Photo courtesy of Kiplingers

Ariel Investments is a Chicago-based investment firm that was founded by John Rogers, Jr. in 1983. John was introduced to finance by his father at an early age and quickly fell in love with investments. Rogers received his degree in economics from Princeton and serves on the Board of Directors for a few Fortune 500 companies.

Ariel Investments has had a track record of out-performing the market in several of its funds by focusing on small and mid-cap U.S. firms. The company has over $13 billion in assets and over 100 employees, with 95% of the company being owned by those employees and board members. Before you look to invest your money in big "brand name" brokerages, check out Ariel Investments! 

Imma R.I.D.A. Clothing is based out of Lithonia, GA and was founded by Darren Dildy. I first met Darren at a local motorcycle shop where we shared our passion for the bike life. It was there that he told me about his clothing line that catered to the bike community. 

Imma RIDA stands for Real Individual Determined to Achieve. Catering to those who enjoy two-wheel therapy, Imma Rida Clothing strives to bring out the Rida in all of us. Shop for products online or locally at Rock City Cycles in Conyers, GA.

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Black Facts is an online resource that was founded by Ken Granderson. Granderson's background in Electrical Engineering from MIT served as a catalyst for Black Facts. Blackfacts.com was launched in Feb. 1997 as the 1997 Black History Month project of Inner-City Software. 

As the longest running data-driven online Black History resource, Blackfacts.com has served millions of Black facts over the past 22 years. Check out the website; you may learn something new!

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Get Your Money Right is based out of Texas and was founded by Jarmar Dupas. Jamar has an interesting story to share in that he is a married firefighter in Texas making about $50k/year. His wife stays home with their 3 children so doesn't work outside of the home. But the Dupas' have no debt, own a home, 2 cars, and regularly go on vacations. 

Get Your Money Right is Jarmar's way of giving back to his people the lessons he learned through hard knocks. He has a podcast and Facebook group to provide others with a resource to achieve financial independence!

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Itiah Coffee is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Reginald Grand-Pierre. I was first introduced to Itiah Coffee at a networking event where they were a vendor. Itiah Coffee has its roots in Haiti (yes, Itiah spelled backwards) which gives it a smooth taste and aroma.  

If you've ever had Blue Mountain coffee in Jamaica, you'll appreciate the Itiah Coffee brand. This is not your off-the-shelf big-box coffee. Grab a bag today; you won't be disappointed! 

Photo courtesy of Shanpreneur

Well Dressed Academy is based out of New York and was founded by Ty Cutner. I had a chance to hear Ty’s story during his guest interview on the Black Entrepreneur Podcast. Ty used to be a bus driver before finding out how he could grow professionally simply by dressing like a million bucks.

Well Dressed Academy focuses on helping men to understand the relationship between dressing sharp and success. Ty consults with his clients to show them how to achieve their goals through confident dress. Check out Well Dressed Academy when you are ready to step up your game!

Essential Wealth Management is based out of Atlanta, GA and is owned by Melvin Coleman. Melvin is one of the most dedicated members of our community that I know! He currently serves as Executive Director of the Atlanta Black Chambers. In this role, he focuses on the growth and development of Black-owned businesses of all sizes.

One of the things that impresses me about Essential Wealth Management is that they don’t try to be everything to their clients. Melvin has a vision to be an integral part of his clients’ financial team rather than trying to be the only member of the team. His company focuses on growing the assets of his clients. If you are missing a wealth management firm on your team, contact Essential Wealth Management.

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Your Project Board is based out of Austell, GA and is owned by Ayanna Carrington. I was introduced to Ayanna through a mutual colleague who told me about her company. Ayanna and I had an opportunity to talk about the passion she has for provided valuable services to our community.

Your Project Board is a virtual assistant company with years of experience. Instead of just providing administrative assistance, Your Project Board also creates content and helps with marketing. They will also work with you to implement processes that promote success. Make sure to check out Your Project Board when you are considering ways to lighten your load.

Photo courtesy of The Black Detour

Moon Meals is based out of Chicago and is owned by Laforce Baker. Laforce wanted to introduce healthy meals “under the moon” for Chicago professionals to enjoy as a late-night snack. He founded the company in 2012 as a small delivery service.

Their signature Fiesta Wrap™ is a healthy vegan wrap that contains no meat or dairy but is still “meaty and cheesy”. They also offer soups, burgers, Mac & cheese, salads and more. Moon Meals can be found in Chicago Jewel-Osco grocery stores.

Photo courtesy of The Washington Informer

Sankofa Video Bookstore & Cafe, owned by Haile & Shirikiana Gerima, is located in Washington, D.C. The founders named the location after the internationally acclaimed filmed that they produced. Sankofa translates to “go back and get it” and is symbolized by a bird that flies forward while looking back as it holds an egg in its mouth.

