual Assistant, she helps businesses across the globe leverage the power of online platforms. She will share tips on how to make money.

Watch: Unlocking The Power of Media Visibility

With such an exceptional lineup of speakers, our Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp promises to be an event like no other. Mark your calendars for a day filled with invaluable insights and actionable strategies to unlock the true potential of your brand through media visibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and join us on August 11th and 12th  on Zoom. Be prepared to take your brand to new heights with our inspiring speakers leading the way!

Register now and embark on a transformative journey toward media visibility and entrepreneurial success.

Join the  Media Visibility FREE Whatsapp Group

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Let’s shine together, one inspiring story at a time!

 

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