Brilliantly Black

Kameera Nimahat is not your average doula. She values genuine connection, and likes to keep it real and fun. She is your go-to expert for all things birth and shines the brightest when it comes to helping families prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies for a natural birth. Kameera was called to birthwork before she ever heard the word “doula” and has nearly 10 years in the game and over 15 years...

Founded by board-certified nurse practitioner, coach, and visionary KeShaun Harding, Obsidian Aura was created out of a deep desire to help people finally show up for themselves. After years of witnessing others pour into everyone else while leaving their own needs unmet, KeShaun envisioned a space where you could come home to your body—a place where results matter, but so does how you feel gettin...

Launched in April 2024, Darrell Spencer established  Crowned Skin , a new Black-owned skincare brand for men, whose formula combines pheromones to shape and influence women's behaviors, filling a need and gap in the market while also pursuing his passion for skincare. Less than a year after the inception of the brand, the 28-year-old entrepreneur has built a multi-million dollar business, designin...

Ann Ethe is a growing family-owned transportation company which prides itself on providing premiere transportation services. Reliable, convenient and affordable services is Ann-Ethe’s mission to its customers. There is no event too big or too small that they can’t service! Listed below are some of the main services offered, However, the list grows all the time. Please visit their website at  annet...

TrnscndWellness is a Chicago-founded, women-owned company dedicated to creating toothpaste with intention—designed specifically for individuals with oral sensitivity and neurodivergent challenges. Their flagship product, Talk Natural Whitening Toothpaste, was inspired by the founder, Nicole Sain's daughter, who was born with a unique medical condition, is autistic, and experiences both neurologica...

Marshawna Martin is a Tax strategist who helps business owners save on taxes and create strategies for growth. She describes her journey, the importance of mentorship, and gives tips for this current tax season. Please enjoy our candid conversation while gaining entrepreneurship and tax knowledge. Instagram: @mtmmoneymattera Facebook: MTM Money Matters

Taylor’s love for coffee started at a very young age when she would enjoy a cup (mostly milk and sugar, of course) with her grandma. They would often enjoy a good laugh or two as well. She looked forward to these mornings and still do to this day. Transitioning to her career, Taylor is no stranger to the early morning, fast-paced working environment. To kick start the day, a perfect cup of coffee...

Dr. Mary Camper is the founder of Reestablishing Hope, a licensed behavioral health clinic that provides a range of services, such as mental health and substance use treatment, anger management, trauma informed care, grief counseling, violence prevention services, veterans’ services, case management and more. Dr. Camper's vision is to minimize gaps in services related to the social determinant of...

Toussaint and Veronica Smith are the dynamic brother-sister duo that own Alliance Associates Realtors. Putting an emphasis on educating not only the next generation, their clients, but also themselves -- Toussaint and Veronica are the go-to gurus for everything real estate. Their primary focus is not just on buying or selling properties, but on connecting with people and cultivating relationships...

Marsha Jones, aka MJ, is back! Originally featured on episode 26, MJ returns to chat with V103 midday host Bionce Foxx about her Brilliantly Black business award. Congratulations, MJ!! MJ's main goal is to make women of all shapes, and every color, feel beautiful no matter what. Also, when it comes to your dreams, just have FAITH!  Visit MJ's Boutique in the Southlake Mall in Merriville, IN and sh...

Aja "Lynn" and chef Brandon of Lynn's Chicago Pizza in Hazel Crest, IL are the definition of trailblazers!  With a focus on quality ingredients, love of the craft and wanting to let a light shine on their community, Lynn's Chicago Pizza has everything you need from thin crust to deep dish, wings, pasta and more. Hear all about their story and get a slice of your own pizza heaven at 17561 Kedzie Av...

Chrishon Lampley, founder and CEO of Love Cork Screw, stops by the 75th episode of the Brilliantly Black podcast!  Love Cork Screw was born out of this desire to not only provide an enjoyable wine experience, but also to support underrepresented communities and promote sustainable practices. From its very beginning, Love Cork Screw has been a brand that is dedicated to making a positive impact on...

