12 Black-owned, women-run businesses you should know about

It's important to support and empower small businesses, particularly those that have been historically underrepresented—and we're so lucky to have an amazing community of women right here at our fingertips. These businesses offer a diverse range of products and services, and we hope you will join us in supporting them. 

Andrea Bailey Brown, Bailey Brown Consulting (@baileybrownconsulting)

Please describe your business:

Bailey Brown is a leading global franchise agency founded by Andrea Bailey Brown in 2019. After successfully building out her own franchise chain with her husband, Andrea decided she wanted to take her business education, love of franchising and entrepreneurial spirit and help other business owners to select their own franchise, or help entrepreneurs ready their businesses to become a franchise. The team of Bailey Brown consultants can help you buy, build or grow your franchise. We specialize in the franchise market and bring decades of business experience, combined with franchise expertise and success, to the table to help you grow using a franchise model, and methods designed specifically for franchise owners.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Andrea is a highly successful franchise owner who is currently operating multiple Jiffy Lube units. She began her franchising journey in 2008 with the acquisition of her first Jiffy Lube in Calgary, Alberta. Since then, she has grown her portfolio to include ownership of five different locations. With a proven track record of buying, building, and selling successful businesses, Andrea has generated over $30 million in revenue throughout her career. Her expertise in business is further solidified by her MBA from Royal Roads University in British Columbia. She was also recently awarded Entrepreneur of the Year for her achievements in 2022. As the CEO and founder of Bailey Brown The Franchise Agency, Andrea utilizes her extensive knowledge and passion for franchising to empower and transform the lives of her clients.

Belicia, Made By Bxlicia (@madebybxlicia)

Please describe your business:

I provide all-in-one creative services for everyday people, busy entrepreneurs, and business owners. Whether you'd like to be more present on social media but lack the time, you'd like to do something for yourself with an empowering portrait session, or you want to make your website copy stand out with a bit of a refresh, I can help—from social media management and design to writing or photography.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Belicia is an all-rounder that doesn't believe in sticking to one thing. The crux of her business is using her passions to fuel your passion, whether you want a fun portrait session or a little assistance managing your socials. For over five years, Belicia has spent her time doing what she loves: managing dozens of local and international social media accounts, writing until her fingers feel tired, and snapping photos of precious memories that will stay with you forever. When she isn't working, you'll find her binge-watching TikToks and trying out aesthetic food spots in Toronto.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

About 90% of my clientele is women, particularly mothers leading busy lives and killing it, but they'd like more time to focus on themselves and other parts of their business.

Janine Carrington, Janine Carrington Books (@janinecarringtonkids)

Please describe your business:

I’m a creator of juvenile fiction picture books suitable for ages four to eight, dedicated to moving diversity forward. 

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

My name is Janine Carrington, and I am a Canadian illustrator and author that specializes in BIPOC-centred, Black-affirming children's books and comics. My new book Em and the Cat is a Sulwe-meets-Harold and the Purple Crayon-type adventure filled with larger-than-life illustrations and non-stop action. The reader is kept engaged through a constantly changing landscape and unpredictable storytelling. With a Black, non-binary protagonist, Em and the Cat also helps fill a void that exists in children’s characters that use they/them pronouns without calling on explicit messaging.

Kayleigh Medeiros, Heritage Baby Designs (@heritagebabydesigns)

Please describe your business:

Heritage Baby Designs is a Canadian baby carrier brand with each ring sling and stretch wrap made in Ontario. Our carriers are made of earth-friendly fabrics carefully chosen to be supportive, breathable and durable for babies from birth to toddler and caregivers of all sizes and abilities.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Building a strong community of supportive caregivers is at the core of this brand. I communicate my brand values of history, accessibility, and support in everything I do, all while making a product that will last, perform and not break the bank. Babywearing is a practice as old as time that I believe we should all get back to—and support each other through the earliest days of parenthood.

