Art, fashion, greeting cards, pet sitting: We Rise graduates offer array of talents
We Rise graduation January 2024 (Photo by Askia Stewart Jr.)
Nineteen entrepreneurs graduated from Local First Arizona’s We Rise Business Accelerator in January.
From art and fashion to health care and greeting cards to fitness and pet sitting, this cohort of graduates offered an array of goods and services for Arizona residents to enjoy.
We Rise is a no-fee, six-month program offering comprehensive and practical business skills to Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs.
Meeting bi-weekly, business owners receive classroom instruction and mentorship from Black entrepreneurs with firsthand experience and expertise in starting or growing a small business in Arizona.
The We Rise business accelerator exposes start-up or experienced businesses that are missing fundamental components of entrepreneurship to the nuts and bolts needed to build a successful business in Arizona’s economy.
Meet the newest We Rise graduates:
Brown Beautiful Me | Shannita Reid
Brown Beautiful Me is a greeting card and gift company created to celebrate the beauty and power of the African American culture. I’m passionate about creating products that celebrate our present and future while honoring our past. My products range from greeting cards for whatever the occasion, to home decor items with cultural flare.
instagram.com/brownbeautifulme
Cute and Classy Krispies | Ashley Cole
Cute & Classy Krispies specializes in creating cute and classy homemade rice krispy treats. Throughout my small business journey, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of creating traditional, vegan and gluten free krispies. My goal is to have something for everyone.
Dee’s Kitchen Rendezvous | Daline Edmond
Dee’s Kitchen Rendezvous is a food truck business that serves food with love coupled with good customer service. My food has a scrumptious taste that will leave a lasting impression. It is delicious comfort food for any occasion.
instagram.com/deeskitchenrendezvous
facebook.com/deeskitchen.rendezvous.7
FB Media | Aiyana Wilson & Javan Gaiter
FB Media is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and amplifying diverse voices through impactful media. FB Media strives to inspire, inform and entertain their audience. We are committed to delivering high-quality content that reflects the richness and diversity of the world we live in.
Flaming Oats | Bevla Reeves
Flaming Oats are highly nutritious vegan protein-packed meals for health-conscious people and rule-breakers who prefer savory over sweet.
Heal Thy Self Juicing | Chante Robertson
Based in Glendale, Arizona, Heal Thy Self Juicing serves fresh pressed, organic healthy juices. I started the business in 2021 with a purpose to serve a community that was lacking nutritional options to keep them healthy. Initially I made healthy organic juices for myself, my family and close friends. After receiving positive feedback about my juices, I decided to go into business.
Help Me Rhonda!! Pet Services | Rhonda Solomon
Help Me Rhonda Pet Services Arizona is a professional dog walking and pet sitting business. I provide care for your pets. My services can offer you the peace of mind that your pets are receiving the best possible care when work or travel keeps you from home. I am a lifelong pet lover and will treat your pets just like my own.
Issaholistic Jurnee | Jacquet Cuff
IssaHolistic Jurnee is a health and wellness company that helps individuals restore their lives through holistic nutrition. I specialize in working with individuals to achieve their long-term nutritional lifestyle goals.
Inquisicare Institute | Kimberly Varnado
Inquisicare Institute is an online learning community designed for healthcare professionals transitioning from clinical practice into academia. My academic approach consists of learning activities to support faculty in the areas of teaching, service, scholarship and student advising.
Knotty Fitness | Marcus Voltaire
Knotty Fitness propels you in the path of optimal health. With extensive knowledge in strength performance, mobility and functional training, results are not only guaranteed, but LONG LASTING. Along with personal training, I provide professional nutrition guidance, putting the POWER back in your hands to properly fuel your body with essential components for success!
Mack-A-Docious BBQ | William Mack
Barbecue is the age-old art of slow-cooking meat to perfection. Mack-A-Docious BBQ has perfected this art right down to a science. From my uniquely marinated and seasoned pulled pork, to my succulent pulled smoked turkey, Mack-A-Docious BBQ pulled meat selections embody all the bold and rich flavors of traditional downhome southern barbecue. “Mack-A-Docious BBQ, ‘THE BEST’ pulled smoked meats you’ll ever eat!”
ndur ATHLETICS | Jamila Graham
NDUR desires to empower women to better themselves through a healthy and active lifestyle. NDUR is an athleisure brand that caters to women no matter where they are in their journey. The brand strives to offer distinctive pieces that are both functional and fashionable in the gym and in life.
Ooo So Ju'Cee | Cee Andrews
Ooo So Ju’cee is a luxury drink concierge business providing a range of cold pressed natural juices, wellness shots and tailored adult bar services.
Out Hustle Your Struggle | Therosia Reynolds
I am a Creole visual, spoken word and vocal artist native to South Phoenix, Arizona. My creativity comes from deeply held spiritual beliefs. My business, Out Hustle your Struggle, centers on creating art pieces that express hope, love and liberation. I specialize in performance artistry such as live painting.
PremierLags | Kodjovi Awudja
PremierLags is a business that specializes in slim fit suits for weddings, proms and various occasions. I also create bespoke suites to meet your fashion and creativity needs.
Royal Touch Scrubs | Sebrina Cowan
I began making skin care products in high school as a hobby, which later turned into Royal Touch Scrubs, a natural skin care business that specializes in exfoliants. Royal Touch Scrubs provides a variety of all natural scrubs that will exfoliate and hydrate your skin leaving it feeling exceptionally smooth. I aim to serve every customer with love while providing you with a quality product that you can trust.
The Curly Haired Herbalist | Lisa Crite
The Curly Haired Herbalist's purpose is to provide holistic products for internal and/or external use. I serve to educate others on the healing properties of herbs and the benefit of a holistic lifestyle.
Whole Harmony | Jaleaa Lewis
Whole Harmony guides souls to reclaim their health through healing generational trauma and baggage. Whole Harmony combines knowledge of western medicine with holistic techniques and ancestral practices to help heal your mind, body and soul.
instagram.com/wholeharmonyhealing
To learn more about joining the We Rise Business Accelerator, visit localfirstaz.com/we-rise.