DeAnna Taylor is the founder, CEO and Executive Coach of Mom-Care Oasis, winner of our Brilliantly Black business award!  Focusing on well-being coaching for working moms, DeAnna and her team thrive to help simplify the mom's busy life. Mom-Care Oasis is committed to seeing busy moms flourish and gain better life harmony. From self-care grants to the new "Mommy Needs A Minute" kit, there is someth...

Leia Avery, founder of Just Play Entertainment, is the "Queen of Fun"! For the past decade, Leia has brought families, friends and corporate teams closer via fun and games. Adult life is hard enough...sometimes, we all need a little fun. Just Play Entertainment was rated 1 of the top 10 businesses to celebrate special occasions during the Pandemic. Learn more about Leia's story of success as she s...

The ray of sunshine behind AndySunflower Cafe, Andy, shares the story of how she went from making coffee for friends and family to broadening her horizons. Now located in-store at Ain’t She Sweet Café in the Chicago Beverly community, AndySunflower Café was created to connect and meet with as many coffee lovers in the Chicagoland area as possible.  Any means to serve coffee and have great conversa...

Chef Lashon Burrell founded Cajun Cafe Chicago in 2022. Putting her own special spin on Southern cuisine, Chef Lashon has made hundreds smile with her delicious food and spectacular customer service.  Cajun Cafe Chicago has become a highlight at corporate events, galas, fundraisers, and a variety of other special occasions. Over the years, Cajun Cafe Chicago has also demonstrated a strong commitme...

Dr. Shika Myrickes is the CEO of Shika & Co. Extensions, also known as the "Tiffany's of Hair"! Shika has created a unique, high-quality experience for her customers through customer service, and of course the best of the best luxury hair products. Shika has made a huge impact with her community. By having each bundle purchased through Shika & Co., 3% goes to the Heart 2 Hair Foundation fo...

Alexus Edmonds, creator of Made Gentle, LLC is here!  Made Gentle, LLC is a natural hair care company that focuses on helping you keep your hair at its healthiest, with high-quality vegan products. It comes highly recommended! See why everyone loves Made Gentle and how it all got started with the latest episode of Brilliantly Black.

Nazeer Smith, owner of Fly Choice Community NFP, is no stranger to social work and the commitment to make a positive difference by giving others a second chance.  Nazeer shares his powerful story with Jasmine on the 68th episode of the Brilliantly Black podcast. Striving to make a lasting impact on his community with the youth and judicially involved individuals, this is a story you want to hear....

Aly Jae is the creator of Spotl1ght Artistry!  Aly talks with Jasmine about the origins of her makeup journey, drops tips for up-and-coming makeup artists, the importance of self-care...and BALANCE. Aly has grown her clientele from friends and family members, to movie sets. With over 200,000 followers on TikTok, Aly Jae is making a name for herself and constantly trailblazing in her creative field...

Founder Dedra Simmons has a long history with crack cakes -- she grew up eating them! Remembering how delicious they were and how they made her feel, she decided to start baking her own right out of her kitchen. Now in 2024, Pookie Crack Cakes sell extremely fast, and are made fresh daily. You know what they say - "one bite and you're addicted!" Visit Dedra and the Pookie Crack Cakes team at 105 E...

Dr. Chakika Williams of SkyRose loves to pour into her clients, as they frequently pour right back into her -- putting an emphasis on the rejuvenation part of SkyRose. Dr. Williams is a Licensed and Dual Board-Certified Family and Psych and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with certifications as an Advanced Practice Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Body Contouring, Weight-los...

Tara Robertson of PupStars Pet Care stops by to share all about their one-stop pet shop. Tara has been working in the animal care field for over 20 years, so her and her fantastic team are ready to take great care of you AND your pet. Find more information at https://www.pupstarspetcare.com/!

Erica Howard of She Is Undefeated Inc. is all about educating, uplifting and serving the community! Founded in 2018, She Is Undefeated Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to resources that empower and uplift individuals in our community - strongly committed to ending world hunger and poverty through financial literacy programs, community outreach and more. Find out how t...

CEO and owner of Blissful Art & Design LLC, Te'Resa Thomas, is here to sprinkle a little magic onto your next project! Blissful Art & Design LLC. is a leading Graphic Design Studio based in Chicago - with clients across the United States specializing in providing luxury design services with artistic flair. From book design, to branding to printing - Te'Resa has you covered! Find more infor...