Michelle Esteban, The Occasion (@theoccasionbyme)

Please describe your business:

The Occasion by Michelle Esteban is a worldwide luxury boutique event-planning and design company. We focus on discerning clients who love luxurious, unique experiences. From consulting, planning, and execution, we take care of it all.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Michelle is the founder and creative director of The Occasion. With a sweet spot for corporate events, weddings, and lifestyle brands, we link arms with well-established creative professionals who are ready to work hard and create a lasting impression. Known for her exquisite taste and quality of work, Michelle brings sophistication and a calm demeanour to every project she undertakes. Whether your special event is a luxury group tour, an intimate ceremony, a lavish luxury wedding, a corporate event, or a launch party, you can be sure that the experience will be enjoyable and stress-free—from beginning to end.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

No events are too big or too small. Don't forget your free 30-min consultation.

Nacile Sharp, Bold Lemonaide (@BoldLemonaide)

Please describe your business:

Our company curates an all-natural, preservative-free, premium lemonade made with simple, healthy ingredients.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Let’s get back to basics with simple ingredients and extraordinary flavour!

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

We are family-owned, and our lemonade is made by hand in small batches.

Nadine Fearon, Trippin’ Along Boutique (@shoptrippinalong)

Please describe your business:

Trippin’ Along Boutique was created to help parents of multiples and singletons gain access to affordable and high-quality products for baby-led weaning and teething. All products have been triple-tested by my own children!

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

I am Nadine Fearon, owner of Trippin’ Along Boutique. I am the mother of four: a 13-year-old and 2-year-old triplets. As a mom of multiples, purchasing and buying multiple sets of products made my journey of navigating my new normal quite the task. It was both time-consuming and very expensive. Realizing this gap, I decided to build a brand that would not only help me but help other parents too. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Trippin’ Along Boutique officially opened in Oct 2021. It has been a passion business for me, starting off as just wanting parents to have affordable feeding and teething products, but it has not blossomed into me sharing about my BLW experiences with triplets and helping other parents navigate their way their baby-led weaning and choosing healthier options for their littles.

Natacha Pennycooke, Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy (@natachapennycooke.therapy)

Please describe your business:

Natacha's team works from an anti-oppressive, healing-focused, trauma-informed, anti-racism lens and social justice framework to help individuals, couples and families to overcome emotional traumas, life transitions, workplace anxieties, interpersonal challenges, feelings of sadness, worry & grief, and to seek clarity from marital miscommunication, mistrust, and postpartum difficulties. Each therapy session is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client while working toward achieving specific healing goals.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Not only is Natacha a mom, wife and lover of popcorn, but she is also an award-winning psychotherapist, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and corporate consultant. She is the clinical director of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy (NPP), where her team of expert psychotherapists is changing the face of therapy and mental health on a global scale. Natacha is currently offering corporate, leadership and organizational workshops on workplace mental wellness, inclusion & belongingness, creating an anti-racist environment, and supporting leadership equity. Natacha has volunteered with a number of community organizations in the GTA, is the current recipient of the ByBlacks People’s Choice Award for Best Canadian Counsellor of 2020, and has been nominated again for the 2021 Award.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Clients can book a free discovery call with one of our therapists by filling out an intake form using this link: https://www.natachapennycooke.com/intake-form

Phiona Durrant, Coconut Village Spa (@coconutvillagelifestylespa)

Please describe your business:

Coconut Village Spa is a Top Choice Award and Reader’s Choice Diamond Winner spa. We provide clients with an unforgettable experience and quality services, such as manicures, facials, pedicures, couples’ dates, parties, and special events, for maximum warmth and relaxation. We focus on creating and using organic and natural green products approved by Ontario Made to deliver our services and spa treatments. We take a holistic approach to healing, restoring, and nourishing the body with our BK2 (BKind To Your Melanin) skincare products while caring for your mental health. We are a place for everyone, especially for those who value self-care and who believe in investing in themselves.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

