What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Onyx was born out of a personal quest for a beaded strap Gameday bag to celebrate the vibrant spirit of HBCU homecoming games. The realization struck hard - while other universities boasted fancy beaded straps for their game day bags, there was an undeniable absence of representation for Historical Black Colleges and Universities.
We believe that every fan should have access to cutting-edge fashion options that reflect the rich history and legacy of their alma mater. It's not just about the game; it's about celebrating the resilience and strength embedded in the very fabric of HBCU culture.
Notably, my experience in global engineering roles at Fortune 500 companies, where I specialized in solving complex technical manufacturing challenges, provided the expertise and confidence necessary to pursue my passion for entrepreneurship and drive innovative solutions in new ventures.
What has been your most exciting accomplishment to date?
One of the most exciting milestones for my business has been having our merchandise stocked at the Spelman College bookstore. It’s an incredible honor to see our products represented on such a historic campus, and to be able to connect with and inspire the next generation of trailblazing women at Spelman.
We are also very proud of launching the Onyx Cares initiative, which was developed to support and uplift campus communities through outreach and care packages.
Any 2 pieces of advice you would share with emerging businesswomen?
For emerging businesswomen, her advice would be: first, leverage your unique professional experiences to identify and solve real-world problems; second, prioritize building strong partnerships and giving back to the community to create lasting impact.
Share your favorite inspiration quote:
"Success is not just what you accomplish in your life; it’s what you inspire others to do."
How can readers connect with you online?
Instagram: @OnyxCollegiate
Facebook: Onyx Collegiate
Website: www.onyxcollegiate.com