By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Across the United States, Black women entrepreneurs are building successful businesses while paving the way for the next generation. Through internships, mentorships and leadership programs, they are intentionally investing in the next wave of African-American women business leaders.
According to Wells Fargo’s 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, there are over 2 million Black women-owned businesses in the U.S., representing 14 percent of all women-owned businesses and 48.8 percent of all Black-owned businesses. Collectively, they employ more than 647,000 people and generate over $118.7 billion in revenue.
Lena Jennings, executive director of Cinnamongirl, Sonia Daniels, founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting (SDC) and Samahria Richie, founder of Two Sisters Maid to Clean, are three women who are doing just that.
Lena Jennings
Cinnamongirl, founded in 2003 by Renée Richard, welcomed Jennings as executive director in early 2024. The nonprofit, based in Oakland, Calif., empowers girls of color to become business leaders and change makers. They offer a range of opportunities, including travel, mentorship and training in business.
Jennings said their programs begin by shaping participants’ mindsets, helping them see that they can be leaders and entrepreneurs.
“Once we develop that mindset, we provide a sisterhood because we don’t want to build leaders in isolation,” said Jennings. “Everyone always talks about how it’s lonely at the top, and it doesn’t have to be.”
Addressing why she believes mentorship is so important, Jennings said that it’s representation.
“It’s changing the picture and the idea in their head of who an entrepreneur is and what an entrepreneur can do,” said Jennings.
Jennings said that it is important for entrepreneurs to “lift as you rise.”
“We have much to learn, but also much to offer the world,” she said. “If we pour into others and support one another in building their dreams, the world would be a better place.”
Sonia Daniels
SDC, founded in 2017, offers cultural audits, leadership training, talent development presentations and talent intensives.
“I’ve made it my mission to not only grow a successful consulting firm but to create pathways for the next wave of female entrepreneurs, especially young women of color,” said Daniels. “Whether through paid internships, leadership intensives or real-world client exposure, I intentionally build spaces where emerging leaders can grow with confidence, strategy and purpose.”
“I don’t just teach business,” she added. “I teach belief—in one’s voice, vision and value—because I know that mentorship isn’t just about sharing knowledge, it’s about showing what’s possible.”
Daniels shared advice for up-and-coming Black women entrepreneurs.
“Protect your mental, emotional and physical well-being as fiercely as you protect your business assets,” she said. “Long-term leadership requires longevity, not burnout.”
She also advised building intentional relationships across industries, geographies and demographics to ensure access to higher-level opportunities and partnerships.
Samahria Richie
Two Sisters Maid to Clean, founded in 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn., offers deep, post-construction and office cleaning.
“We serve a diverse range of clients across Rutherford, Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties in Tennessee,” said Richie. “We’ve built a people-first culture where our team members are paid living wages, given opportunities for personal and professional growth and encouraged to lead.”
Richie often mentors other Black women, both informally and through structured guidance.
“I believe that creating strong processes early on is key to sustainable growth, so I openly share the tools, strategies and lessons I’ve learned from my own journey,” she said. “Whether it’s walking someone through how to automate client follow-ups or showing them how to price for profitability, my goal is to help them build confidence and avoid the pitfalls that many new entrepreneurs face.”
Richie emphasized the importance of up-and-coming entrepreneurs “owning their story.”
“Your experiences, challenges and triumphs are your strength and your differentiator,” she said. “Don’t hide them—use them to connect and inspire.”
