Black History, Black Futures: Black-owned Businesses
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Black owned businesses have long faced challenges and in some cases, destruction. However, businesses right here in Michiana show us how they are showing up, showing out and paving the way for others.
In the 1900s, Black businesses and communities were thriving. For example, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Okla., famously known as Black Wall Street before it was burned to the ground during the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921.
For years since then, Black business owners have turned their pain into power and have thrived in their communities.
Mia More Oils
Mia Diggins and her husband, Jeffrey Diggins, of Mia More Oils are no stranger to this concept.
"Mia More Oils started from a personal experience our family went through with losing our daughter to cancer," Mia shared.
After their daughter's passing, they were left asking the same question.
"After it was like 'hey, what could we have done to help? What could we really have done?'" said Jeffrey.
Remembering their daughter losing her hair and the challenges she faced with her skin due to chemotherapy and a rare skin disorder, Mia spent 11 months researching personal care ingredients.
From pain, a prayer, and purpose, Mia More Oils' first product was born.
"The hair growth oil was our first product. We have actually blessed some cancer patients with the cozy cuddle calming oil as well. It helps with anxiety and we also do a body oil for pain and inflammation," Mia explained.
After the hair growth oil, Mia More Oils expanded to body oils and body butters. They even carry beard oil and scents for men.
For the Diggins family, they don't take it lightly knowing they are a black owned wellness brand that caters to everyone.
"For me, there were a lot of people, African Americans, that paved the way that made this possible for us today and it's just rewarding. I'm proud to be an African American. I'm proud to walk in the calling that God has given us to be a light to other young African Americans that are coming up," said Mia.
Brain Lair Books
When you look back at the history books, you will learn there was a time when black people were killed for learning to read and write. This fact isn't lost on Kathy Burnette, who owns Brain Lair Books in South Bend.
Brain Lair Books was crafted out of a need that wasn't being met.
"My daughter's biracial and was having a hard time seeing her herself in books. I was a school librarian and so we started looking for books that had more representation in them because they don't read a lot of that at school. So, as the librarian, I was trying to get teachers to read more widely, read more inclusively," Burnette explained.
Burnette says seeing yourself and others represented in literature shouldn't be uncommon.
"The research also shows that the less you see yourself in books, the less you know your place in society. It's harder to figure out where you fit in because nothing shows where you are."
But it is uncommon, and Burnette knew she had to do something for the people who didn't see themselves in books or society.
"I want to be that place that kids right now in this neighborhood kids over at Holy Cross, kids at Muessel, kids at Madison, they don't have to say 'I wish we had this,' they have it and I hope they take it for granted so that if we somehow have to disappear, they will then build something else because it's necessary to have this," shared Burnette.
ANH Realty Group
Ashley Hairston, owner of ANH Realty Group and business owner, shares the same feeling as Burnette. Her passion is helping first time home buyers, providing them with what she didn't have when she bought her first home.
"It means everything to me. If you're watching someone who looks like you, who's been through the same struggle you have, who's a first time generation buyer, first generation entrepreneur and business owner, it makes you feel like you can do it as well," said Hairston.
All three of these businesswomen have something in common, care for others and a love for education.
"I just hope I'm actually educating them. It's never about anything else; I want them to be educated and to know it's possible for them. It may be hard, it's always been hard for us, but that doesn't mean it's impossible."
Hairston also owns her own balloon decor business called Ashley's Creations.
Who else can I support in my community?
Xtreme Clean Residential and Commercial Cleaning L.L.C., a local cleaning business, says they started with a dream, faith, confidence and a small amount of money.
TTT Creations owned by Tierra, a South Bend native, says she took a leap of faith when she started her business. Tierra offers personalized items such as cups, graduation stoles, T-shirts and more.
Total Cleaning Solution tells ABC57 News they were looking to fill a gap where cleaning services were needed. They strive to provide reliable and detail-oriented services that people can trust.
Jordan's Home Remodeling sought after the American dream. They say they knew their skill set and what they could create so they took the next step. According to JHR, this business is built from their love of helping their community and changing lives with their services.