For Brittany Fielder, owner of Britts Real Estate Services, 2025 marked a powerful turning point. She made the bold decision to go fully self-employed, officially stepping away from the corporate world to focus entirely on building her business on her own terms.

For Linda Murphy Maina, owner of Linda’s Afrikan Kreations, this year brought exciting growth and new opportunities. In September, her business made it to the motherland, connecting her creative work with broader cultural roots, and she welcomed two additional artists to her team.

For Jay and Chantai Purnell, owners of Ryde With Us, the biggest win this year wasn’t just about funding—it was finding a community that truly understood and supported their vision. Through their connection with BEFH, they found the guidance, encouragement, and resources to begin bringing their ideas to life.

For Jessica Andrews, owner of J’s Makeup Artistry, this year has been a breakthrough in growth and engagement. She achieved consistent income and hosted highly successful makeup classes with enthusiastic turnouts, marking a major milestone in the continued success of her business.

For Dr. Chaz Mailey, owner of Manhattan Mental Health Services, LLC, growth is about more than just business—it’s about expanding the care and support his team can provide to the community. Recently, Dr. Mailey celebrated a major milestone: welcoming two new employees to his practice.

Wilfred Gaye of Wilfred Gaye Agency used his Grind & Growth Technical Assistance grant to sharpen both marketing and leadership skills. From harnessing AI and ChatGPT for marketing and content creation to learning the art of setting boundaries, these sessions helped Wilfred grow personally and professionally. This grant enabled him to build stronger systems, boost confidence, and create strategies that support sustainable business growth.

Kriscendra Baptiste, owner of Gifted Care Service LLC, used her Grind & Growth Technical Assistance grant to strengthen both her marketing and accounting systems. From mastering small business tax strategies to learning how to maximize ChatGPT for marketing efficiency, the knowledge gained has saved time, reduced costs, and empowered her team to work smarter. This grant has not only helped Kriscendra navigate her first year of income and expenses but has also positioned her business for sustainable growth.

Jackee Johnson, owner of Blessed Hands Braiding, is enhancing client comfort and business growth with BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant. From new furniture to improved operations, she’s creating a welcoming, professional space while building essential skills and community connections.

Cheisa Myles, owner of Blessed Assurance Daycare, is growing her childcare business with faith and purpose. With support from BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant, she’s expanding her reach, strengthening her brand, and continuing her advocacy for families and children.

Kristi and Mario Baonga of Hungry Chickpea are scaling up their catering business with BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant. From larger orders to professional event service, they’re expanding their reach, revenue, and impact in the community.

From upgraded shampoo stations to a fully staffed salon and retail section, Embrace Beauty Studio is thriving. Discover how Kiondra Armstrong is blending passion and strategy with support from BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant.

Discover how Cierra Marrero and Simply Cierra LLC are bringing art to life with a mobile studio. With BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant, she’s elevated her business, created murals, and inspired her community through creativity.

See how Dr. Crystal’s CJD Consulting Solutions thrives with BEFH support through the Circle of Community Grant—strengthening operations, expanding services, and inspiring both local and global communities through leadership development.

B. Michelle’s, owned by Brittney Branch, has seen tremendous growth and success, partially fueled by the Circle of Community Grant. This grant has supported the expansion of services, allowing Brittney to further enhance the client experience and reach a broader audience. In this post, we’ll share how the grant has been instrumental in helping B. Michelle’s elevate its offerings, strengthening the business’s impact within the community.

B. Royal Boutique, a fashion-forward brand committed to providing stylish clothing for all women, has seen tremendous growth and success following the support of the Circle of Community Grant. This grant has empowered the boutique to expand its offerings and continue delivering high-quality, inclusive fashion that boosts confidence and celebrates every body type.

Gifted Care Services, founded by Kriscendra Baptiste, provides personalized in-home care that prioritizes the independence and dignity of its clients. The Circle of Community Grant has helped the company expand its services, enhancing its ability to offer specialized support like dementia care and daily assistance. This funding ensures that Gifted Care Services can continue its vital work in the community, offering peace of mind to families and improving the quality of life for their loved ones.

Champion Projects Media is redefining storytelling through powerful, high-quality video content. From commercials to drone photography, this Manhattan, Kansas-based business brings creativity and expertise to every project. With a mission to elevate brands and capture impactful moments, Champion Projects Media ensures clients’ stories are told in the most compelling way possible. Stay tuned as we delve into how the Circle of Community Grant has helped this innovative team expand its reach and bring even more visions to life.

The Circle of Community Grant has played a pivotal role in supporting Kavanah Life Counseling, a mental health practice founded by Arthalia Weekes. This grant has allowed Arthalia to expand her services, continuing her mission to help individuals heal, grow, and find balance. In this post, we’ll explore how the funding has positively impacted her work, empowering her to offer even more valuable support to those seeking guidance on their mental health journey.

When it comes to enhancing beauty and boosting confidence, Winks By Thanie is truly a lash above the rest. Founded by the talented and passionate Nathania (Thanie), this business specializes in creating stunning, customized lash looks that leave clients feeling radiant and empowered. With a dedication to precision and creativity, Thanie has built a reputation for delivering lashes that are nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re dreaming of a natural, understated look or bold, show-stopping glamour, Winks By Thanie showcases the artistry and expertise that make every client feel like their most beautiful self.

Edisha Coleman, known as The Cake Artist, has transformed her life and discovered her passion for cake artistry through an unexpected journey. With the support from BEFH and $5,000 in pitch winnings, her business has blossomed into a successful home-based cake business specializing in hyperrealistic, sculpted, and novelty cakes. Edisha’s story is one of resilience, faith, and artistic expression, serving as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.