Sankofa was birthed from the Gerimas’ love of film. Their offerings include classic films from the pillars of black culture as well as the largest collection of children’s black literature in the D.C. area.

Photo courtesy of The Newnan Times-Herald

Meet a real-life JJ Evans. Seriously though, Corey Barksdale is an artist who owns the Creative Art Connection. The reason I mentioned JJ Evans is due to the similarity of Corey’s art style with the infamous 70’s sitcom icon. Originally from Nashville, Corey was born into a family of artists and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Atlanta College of Art.

Corey’s style focuses on mural art and African-American art by utilizing some of the bold colors found in African art. If you are looking for that unique piece for your home or business, check out Corey’s website to commission a painting.

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Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center has 2 locations in North Carolina (1 in Charlotte and 1 in Gastonia) and is owned by Dr. Martez Price. Dr. Price earned his degree from FAMU and has won several awards as a community pharmacist. This prompted him to open his pharmacy.

Premier Pharmacy is a neighborhood pharmacy that has partnered with Premium Direct Medical and offers a walk-in clinic, retail store and wellness center in addition to pharmacy services. He is still an active philanthropist through his Premier Foundation non-profit.

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Catered Cakes is based out of Atlanta, GA and is owned by Kevin Ahsford. Kevin spent nearly 7 years bring his dream from conception to reality after winning an award for his Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake. The New Orleans native has been featured in magazines such as Southern Living, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution and The Chicago Sun-Times.

Catered Cakes features over 50 selections that include cheesecakes, bread puddings, cupcakes and more. Their signature desserts include Tropical Carrot Cake, Island Breeze Cheesecake and New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with a Bourbon-Rum Sauce.

Pup-N-Cuts is located in Brookhaven, GA and is owned by Anita Brown. You can thank a fellow Black-owned business advocate for sharing this information with me. I have previously spotlighted my dog groomer on the south side of town so here you go for those on the north side!

Pup-N-Cuts offers not only grooming services but boarding as well. The company has been around since 2011 and has a staff of groomers with at least 8 years of experience. Those of you looking for someone to care for you 4-legged friend, go see Anita at Pup-N-Cuts!

Photo courtesy of Columbus Neighborhoods

Tiger Mushroom Farm was founded by Te’lario Watkins out of Blacklick, OH when he was just 7 years old! Over the past 3 years, Te’lario has grown the company enough where his family now work with him. The mushrooms are grown in the family’s home whether in the basement for shiitake or pink oyster mushrooms in an upstairs bedroom. Te’lario has been a guest on the Steve Harvey show and is now a published author! You’re never too young to get started on your dreams.

Photo courtesy of 2accentuate.com

2Accentuate is a handmade men’s accessory company owned by Antoine Tull. I met Antoine at the annual Black Experience & Expo in Atlanta earlier this year. Known for his signature pins, 2Accentuate offers custom options for formal or casual wear. Pocket squares are another offering provided by Antoine to spruce up your wardrobe.

Photo courtesy of onedagolf.com

Oneda Castillo is Global Golf Educator based out of the Atlanta area and owner of Oneda Golf. Oneda is passionate about seeing more color on golf courses. She fell in love with the sport as a young woman and never looked back. Her journey wasn’t easy as the sport she was excelling at was dominated by older white males.

Oneda is a member of the African American Golfers Hall of Fame and a Class A LPGA Teaching Professional. I heard her speak at a Women’s conference earlier in the year and was inspired by her passion for the sport. She strives to share her knowledge of the sport through her ONEDAGOLF Coaching System which focuses on goals, strategy and mastery.

Photo courtesy of Sweet Shots Cupcakes

Sweet Shots Cupcakes is based out of South Fulton, GA and is owned by Miranda Lewis. Who doesn’t enjoy a good cupcake and who doesn’t enjoy a good cocktail? Well you can get the best of both of these worlds with Sweet Shots Cupcakes.

Sweet Shots Cupcakes are liquor infused and come in flavors such as Pucker Up Lemon Drop and Apple Martini. Call on Miranda for that next professional or personal event!

Photo courtesy of Riley's Ribz

Riley's Ribz is owned by Antonio and Caryn Riley and based out of Chicago, IL. This husband and wife team created their sauces and rubs after winning their first entered "Rib Off" in 2009. Their products consist of 2 rubs and 2 sauces that range from sweet to spicy. You can purchase their products online or at local Chicago-area stores.

Photo courtesy of Black Life Coaches

Tajuana Ross is also know as The LinkedIn Professor. Just as the name suggests, Tajuana teaches individuals how to maximize their LinkedIn profiles. I first heard about Tajuana while she was a guest on a podcast that I regularly listened to. She shared several strategies on how to set up your LinkedIn profile to reflect professionalism. Her teachings are also spelled out in her book. I have utilized several of her tips to update my own personal LinkedIn profile.