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Entrepreneur Kim Roxie Joins The Revitalization Of Black Wall Street With The Opening Of A Storefront For Her Vegan Makeup Line

Kim Roxie has opened a vegan makeup store in the historic district famously known as Black Wall Street. Roxie began her entrepreneurial journey in 2004 when she opened a makeup storefront in her hometown of Houston, Texas. According to Fox 23, her mother supported the launch with a $500 investment . “She gave me $500 and I saved up the rest of the money,” Kim told the outlet. “My mom loved makeup, she loved sitting in front of the vanity getting herself together and my mom did not have an office job, she was getting herself together to work at the post office.” Although the shop closed its doors in 2018, Roxie’s journey in the cosmetics space was far from over. The closure marked not an end, but a pivot — a chance for her to realign her mission with deeper personal connections and greater purpose. She was driven by two profound health challenges that reshaped her outlook on beauty and wellness. The first was her own struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that caused hair...

Dec 16, 2024

Meet Alicia Scott, The Visionary Behind The First Black Woman-Owned Makeup Brand To Secure A 'Shark Tank' Deal

Alicia Scott made history with her appearance on on “Shark Tank.” Scott, a former account executive, is the founder of the cosmetic brand Range Beauty, which was supported through a personal investment of $150, she revealed on the Foundr podcast. The company, marketed as a “clean beauty brand for the forgotten shades” and geared towards acne & eczema-prone skin, officially launched in August 2018, according to its LinkedIn. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Range Beauty (@rangebeauty) Within two months of its launch, she was contacted by a Target buyer interested in potentially shelving the product. At the time, Scott wasn’t quite ready to take that business leap, but felt validated by their interest “T hat’s where I felt like ‘Okay if a major retailer is reaching out that means I have something,'” she explained on the podcast. The company’s potential shone once more when a surge of orders followed an influencer ‘s social media post praising its inclusive shade range. At...

Dec 2, 2024

After Investing In Over 85 Companies, Serena Williams Continues To Bet On Herself By Founding Vegan Makeup Brand WYN BEAUTY

When Serena Williams sets her mind on a vision, it transforms into greatness. Before the tennis champion’s retirement in 2022, she launched Serena Ventures in 2014. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, Williams founded her VC firm after learning of the alarmingly low amount of venture capital that goes to women founders, with Black and brown founders receiving even less funds. “I learned that less than 2% of all VC money went to women,” Williams shared via TikTok. “And when I first heard that, I actually thought it was a misquote. I thought, ‘Well, they can’t be real.’ Like, we’re talking about trillions of dollars, and what do you mean less than 2% of that goes to women?…I learned that when I first started investing, I learned that actually was true and that was something that was happening. And so I knew right then and there that one day I wanted to raise a fund or raise money and invest in women.” Under Williams’ mission, the breakdown of Serena Ventures’ investments is 79%...

Jul 11, 2024

Melissa Butler's The Lip Bar Becomes The Largest Black-Owned Makeup Company In Target

For those who take to the beauty section during their Target runs, there’s some Black history made within the aisles.

Feb 14, 2023

L’Oréal Unveils Device That Aims To Make Applying Makeup Easier For Those With Limited Mobility

L’Oréal is launching a new technology device that aims to help individuals with limited mobility apply makeup with ease.

Jan 5, 2023

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Files Trademark Signaling 'Virtual' Makeup And Haircare Could Soon Be Up For Grabs

Rihanna is in full business mode! Just last week, AfroTech reported that the mogul is reportedly working with advisers on an initial public offering for Savage X Fenty this year, which would bring its valuation to $3 billion or more. Now, she’s said to be taking her empire to the metaverse. Rihanna has filed for a Fenty trademark through Roraj Trade LLC, Boardroom reports. The announcement comes in from trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Law, who broke the news via Twitter. “Rihanna has filed a new trademark application indicating that she will offer “virtual” cosmetics and hair care products under her FENTY brand. Coming to a virtual world near you soon…” he wrote. Rihanna has filed a new trademark application indicating that she will offer "virtual" cosmetics and hair care products under her FENTY brand. Coming to a virtual world near you soon… #Rihanna https://t.co/PhTqfi4jFu — Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) March 15, 2022  

Mar 16, 2022

Starbucks’ DEI Policies Led To ‘More Female And Less White’ Workforce, Lawsuit Says

Starbucks is at the center of a lawsuit for alleged discrimination related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies . On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, filed a lawsuit claiming that the Seattle, WA-based coffee chain enforces “race-and-sex-based hiring practices” and unlawfully segregates employees in violation of anti-discrimination laws, according to a news release. Since taking office for a second term on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders to dismantle federal DEI initiatives. “As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to protect Missourians from a company that actively engages in systemic race and sex discrimination,” Bailey said. “Racism has no place in Missouri. We’re filing suit to halt this blatant violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act in its tracks.” Bailey said the initiatives have led to a “more female and less white” workforce and forced Missouri consumers to “pay...

