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How a High School Student Created a Flourishing Streetwear Business

With time to fill during the Covid pandemic, then-high school senior Michael King II dreamed of starting his own business. When he told his mother, Javonnia Jackson, she supported his aspirations and offered to partner with him. In 2021, the duo launched Michael Alexander Official, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based streetwear brand that also sells accessories…

Hand-Poured Candle Company Succeeds by Selling Online

In 2020, at the height of Covid lockdowns, Mikey Kim found himself without a job and confined to his apartment. What began as a hobby in his cramped Los Angeles apartment became Hemlock Park, a thriving all-natural candle business. As customer demand grew and candles overtook his living space, Mikey relocated to Reno, Nevada, taking…

Meet Frailey Woodworks: A Family Business Selling Nationwide with Online Tools

While living with roommates after college and serving as a campus minister, Asher Frailey began crafting custom furniture for his Fort Worth, Texas home. When a record console he posted on Facebook Marketplace sold immediately — and more requests for custom pieces came in — Asher, an architect by training, knew he had the beginnings…

Online Tools Help Share Italian Leather-Crafting Tradition Worldwide

A veteran of the high-end leather furniture industry, Luca Ricci found himself disappointed by the quality of many luxury consumer brands’ leather goods. Sensing an opportunity, in 2017, he launched his own leather goods business, The Dust Company. Handcrafted by a team of eight Italian artisans and featuring classic designs and colors, the Dust Company’s…

Chewing Gum Success: How Neuro Gum Uses Online Tools & Retail Strategies to Thrive

Ten years ago, Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen — elite athletes and best friends — had a bold idea: They wanted to make a product that improved people’s energy, focus, and productivity, but was more portable and effective than an energy drink. The result was Neuro Gum, an all-natural chewing gum containing energizing ingredients, including…

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses’ Success Stories

Black entrepreneurs are central to innovation and growth in the United States. From launching unique businesses to creating jobs and strengthening their local communities, they continue to shape the economy and inspire future generations. Yet they continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding — Black entrepreneurs received just 0.5% of U.S. venture…