Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator and Boss Women Media joined forces to empower Black women entrepreneurs through The Founders Breakfast Masterclass, a special event held at the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas.

The inaugural gathering featured a series of announcements and a platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their wisdom on launching brands.

Marty McDonald, founder and CEO of Boss Women Media, and Danyel Surrency Jones, Head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator and Growth Accelerators, were among the key figures at the event.

Marty McDonald, founder and CEO, Boss Women Media, and Danyel Surrency Jones, Head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator and Growth Accelerators. [Photo: Amazon]

Urban Hydration, a trailblazing skincare brand, announced its acceptance into the Amazon Black Owned Business Accelerator program, a launchpad for success in the e-commerce arena. Boss Women Media’s CEO, Marty McDonald, unveiled the debut of her infant/toddler brand, Elle Olivia, on Amazon. Unoma Okorafor, the visionary behind Herbal Goodness, shared insights into her brand’s journey to success on the platform.

McDonald explained that the masterclass was created to foster a supportive “tribe” for these female entrepreneurs across industries, who often face loneliness in their entrepreneurial journeys.

McDonald emphasized the importance of Black women supporting and uplifting each other. As part of Amazon’s investment in the success of Black-owned businesses, attendees of the “bespoke” event enjoyed an extensive breakfast menu while engaging in discussions and networking opportunities.

Dallas is ‘up next’

Lady Jade, also known as Jade Burrows, a Dallas-native Realtor and nationally recognized icon advocating for and educating communities, served as the event’s emcee.

“Dallas chose me, and I chose this city because it is a diverse mix, as evident in the collaboration between Boss Woman Media and Amazon,” Lady Jade said. “Sharing and educating black women-owned businesses at this event is what we need—and how I know Dallas is up next.”

Pastor, businesswoman, writer, speaker, and media personality Sarah Jakes Roberts delivered the keynote address, calling on entrepreneurs to “Slow Down to Accelerate.”

“As frightening as it sounds to slow down,” she said, “sometimes that’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves.” Roberts’ moving account brought many to tears.

Lady Jade and Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts [Photo: Jewels Clark]

“What is going to be most beneficial for me, my family, my energy, and my health? Maybe it’s taken all that I had to launch this business, but if I keep going at this pace, my health cannot keep up with this demand,” she continued.

In a personal touch, Roberts told Dallas Innovates why she decided to take part in the Founders Breakfast Masterclass.

“I felt called to participate because business owners, especially black women, need safe spaces where they are connected—surrounded by women who understand exactly how much they have to overcome to be successful in business and women who won’t allow them to quit,” she said.

Valuable influencer marketing insights for small businesses

The Masterclass revolved around the importance of influencer marketing for small brands, with speakers emphasizing the need for authenticity, creativity, and research. Experts discussed the challenges of creating relatable content and the significance of understanding influencers’ roles in the marketing funnel.

Speakers shared their experiences and insights on navigating Amazon’s marketplace and maximizing success, as well as overcoming obstacles and securing funding for their businesses.

Annelise Campbell, the 27-year-old CEO and founder of CFG, an influencer management firm in New York, emphasized strategy and awareness for effective campaigns.

“Influencer marketing is highly effective, regardless of your budget scale. Programs can be impactful at $2500 or $100,000; scalability is key,” she said. “Business owners should prioritize reflection over following trends.“

Lady Jade moderated a conversain with Annelise Campbell, founder and CEO of CFG influencer marketing firm and Influencer Beverly “Auntie Bev” Coleman [Photo: Amazon]

Campbell advises owners to assess their business needs. “If awareness is an issue, influencers can bridge the gap,” she said. “Be strategic; there’s no rush to enter the influencer market. It’s a billion-dollar industry, continually growing.”

“Take time, understand your business needs, and leverage resources to make informed decisions,” Campbell added. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; thoughtful planning ensures successful influencer partnerships for black girls and women-owned businesses.”

Beverly Coleman, a notable small business influencer with 224,000 followers and managed by CFG, prefers to be approached by brands.

