Entrepreneur Stories
A resilient entrepreneur who rebounded from major challenges to reopen at the African American Cultural Center and expand into new partnerships and locations.
Olton Rensch
Founder of Tallio’s Coffee and Tea
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A passionate artist creating joyful, collaborative spaces through workshops that spark creativity and connection across the community.
Antonia Lara Sanchez
Founder of Piscola Mami
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Provides free 24/7 support to caregivers so they feel heard and empowered. She leads with compassion and purpose in everything she does.
Nikki Lopez
Founder of Caring Haven
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An interdisciplinary artist and facilitator blending movement, food, and tea to create meaningful wellness experiences- growing her impact with resilience and purpose.
Virada Chatikul
Founder of Stir Fry Stories
Leads a growing culinary business employing 40 staff while creating space for mentorship and community connection.
Ben Harbor
Founder of Elise Kitchen + Catering
Building a thriving, purpose-led business rooted in healing, accountability, and consistent growth.
Candace Fisher
Founder of Agape & Shalom
Where beauty meets purpose, a luxury wellness brand is being built on faith, intention, and bold vision.
Dupeola Badejo-Olayinka
Founder of Esin Skincare
Wanda’s pop-up restaurants serve as a way for her to take people on food adventures and connect with the community. She hopes her cooking can bring forth fond memories.
Wanda Blake
Founder of Wanda’s Cooking
The focus of Ayaba Wines is to celebrate and uplift Black women by using their wine label as a platform to highlight powerful and ambitious Black Queens throughout history.
Jerry Bailey
Founder of Ayaba Wines
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As a 4th generation Oaklander, Latorra created her cafe to challenge social expectations of who cafes are for, creating a space of belonging through food inclusivity.
Latorra Monk
Founder of Oaklandia Cafe
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Panama Plantas is more than just a plant shop; it’s a community hub. This shop focuses on plant education and a passion for connecting people with nature. With the support of Alliance, Panama Plantas was able to navigate the complexities of opening a brick-and-mortar store, including securing essential permits, and building strong community partnerships.
Dom Morales
Owner of Panama Plantas
Amirh started working with the Alliance team in 2021, and was featured in a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program in 2022. She was referred to and participated in ICA Fund’s Accelerator program, where she gained valuable knowledge to take her business to the next level.
Amirh Davis
Co-Founder of Pillar Cowork and Childcare
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“Having that extra power behind me and knowledge from my Alliance Navigator has helped me tremendously with getting more information and being able to utilize it.”
Jonathan Makonnen
Founder of UNFAZED
Athletic and Street Wear Apparel