Though the COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for the economic recession of 2020, it also sparked a global interest in entrepreneurship, with 7 million Americans starting new businesses, according to NPR. Moreover, human resources platform, Gusto, found that 47% of new women business owners are minority women.
Even Gen Z has started their own businesses. EY, a global insights organization, found that half of Gen Z youth expect to own their own business within the next 10 years.
At Howard University, these six Black, collegiate women and men are pursuing entrepreneurship. Check them out and support them throughout the holidays and beyond.
Photography: KK Visuals by Kelsie Kirton
Kelsie Kirton, a junior health management major at Howard University, recently launched her photography company, KK Visuals, amidst the pandemic.
“Photography, for me, tells a story without any words. It kind of plays a tune without any instruments involve. Seeing the overall rollercoaster of emotions during some of my shoots has become one of my favorite things about doing photography. It’s always a lovely process to watch someone step outside of their comfort zone,” Kirton said.
Kirton has worked with widows looking to build their confidence through a photoshoot, Greek life organizations celebrating a monumental anniversary and other entrepreneurs seeking photography for products and promotional purposes. She is currently based in a studio in her hometown of Baltimore, and she’s available for on-location photoshoots.
“For the holidays, I currently have Christmas shoots going on. I have three different backgrounds and different decorations to pretty much help bring the family photoshoot to life,” she said.
Nadja, @bo_themodel, Christmas shoot / Photo Courtesy: Kelsie Kirton/KK Visuals
Art and Fashion: Jan Visionz by Eric January
Eric January, a transfer painting major at Howard University, credits being at the University with the push for stepping into fashion. Through his brand, Jan Visionz, January produces paintings for commission and art showcases and combines renaissance art with his interest in fashion.
Jan Visionz tote bag Photo Courtesy: Eric January.
Jan Visionz hoodie. Photo Courtesy: Eric January.
"I would define myself as a limitless artist," says January. The reason I’m able to bounce into different crafts is because of that root creativity.”
Jan Visionz currently sells hoodies, shirts, tote bags, prints, posters and original pieces. Deals for pieces and discount codes can be found on the company Instagram @janvisionz.
Custom Fashion: The LexIndex by Alexis Stewartson
Alexis Stewartson is a junior supply chain management major at Howard University who, as head of styling for the Howard University Elite Models, has used the energy from fellow Howard creatives to fuel her sustainable fashion business venture, The LexIndex.
“Coming to Howard, the creative scene inspired me. Being in an org like Elite Models also inspires me,” Stewartson said.
Her passion for reworking clothes came out of receiving hand-me-downs growing up and transforming those items into what she deemed beautiful and different. Being a Howard student drove her to start her business this past August.
Stewartson designs custom pieces from reworked items for clients, and she said that the company is hosting a holiday sale and dropping a new line with scrap fabrics soon.
Paintings: Vitellaria Visuals by Shea Woods
Shea Woods is a 20-year-old biology major and chemistry and painting dual minor who paints and sells commissioned art through her business, Vitellaria Visuals.
Woods says the overall mission of her business is to “make Black people the main focus" and "honor Black people overall."
Vitellaria Visuals painting. Photo courtesy: Shea Woods
Vitellaria Visuals painting. Photo courtesy: Shea Woods
Woods provides graphite drawing, mini canvas painting, acrylic paintings, oil painting, mixed media, paper mache, collage, custom tote bags and prints with a minimum wait time of six weeks. People can review her original pieces on her company's site or reach out to her on Instagram for a commissioned piece @vitellariavisuals.
“If you want me to paint something specific and you have a reference of that specific thing, come with that. Otherwise, tell me what you want, and I can find references myself, and you can approve one,” she says.
Handmade Accessories: Dips and Coils by Destiny Harris
Destiny Harris is a junior sociology major and psychology minor at Howard University who officially launched her handmade accessories company, Dips and Coils, in March 2020.
“Dips and Coils is for Black fairies by a Black fairy,” says Harris. “The goal is just to make people feel comfortable in their gender expression and to wear unique jewelry.”
Dips and Coils earrings. Photo Courtesy: Destiny Harris
Dips and Coils earrings. Photo Courtesy: Destiny Harris
Harris’ accessories are made up of different gauges of colored aluminum wire that are tarnish resistant with hypoallergenic and nickel-free backings. Accessories from Dips and Coils include earrings, hoops, nose cuffs, loc jewelry, rings and custom commissioned pieces. According to Harris, pendants and gemstone necklaces will soon be added to that list.
Their Instagram is @dipsandcoils.
Hair Care: BOLDXR BEAUTY by Kiara Robinson
Kiara Robinson is a recent graduate of Howard University who, while studying Chemistry at the University, launched her all natural hair care company, BOLDXR BEAUTY.
“The goal is to create products that are produced with more organic ingredients at affordable prices,” Robinson says.
Chia seed and lavender growth oil and hair butter. Photo Courtesy: Kiara Robinson.
Currently, chia seed and lavender based growth oils and hair butters are available on the company’s site. Robinson urges all to be alert for potential holiday deals.
BOLDXR Beauty’s Instagram is @boldxrbeauty.
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Darreonna Davis is a journalism student at Howard University who is working as a Blavity U student ambassador. Davis relies on her news writing, feature writing, production and editing skills to amplify the stories and experiences of Black women.