She's a mom, wife, and entrepreneur for over 18+ years, Author, Social Service Worker, YorkRegion.com Columnist, Speaker, Member of the York Media Advisory Council, President of Aurora Black Community Association, Aurora Chamber of Commerce and BIA Board of Director, and CEO of Coconut Village Spa. Her dedication to excellence and impacting and empowering her community led to the 2020 Reader Choice Diamond Award Winner for Best Spa, Aurora Chambers of Commerce Community Influencer/leader 2020 finalist, and 2023 Top Choice Awards Winner. She is also proud to have been a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, and Inclusivity Award by the Town of Aurora, Through the Aurora Black Community Association.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

We believe that beauty is healthcare. When you feel good and look good, it enhances your productivity and mood. Our aim is to provide that relaxed “no problem” atmosphere with our reggae/soul/R&B/gospel music spa vibes. Our services are not a “fast-food-like” experience. We work by appointment only.

Roxanne Francis, Francis Psychotherapy (@francispsychotherapy)

Please describe your business:

We’re a diverse group practice that provides therapy to children, adults and couples across the province of Ontario, where the principal therapist, Roxanne Francis, is also an organizational consultant supporting in areas of race at work, mental wellness and executive coaching.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Roxanne Francis is an award-winning psychotherapist, registered social worker, consultant, leadership coach and international speaker, who has been helping people access tools to change their lives for over 15 years. She is the founder and CEO of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, where she is the principal therapist in her group practice, coaches and supervises other therapists, and provides consultation to various organizations addressing topics such as mental health in the workplace, diversity equity & inclusion, racial trauma at work, burnout, and women’s issues. Roxanne is an adjunct professor at the School of Social Work at the University of Toronto, and in 2020 she was recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch. She is a sought-after podcast guest who shares her mental health expertise in print/online publications like Essence and Today’s Parent magazines, as well as multiple local and national media outlets. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Roxanne's virtual therapy practice is currently taking new clients, and there is no waitlist.

Tamika Martells, Prevailing Organic Essentials (@poessentials)

Please describe your business:

Our products are handcrafted in small batches for our customers. Ingredients are organic and natural, made with ingredients you’d find in most kitchens—which you could probably tell from the name. Self-care is important, and women are busy, whether working in the home or out, with or without children. Now more than ever, women are multi-tasking: building empires and taking care of a household. We understand how overwhelming life can get, and we often neglect our self-care routine because of life and time. Our aim is to be 100% recyclable—so far we're at 90%—because we need to take care of the planet as well as ourselves.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

In order to look after your family and others around you, you have to put yourself first; otherwise, who will?

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

We offer delivery for our customers (living in the GTA), and if this helps in any way, our job has been accomplished. Our job is to make the product and deliver it to you; your only job is to follow the instructions on the label.

Tomika Long, Zee-Zee’s World (@zee_zeeworld)

Please describe your business:

Zee-Zee’s World provides learning-tool puzzles that help parents and educators to tackle complex topics with children. At Zee-Zee’s World, we understand the importance of tackling tough conversations with children and recognize that some subjects are challenging to communicate. Our engaging puzzles were designed with this end in mind and introduce a range of topics, including bullying, strangers, racism, disabilities, family structures and more, at a level that can be absorbed. Each puzzle includes a connection prompt to aid the discussion. These cards provide a perfect way to introduce and normalize such topics and turn them into conversations that are easy to engage and understand.

Please tell us a bit about yourself or your passion statement:

Our vision is to pioneer social consciousness in children at an early age and create educational tools that empower parents and educators to raise children with humane values. Having a deaf child of my own, creating Inclusive and diverse products is at the forefront. We are on track with achieving her long-term goal, ensuring every child in the world will be able to see themselves in one of our learning-tool puzzles.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

We are also online in Indigo and in over 40 Indigo stores across Canada. Also recently sold out in Winners and Marshals. We made Indigo’s list of top 10 women-owned businesses, were on Breakfast Television and have collaborated with Fido on several occasions.