Black History Month which occurs in February, is a time committed to not only commemorating the significance and immeasurable contributions of Black Founders in the fabric of the American society but also celebrating their strength, culture, and accomplishments in all the fields. During Black History Month we are turning our sight on Tulsa Oklahoma with its deep and beautiful African American heritage such as the Greenwood District, which was once called " Black Wall Street" for its affluent Black businesses but was sadly destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.
Honoring both the legacy and the contemporary wave of trailblazers, small businesses from the past and present uphold the vibrancy of Tulsa's African American community. Far beyond mere financial ventures, these establishments symbolize hope, endurance, and transformation. Today we will highlight 24 small businesses some that barely get recognition and their founders how to pave innovative paths and set an example for future generations.
Let February 2024 be a commemoration of the significant contributions of Black-owned business enterprises toward our cultural history and future. Thus helped, we pay respect to the legacy of those who came first and steer a course toward a model world.
CLLCTVE
Kelsey Davis is a visionary and creative leader at the forefront of innovation. As the Founder and CEO of CLLCTVE, she has revolutionized the way creative talents and opportunities converge in the digital age. CLLCTVE is not just a business, but a groundbreaking portfolio platform that seamlessly connects creators with paid opportunities. The software technology company is backed by notable partners such as Google and Techstars and is a testament to Davis's vision of a more interconnected and accessible creative industry.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey with CLLCTVE, Davis honed her skills in visual content production, working with an impressive roster of global consumer brands such as Coca-Cola, Land Rover, and Puma, as well as esteemed organizations like Condé Nast Entertainment. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content sets her apart in the competitive landscape of digital media.
Davis has been celebrated as a next-generation leader, earning spots on prestigious lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30, and receiving accolades from Adweek and The New York Times. These recognitions highlight not just her past accomplishments but also her potential to shape the future of the creative industry.
Kelsey Davis's journey from a content creator to the CEO of a tech-driven platform exemplifies the power of vision, innovation, and unwavering determination. As CLLCTVE continues to grow, it paves the way for creators everywhere to unlock their full potential.
2. LEGACY TEES LLC
Legacy Tees LLC is a shining example of resilience and creativity in the face of pandemic challenges. The dynamic mother-son duo of Kaleb Logan and her son founded the company in 2020, marking the start of a shared entrepreneurial journey fueled by their passion for graphic design and printing, honed over 18 years.
Their story is one of familial bonds and a deep entrepreneurial spirit. With the mother's irresistible proposition to her son, the co-owner, Legacy Tees LLC came into being. Their collaboration celebrates their combined talents and dedication to their craft.
As a small, growing, Black-owned business, Legacy Tees LLC represents much more than just graphic design and printing. It embodies a community-focused, mutually appreciative spirit that celebrates its supporters as essential parts of their ongoing journey. Kaleb and her son's heartfelt gratitude for each customer speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Customers who support Legacy Tees LLC are not just buying a product; they're becoming part of a story of family, passion, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Legacy Tees LLC serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope, demonstrating that creativity and collaboration can lead to remarkable achievements, even in the face of uncertainty.
3. ATLAS MEDIA GROUP
Robert Burrell, the visionary and innovative founder of Atlas Media Group, brings a distinctive combination of passion, artistry, and storytelling to Tulsa, his beloved hometown. Burrell's deep-rooted connection to the community drives his commitment to capturing the human experience through the lens of his camera. His journey into the world of filmmaking and documentaries is more than just a professional undertaking, as he aims to explore the depths of human emotion and resilience through his work.
The cornerstone of Burrell's vision for Atlas Media Group is to provide a platform for individuals to share their stories of perseverance, triumph, innovation, and the indomitable human spirit. Burrell believes that film is a powerful tool to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard and to illuminate the diverse experiences that shape our world.
Through Atlas Media Group, Burrell is building more than just content; he is fostering a community. A community where exceptional stories of entrepreneurial spirit and extraordinary lives are celebrated, where viewers are not merely spectators but are motivated and empowered to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and impact. Burrell's work exemplifies the very essence of storytelling as a means of promoting positive change, and Atlas Media Group stands as a shining beacon of inspiration not just in Tulsa but beyond.
4. TOWN APPAREL
TOWN Apparel by Matthew Crockett (M.C.) and Jonathan Vinnett has flourished into a creative community that appreciates the fact that in each of us lies the ability to express our creativity. It derives from traditional fashion parameters, developing trends that seek to connect the divide between classic and contemporary creatives. TOWN Apparel is more than apparel, it is a call for individuals to create, build and express their creativity without limits.
Creative spirit constitutes the essence of the TOWN Apparel mission, which lies in the knowledge that it permeates all people and all areas of human activity. This community embraces a deep understanding that creativity is inherent in all types, from arts to science and beyond. Thus, TOWN Apparel aspires to unsettle the typical notions that identify creative potential as an exclusive privilege of some professionals or activities.
Their approach is inclusive and encompassing, as it instigates people from different social backgrounds to acknowledge and grab on their creative abilities. It doesn’t matter if someone is an artist, a teacher, an engineer, or anything in between – TOWN Apparel is evidence that the language of creativity is shared by us all.
TOWN Apparel is not only dressing bodies but also developing minds and souls, convincing people that they are part of the bigger picture of creative expression. Their creative designs together with the community-centered programs have shown what it means to be a brand both diverse and vibrant like the community it serves. In that sense, TOWN Apparel is more than just a brand but a party of the ability to think creatively that unites people from all over the world.
