August is National Black Business Month, a time that celebrates and promotes the support of Black-owned businesses in the United States. In honor of this month, The Daily sat down with several Case Western Reserve University students, alumni, faculty and staff members who double as business owners and entrepreneurs both on campus and beyond. We have spotlighted their accomplishments each week this month.
Get to know more featured business owners in our final edition of this month’s series.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Chioma Onukwuire (CWR ‘18)
- Alumna, Case School of Engineering
- Creator of CHIMU, a collaboration with African seamstresses to create unique pieces that showcase the beauty of Africa in America through authentic African clothing. CHIMU aims to show that African fashion doesn’t just involve prints, but art made by African people.
1. Why did you create this business and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
Growing up, it was hard to get Nigerian clothing. I wanted CHIMU to make African fashion more accessible in America, give African fashion designers and sewists a platform to grow their business, and showcase the beauty of Africa in America.
2. What are you most proud of having accomplished through your business thus far?
My [proudest] moment was participating in Michigan Fashion Week because I showcased some of my pieces, combining them with fashion technology.
3. What led you to attend Case Western Reserve University and how did your CWRU experience prepare you to work in business?
I liked that CWRU didn’t limit students’ research, internships, etc. CWRU [built] my resilience. CWRU is a rigorous school; even if you work hard, you can still fall short sometimes. But that’s OK–brush yourself off and keep moving.
4. What is your biggest challenge(s) as a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
Running a business is expensive, and getting funding isn’t easy. It has been well-documented how hard it is for Black people to [receive] funding due to systemic racism, and as a Black entrepreneur, I’ve seen it with many Black businesses. I’ve also noticed a trend in people wanting to help Black businesses by talking but don’t want to put their money where their mouth is.
5. What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory is participating in Greek Week. It was fun competing in Olympic-style games.
6. What advice do you have for others hoping to become a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
It’s OK to put the business down and take care of yourself first. I understand that it feels like we must suffer to be successful since there are [few] representatives of Black entrepreneurs, and we want to change the narrative. But, we’re [human]—it’s OK to take a break.
Mya-Ariel Blake
- Fourth-year sociology and psychology student with a minor in social work at the College of Arts and Sciences
- Freelance chef who serves home-cooked meals to college students primarily in Cleveland and New York City
1. Why did you launch this business and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
I started selling food on a larger scale during my junior year. It became an outlet for me. I enjoy making new things, serving people food, and hearing their reviews.
2. What are you most proud of having accomplished through your business thus far?
I received my first catering order earlier this year, and it served as a catalyst for the exposure of my business.
3. What led you to attend Case Western Reserve University and how did your CWRU experience prepare you to work in business?
I chose CWRU initially because I was interested in studying computer engineering. I had experience from high school and wanted to pursue it further. Though I changed majors, I decided to stay because of my scholarships and all the professional and networking opportunities on campus.
4. What is your biggest challenge(s) as a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge is having to break down extra barriers. Visibility seems difficult to attain because people assume my target audience is limited to the Black community, [which] can stop them from reaching out or interacting.
5. What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory at CWRU is my [first-year] move-in. It was pre-pandemic, so everything was much different. It was a fun time to be on campus. Everything felt brand new, and I was overly excited about exploring new opportunities and experiences.
6. What advice do you have for others hoping to become a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
Keep moving forward. When you have a goal and a dream, make a plan and keep moving forward. Ignore the distractions and setbacks. Consider them as part of the journey, not roadblocks.
Angela Carpenter
- Alumni engagement manager, The Alumni Association
- Recording gospel artist and founder of ASC Blessed Wear, LLC, a Christian-based company located in South Euclid that provides various products—including t-shirts, jewelry, candles, personalized pens and coffee cups
1. Why did you create this business and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
I was to resume the position of director [at] a prominent educational institute once the vacancy became available. After working hard to ensure this opportunity, I was overlooked—so I created my business not much later.
I hope to continue becoming the best business owner/entrepreneur I can be by breaking down all barriers, pushing beyond challenges and creating products that make customers happy.
2. What are you most proud of having accomplished through your business thus far?
My proudest accomplishment is getting started. I’ve been able to establish ASC Blessed Wear from the bottom and work my way up. I have gone from creating one to multiple [pieces of] merchandise [including] handmade items.
3. What led you to attend Case Western Reserve University and how did your CWRU experience prepare you to work in business?
I was searching for a new position and came across Kelly Services on LinkedIn. This agency connected me to Case Western Reserve University, where I started as a [temporary employee]. Now, I am a full-time staff member as of January.
4. What is your biggest challenge(s) as a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge is receiving the recognition that my business is just as valuable as companies that make millions of dollars. The time spent to make and create even one product can take up to hours. Also, the cost of supplies can be expensive; therefore, the price should be accepted without being asked to comprise.
5. What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory at CWRU is during the spring board meeting and commencement weekend. At the welcome and closing dinners at the Linsalata Alumni Center, all participants had the opportunity to select a song to play in rotation. I chose my song “It’s My Day to be Blessed”. My songs, “Worthy of My Praise” and “Nothing But to Say I Love You,” [also] filtered through the playlist.
6. What advice do you have for others hoping to become a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
Always seek to perfect your craft and never become complacent. Stand out on purpose and do not become intimidated by others who may share the same product or service. They are not you!
Lucia Johnson (DEN ‘04)
- Alumna, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
- Founder and owner of VIP Smiles, a dental care clinic in the Greater Cleveland area that offers cosmetic dentistry and dental implants
1. Why did you launch this business and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
VIP Smiles was created to provide beautiful smiles for everyone. I hope to inspire children to become dentists.
2. What are you most proud of having accomplished through your business thus far?
Providing dental hygiene supplies and instructions for Cleveland school children.
3. What led you to attend Case Western Reserve University and how did your CWRU experience prepare you to work in business?
The School of Dental Medicine helped prepare me to run my dental practice. I created a business plan and learned about dental practice management during dental school. I treated patients for four years and gained valuable experience.
4. What is your biggest challenge(s) as a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
People don’t want to pay for dental work. There isn’t enough value placed on having healthy teeth. The insurance companies [often] do not cover the cost of treatment.
5. What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My mentor, Dr. Jefferson Jones, made dental school an amazing experience. He taught me everything, and I graduated confident that I could provide exceptional dental care for my community.
6. What advice do you have for others hoping to become a Black business owner/entrepreneur?
Do not accept all insurances. Start by taking insurance that has the highest reimbursement. Find a successful mentor who can help guide you.
Discover more local Black-owned businesses in the Greater Cleveland area.