Celebrating Black History Month in Austin
I celebrate female founders of ALL races, religions, backgrounds and ethnicities each and every day here and on @dearfoundher. Any chance I get to raise up another woman, I take it.
February is Black History Month, and I wanted to take this moment to celebrate and elevate some of the most incredible founders I have recently been introduced to. These women are making history in every way and I cannot wait for you to meet them!
Shelsea Sugar Tennon, Pink Sugar
Shelsea Sugar Tennon took an accidental passion and is now opening Pink Sugar, a bakery in East Austin this Saturday, February 12th. She has worked as an independent baker for years in the Austin-area and her cakes are the most flavorful cakes in Austin! One of the reasons I love this business so much is Shelsea’s commitment to sustainability and providing opportunities for local food entrepreneurs.
Nana Pfizer, Homescape Pets
After Nana Pfizer lost her dog to a common illness, she and her husband realized that keeping pets healthy should be natural and simple from day 1. After being unable to find clean, preservative free supplements and treats…she created them!
Homescape Pets is Simple, limited ingredient, natural pet supplements, chews, and CBD for the 3 most common health issues pets face: Anxiety, Inflammation, and Mobility. Homescape Pets uses ingredients you recognize for results your pet needs. They want all pet parents to know that providing better health doesn't have to be complicated.
Sierra Lewis, New Origin Shop
After turning her crocheting hobby into a business, New Origin Shop provides unique and affordable selections to shoppers who are eager to support independent makers and small businesses. Her shop hosts products from other artisanal makers as well as her own. According to their website, the shop prioritizes products with low environmental impact but still make big contemporary statements. From our humble community to yours, we hope you love our products as much as we love making them! New Origin is in HIll Country Galleria near Bee Cave and have such an interesting and diverse set of goods.
Nyesha Brown, Natural Mystic Skincare
Like many entrepreneurs, Nyesha created her skincare line out of her own needs. The more she paid attention, the more she realized that the products she consumed lacked representation, intention and ethos she desired as a consumer. Natural Mystic Skincare is a minimalist skincare line with a cult following of many of their products including the Zen Hydration Jelly.
Monique Little, You Go Natural
Monique is the originator of satin-lined, pre-tied wraps in the natural hair industry. With a variety of head wraps, turbans and headbands for both men and women - in a range of solid colors, prints and patterns - they make styling and protecting natural hair effortless and fun. They cater to a range of hair textures and lengths, and all of their wraps include satin linings for ultimate protection and moisturizing, providing extra TLC for your curls, coils, braids, cornrows, locs and edges.
Like many entrepreneurs, Monique herself had a need for her product. With limited time and energy following the birth of her daughter, she set out to design a hair accessory that would both protect her hair and look good on the go. In just five years Little has successfully grown a multimillion-dollar brand which employs over 50 people in a 7500 square foot headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Her company also provides a Sewing Machine Operator apprenticeship to create jobs in her community Little was recently recognized on the Forbes Next 1000 List and nominated as a Fashion Group International Rising Star.
For more from Lindsay Pinchuk follow her on Instagram @lindsaypinchuk. You can check out her twice weekly podcast, Dear FoundHer... for interviews, stories, conversations and tips with female founders from across the country. Find it on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