5. Onyx Revolutionizing FemTech for WomEn Everywhere
Onyx's founder, Elle McCray, is the woman in charge of the revolution in the FemTech world which is bringing amazing new products to help women all along their lives. Onyx isn't just about the generation of solutions but the creation of the very basis of these solutions in which they are perceived and experienced.
In a sector that always waits for chances to be given, Onyx differs by building its own platform. This proactive approach is all about empowerment but the definition has also changed. One of the goals of Onyx is to substitute discomfort with joy and presupposition with certainty.
We have a close personal knowledge of the difficulties that womxn face. This is empathy which drives our passion to reimagine a world where no stigma stops us from being able to get the support and care we need. The whole idea behind Onyx is to empower and set you free, by bringing peace to your body and soul in a way that will not harm your pride or strip off your identity.
The center of Onyx’s philosophy is a negative stigma-free world where all products make a testimony that women are firm. We do not just meet needs; we are tearing down walls and building a place where all the phases of womanhood are embraced with dignity, empathy, and creativity.
6. KREME AND COMPANY
From the foundations of Gogo's Kool Kream, a cherished family-owned ice cream business, emerges Kreme and Company, a brand with a mission to inspire and support entrepreneurs. The transition from crafting candy-flavored ice cream to launching an apparel brand inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit showcases a journey of innovation and creativity. "KREME," an acronym for Keeping Real Entrepreneurs Motivated Everyday, encapsulates the brand's ethos. It's more than just clothing; it's a community dedicated to uplifting and empowering business minds with shared advice and support, fostering a network of motivated and successful entrepreneurs.
7. JOSH REIS
Based in Tulsa, Joshua Reis, a photographer and videographer, has established a name for himself for his unique skill of telling captivating stories through his camera. His work goes beyond just a simple act of documenting moments; rather he immerses himself into the very essence of storytelling bringing stories to life with a visual magic that is both captivating and evocative. Joshua's photos and videos are not just images. They are portraits of people, stories in light and shadows, opening a window into the landscapes and moments he depicts. In a world that is swarmed with visual media, Joshua Reis is the ideal storyteller creating visuals to explore the inner works of our human nature and the outward beauty of our known world.
8. James Wayne
James Wayne, who is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Tulsa, injects his photography with passion, advocacy, and a personal feel. His photography, which started in college, has evolved into a deep passion, using his skill to amplify voices and stories. Having achieved a Master's degree in Communication, James can access his richer empathy to blend technical skills in his projects. This shows his dedication to integrating health and wellness in his emotionally expressive art.
Among his strongest inspirations, the family is a crucial one, especially his mother, Sandra Kay, and his late father, JW, for whom he has his company named. James still juggles photography with other commitments, but his dedication to telling stories is unwavering, playfully suggesting that he will focus on photography in the future. The remarkable journey of James Wayne in photography reached a new summit after he was invited to attend the Grammy Awards, showing his growing reputation. This world-class project wasn't just another attempt; it was a landmark that exhibited his outstanding skills and determination. And also at the Grammys, James was not only able to shoot but also photograph Grammy winner, Susan Carol which was part of his assignment that helped enhance his photography skills and placed him among the top photographers. While being at the Grammys and capturing moments of triumph and celebration has won James another feather, adding on to his cap, he is capable of going beyond the ordinary and touching the realm of extraordinary success and recognition.
09. FOROURLASTNAMES & RTB INVESTMENTS
Ray’Chel Wilson from RTB Investments and ForOurLastNames.io is in charge of changing this world, through empowering the underrepresented economically to become business savvy and enlightened about financial literacy, and understands that it this will be a generational change that enables families to live independently Her vision concentrates mainly on helping beginner investors to build up the basics of financial literacy and wealth creation.
Acclaimed by educators, and known globally as an author, Ray’Chel brings her seven years of experience in public speaking and workshop facilitation to our team. She sees to it that as the Chief Executive Officer of the Raise the Bar Social Enterprise Improvement, a social enterprise focused on financial education, financial awareness is improved. Ray'Chel's leadership aids individuals and organizations finding their paths to financial success, building smart economic solutions to enhance future generations.
10. WHISPER SMITH
Whisper Smith stands at the forefront of accessible luxury as the founder and CEO of Whiss Official, a brand renowned for its high-end yet affordable jewelry. With an eye for elegance and a commitment to quality, Whisper has skillfully navigated the fine balance between luxury and accessibility, ensuring that exquisite jewelry is within reach of a broader audience. Her passion for beauty and style extends beyond adornments to the realm of hair care, with her venture into Certified Bella Beauty. This complementary brand offers a range of premium hair products, embodying Whisper's holistic approach to beauty. Through Whiss Official and Certified Bella Beauty, Whisper Smith is redefining standards in the beauty and fashion industry, proving that luxury and quality can indeed be accessible without compromise.
11. FOVEŌ: THE ENCOURAGING BRAND
Julian Tibbs, founder of Foveo, a brand that transcends classic fashion boundaries to become a source of inspiration and empowerment for people worldwide. Foveo is not only about clothing, it is about inspiring people to improve themselves everyday. Julian and his team are passionate about excellence, concentrating on designing unique, top-notch pieces which not only improve personal style but also reflect the brand's philosophy of self-progress and empowerment. Through Foveo, Julian Tibbs is creating a movement where fashion and a deeper message of self-enhancement and positivity are combined.
