Spotlight on Success
Learn about BEFH business member wins and success through stories of determination, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Making Sense of the Chaos: Sade Wright’s Commerce Uplift Story
Meet Sade Wright, founder of Organized Chaos Consulting LLC, who traveled from Salina to join Commerce Uplift Cohort 3. Through the program, Sade gained clarity around her business plan, strengthened her confidence, and is preparing to build a steady clientele. Her story is a reminder that sometimes growth starts with breaking things down to move forward.
Three Entrepreneurs. Three Visions. $10,000 Toward What's Next.
The achievements of Cohort 3's pitch competition winners reflect the range of businesses and ambitions within the entrepreneurial community. From expanding access to essential services to growing specialized training and salon businesses, each entrepreneur is working toward a vision that extends beyond where their business stands today.
Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Empowered Health
For Gabrielle and Deshawn Fogle, CommerceUplift helped turn knowledge into daily action. Since completing the program, the owners of Empowered Health have continued building stronger systems for their business and were awarded a $2,500 Circle of Community microgrant to support their growth.
Growing the Circle: Hungry Chickpea’s Journey with BEFH
What began for Mario and Kristi Baonga at a kitchen table, testing recipes and building a dream, has evolved into Hungry Chickpea, a growing food business strengthened by community, opportunity, and their partnership with the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills.
Gifted Care Service Awarded Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Grant
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) member Gifted Care Service has been awarded a Small Business Registered Apprenticeship Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to workforce development.
Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Gifted Care Service
After completing the CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025, Kriscendra Baptiste of Gifted Care Service walked away not only with new skills but with a major milestone. Her preparation and strategy earned her the win at the pitch competition, and she is now poised to expand her business from a home care agency to full Home Health services. Kriscendra’s story reflects how CommerceUplift equips entrepreneurs with knowledge, confidence, and real-world results.
Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Smokin’ H's Meats
After completing the CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025, Harrison Mitchell of Smokin’ H’s Meats walked away with more than knowledge. He gained practical tools, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward scaling his business. From strengthening his business plan to preparing for future funding opportunities, Harrison’s story reflects the kind of growth CommerceUplift is designed to support.
Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Stackhouse BBQ Sauce & Seasonings
For Tanze and Ron Stacker, CommerceUplift helped sharpen the strategy behind Stackhouse BBQ Sauce & Seasonings. With clearer financial systems, stronger marketing insight, and a plan for retail growth, they are building toward bigger opportunities for their brand.
Care That Reflects the Community: Dr. Jurdene and the Black Joy Program
As a new practice owner, Dr. Jurdene, founder of Sage & Summit Therapy, explains how the Black Joy Program has helped connect underserved clients to therapy while strengthening culturally responsive care in the community.
Supporting the Work of Love: Tyrone and the Black Joy Program
When Tyrone, founder of Townsend Counseling Services, reflects on the impact of the Black Joy Program, one theme stands out: access. For many of the couples he serves, the opportunity to engage in counseling is often limited by financial barriers. Through this program, that barrier was lifted.
Stepping Into Full Independence: Britt’s Real Estate Services
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.
Expanding Creativity and Connection: Linda’s Afrikan Kreations
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.
Turning Vision into Reality: Jay & Chantai Purnell of Ryde With Us
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.
Cultivating Confidence and Success: Jessica Andrews of J’s Makeup Artistry
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.
Expanding Care and Impact: Manhattan Mental Health Services’ Growth
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.