Amplifying the Voices of Black Women-Owned Businesses
Featuring: Brittany Jenkins | Shanell Palmer | Ana Redfearn
Hey Sugar Mamas!
In honor of Black History Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible Black women-owned businesses in our community. These women are building legacies, overcoming challenges, and paving the way for others—and we’re honored to share their stories with you.
Below, you’ll hear from three powerhouse entrepreneurs in the Sugar Mamas community as they share their experiences, the obstacles they’ve conquered, and their advice for fellow women in business.
Representation matters deeply in the Sugar Mamas movement, and we are so excited to amplify their voices and stories. Every week for the month of February (and early March), we’ll share three new stories, so stay tuned!
Let’s dive into this week’s features. 👇
Brittany Jenkins: Owner of Flawless Skin Co.
Q: What is one specific challenge I’ve had to overcome as a Black woman-owned business?
A: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome is navigating the intersection of purpose and profitability in an industry that often overlooks the needs of Black women—especially those battling illness. As a Black woman in the beauty and wellness space, and as an oncology skincare specialist, I’ve had to carve out a lane that didn’t exist, advocating for cancer patients and survivors while ensuring my business remains financially sustainable. The healthcare and beauty industries don’t always intersect in ways that serve our community, and securing funding, partnerships, and visibility as a Black woman business owner has been an uphill battle. But I refuse to let barriers define my limits. I am committed to ensuring that people battling cancer, especially Black women, receive the compassionate, expert skincare they deserve.
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to share?
A: Never apologize for dreaming bigger than the limits society tries to place on you. You do not need permission to take up space. You do not need validation to know your worth. The road will be hard—there will be moments where you question yourself, where doors close in your face, where people underestimate you. But trust me, you were built for this. Move with purpose, build your network, and don’t be afraid to demand what you deserve. And most importantly—don’t be afraid to pivot, evolve, and reimagine your path as you grow. The power is in your hands.
Q: Tell us a little more about your business.
A: The Flawlesskin Company is more than a spa—it’s a sanctuary. As an oncology-inclusive beauty spa, I specialize in customized skincare treatments that nourish and heal, helping cancer patients and survivors reclaim their confidence. I fuse science with compassion, providing cutting-edge facial therapies, paramedical tattooing, and restorative care tailored to those who need it most. What makes my business unique is that I don’t just focus on aesthetics—I focus on dignity, on wholeness, on the emotional and physical restoration of those who have been through some of life’s hardest battles. At The Flawlesskin Company, no one is ever flawed—only flawless.
Shanell Palmer: Owner of Pure Serene Lifestyle & Wellness
Q: What is one specific challenge I’ve had to overcome as a Black woman-owned business?
A: One challenge I feel I have had to overcome as a Black Women Owned business is partnering or collaborating with businesses in the same industry. The Post-op Recovery industry is filled with many amazing brands but unfortunately there aren’t a lot of brands that have the same motto as me which is community over competition. My love for what I do came from personal experience, my desire is to build a community with my peers that allows us to get together and support one another with one common goal, helping guest we service heal safely and make it back home to their loved ones. The industry is filled with a lot of brands who operate not because they want to promote education and safety, but see dollar signs and profit, so when they see the Pure Serene Lifestyle and Wellness Brand, we get viewed as the competition. I know we can’t service everyone although we would love to. Community mind set allows us to promote other like-minded/hearted brands that we feel safe with referring those we can’t service to. Although this can be discouraging, I still won’t give up in building this type of community because I know it will be so beneficial to so many deserving guests who want to invest in their cosmetic surgery journey!
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to share?
A: If I could share a piece of advice to other Black women owned/ women owned businesses, it would be to embrace other brands that are in the same industry as your own, community over competition should always be the mindset because there is enough money and opportunity for us all! In the words of the amazing Michele Lopez “REFER HER SIS”
Q: Tell us a little more about your business.
A: Pure Serene Lifestyle & Wellness offers Post-op Recovery services for individual’s recovering from Cosmetic, Bariatric and Elective surgeries. We provide 1 to 1 assistance to guest who seek an attentive based, safe, and serene environment to heal and recover. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional private care services that allow our guest the ability to focus on what matters most healing so they can return to their normal routine of life.
Ana Redfearn: Owner of Special Moments Venue
Q: What is one specific challenge I’ve had to overcome as a Black woman-owned business?
A: As a Black woman entrepreneur, I have faced and continue to overcome many challenges along my journey. Access to funding and securing loans have been particularly difficult. Navigating stereotypes, not just as a Black woman but also as an immigrant, has added another layer of complexity. Through it all, I’ve had to focus on building my confidence and resilience in everything I do.
Balancing multiple roles—juggling entrepreneurship, family responsibilities, and prioritizing my own self-care and well-being—has been a constant challenge. I also make it a point to be intentional about building my brand, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and increasing visibility in my industry.
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to share?
A: Go for it—shoot your shot, believe in yourself just a little more, and do it afraid! Don’t give up on your dreams or on yourself. You are enough! Surround yourself with people who lift you up and fuel your energy.
Q: Tell us a little more about your business.
A: I do life in a special way, and that makes me unique. I am a believer. I choose to show up with strong, positive and great energy. I love people and get excited about helping others. I am a devoted mom of a bright, loving and fun young man, Isaac is my Joy!
Being a foreigner I had no choice but to create my own table and for that I am super thankful! I am very proud of everything I do. I am the Owner of a Special Moments Venue. The Venue is a blank canvas for you to design the event of your dreams! My vision was to create a safe space to inspire and to promote community. I believe that every family deserves the opportunity to gather in unity to celebrate life’s special moments. You can find all the information you need to book the venue on our website. www.specialmomentsvenue.com
I’m also passionate about real estate investing—turning vacant, abandoned, and distressed houses into beautiful homes. It’s like playing a real-life game of Monopoly, and I love it! Empowering women and sharing my story of overcoming fear are key reasons I’ve faced so many challenges. My pain turned into power, driving me to relentlessly pursue my dreams and helping other women along the way. I love life and my family and prioritize exploring the world and creating special moments with my son.
Be the first to comment