“I do actually love it when a brand has done the research on me. I had a honeypot reach out to me and they liked a voiceover video I had posted because of the way my community was engaging,” Coleman said. “Honestly, most important for me is for the organization to do research on me as an influencer and allow me creative freedom.”

“I love Dallas”

Unoma Okorafor, founder & CEO Herbal Goodness [Photo: Amazon]

Herbal Goodness

Unoma Okorafor, CEO of Herbal Goodness, and Psyche Terry, CEO of Urban Hydration and the current Miss USA, spoke on omni-channel marketing and authentic brands.

Okorafor shared her unique perspective, shaped by her African roots. “I’m originally from Africa, and I love Dallas because it feels like home, it’s innovative, full of culture, and even when it gets too hot, I love it,” she said.

Her multi-million-dollar company, Herbal Goodness, generates 80% of its revenue on Amazon and sells in 22 African countries, 67 chapters across Africa, and supports scholarships and teacher training, according to the entrepreneur.

Urban Hydration, led by Mrs. USA Ambassador Psyche Terry, announced it will join Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator.

Urban Hydration

“We understand how big of an opportunity selling on Amazon is for beauty brands and we’re excited to partner with them as part of our big 24 Strategic Growth Plan,” Terry said. “Urban Hydration’s acceptance into the Amazon Black Business Accelerator marks a significant milestone, amplifying our commitment to diversity and innovation in the beauty and wellness sector.”

Boss Women Media CEO on breaking barriers, launching a brand

Other experts discussed the importance of purpose and resilience in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Boss Women Media’s McDonald has cultivated a commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership by championing all-female and POC leadership, breaking barriers, and shaping a future where diversity is celebrated as a cornerstone of success.

“Dallas is witnessing a remarkable surge in business activities; it’s a distinctive market to build your business,” she said. “I chose Dallas 13 years ago, and as we’ve grown the company here, it has facilitated seamless expansion throughout the country.”

McDonald added: “With all Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, and considering a recent article predicting that by 2100 Dallas will become the largest city in the US, it’s evident that Dallas provides a strategic and thriving ecosystem for our business.”

McDonald created her infant and toddler clothing brand Elle Olivia a little over a year ago to inspire “little Black girls to dream big dreams and push beyond their wildest imaginations.”

[Photo: Amazon]

McDonald revealed that her Elle Olivia brand is already establishing itself in e-commerce and boasting a presence in over 400 Target stores. Now, she’s set to expand its reach by launching on Amazon, she said.

McDonald wants to reach more little Black girls and their mamas, the founder said on LinkedIn last year. “We believe that together, we can make a real impact and create a brighter future for Black girls,” she said. 

Founders’ Breakfast Masterclass

The Founders’ Breakfast Masterclass in February was part of Amazon’s broader initiative to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly Black female business owners across various industries.

The Amazon Black Business Accelerator (BBA) is a $150 million initiative aimed at creating real opportunities for Black entrepreneurs by addressing historical imbalances and providing access to financial assistance, strategic business education and coaching, and marketing and advertising support. The program offers various resources, such as a credit for new Amazon Professional sellers, up to one year of account management, free product imaging services, and advertising credits.

Boss Women Media, the event’s co-organizer, is an organization that invests in Black women-led businesses and prepares these entrepreneurs to build scalable, growth-aggressive companies. Their mission is to provide Black female founders with access to capital, mentorship, and resources to help level the playing field and foster successful businesses.

GALLERY

[Photo: Amazon]

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Lady Jade [Photo: Amazon]

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Gospel “powerhouse” Darlene McCoy performed live at the event.  [Photo: Amazon]

[Photo: Amazon]

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[Photo: Jewels Clark]

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Unoma Okorafor, founder & CEO Herbal Goodness [Photo: Amazon]

[Photo: Amazon]

[Photo: Amazon]

[Photo: Amazon]

Annelise Campbell, founder and CEO of CFG influencer marketing firm, and influencer Beverly “Auntie Bev” Coleman [Photo: Amazon]

Lady Jade and Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts [Photo: Jewels Clark]

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