Feb 13, 2025

Judge Has Change Of Heart, Affirms T.I. And Tiny Will Receive $71M Award From Their OMG Girlz Lawsuit

A judge is no longer considering retracting a multi-million-dollar award that rapper T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris were to receive from a lawsuit. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the couple sued children’s toy company MGA Entertainment Inc. for infringing upon the name, image, and likeness of their girl group, OMG Girlz. The group was created by T.I. and Tiny in 2009 and includes members Bahja Rodriguez (Miss Beauty), Breaunna Womack (Miss Babydoll), and their daughter Zonnique Pullins (Miss Star). Known for their colorful hair, makeup, and fashion looks, the group peaked in 2012 with their singles “Where The Boys At?” and “Gucci This (Gucci That).” MGA Entertainment Inc. released its ‘L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. (Outrageous Millennial Girls) Dolls in 2019, earning hundreds of millions of dollars in the process, and was recognized with the Toy Association’s Doll of the Year Award, notes American Bar Association (ABA). Some of its dolls, however, had closely resembled the OMG Girlz...

Feb 4, 2025

Op-Ed: The Less Opportunity There Is To Go Around, The More People Blame It On DEI

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has been in the spotlight since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, in 2020, which millions of people witnessed via social media. That reminded me of how the civil rights movement didn’t spark real change until people saw the violence against protestors broadcast directly into their homes. Similarly, in 2020, many witnessed injustice unfold in real time on their phones. We can draw parallels between the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the events of the past five years. Just as some supported integration while others opposed it, there are divided views on DEI today. Gallup Inc. helps track public opinion on these issues over time. George Gallup founded the American Institute of Public Opinion, the precursor to Gallup. In 1935, they conducted their first political public opinion poll and have remained independent, never conducting surveys on behalf of...

Feb 4, 2025

Op-Ed: While TikTok's Ban In The US Is Delayed For 75 Days, Should You Be Building Your Platform On RedNote?

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Last week, the Chinese social app RedNote grew in popularity as a potential TikTok replacement . As TikTok users waited for the Supreme Court to rule on the ban, they quickly migrated to the platform. The app became number one in the Apple App Store, with thousands of American users joining. Users have mistakenly referred to RedNote as the Chinese version of TikTok, but the platform is more akin to Instagram. RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu in China, launched in 2013 as a shopping platform. Like many apps, it serves as a default search engine for content on makeup, fashion, travel, and lifestyle tips. Users can post photos and videos in a similar fashion to Instagram Reels and TikTok. The migration from TikTok to RedNote has become a protest statement in the wake of the U.S. government’s ban on TikTok. Initially, calls to ban the app began with President Donald Trump in 2020 before being passed...

Jan 21, 2025

Journalist Reflects On Interaction With Abandoned Meta AI Bot, Liv, Who Was Cosplaying As A 'Proud Black Queer Momma Of 2'

Corporations are still advancing technologies without ensuring diverse perspectives are represented at the table. Inconsistencies have surfaced regarding a now-abandoned technology from Meta. As AFROTECH previously reported, in September 2023, Meta launched an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that allowed users to retrieve information “in real time,” accompanied by images relevant to prompts. The bots also adopted the likenesses of several well-known personalities, including Snoop Dogg, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul. “Our journey with AIs is just beginning, and it’s not just about building AIs that only answer questions,” the company stated at the time. “We’ve been creating AIs that have more personality, opinions, and interests, and are more fun to interact with. Along with Meta AI, there are 28 more AIs that you can message on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. You can think of these AIs as a new cast of characters, all with unique backstories.” During the test run for the AI...

Jan 9, 2025

How Marc Andreessen's 'Whole Self' Philosophy Can Help You Strike A Healthy Work/Life Balance

The concept of work/life balance has been a significant sticking point in the social consciousness for years now, especially highlighted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and beyond. For some working individuals, going above and beyond seems to be the only way to feel valued at work, while others argue that they’re only willing to offer minimum performance for minimum payment . The value of hard work has long been a topic of debate, sparking discussions among young professionals and seasoned industry leaders alike—from boardrooms to online forums and beyond. Most recently, American tech mogul Marc Andreessen weighed in, introducing his argument for keeping the so-called “full self” out of the office. To understand the breadth of Andreessen’s comments, we’ll have to briefly unpack what it means to present your full self, dive into the collective opinion on American workplace values, and study industry trends in both social and professional spaces. It’s unlikely that we’ll...

Dec 2, 2024

Victoria Monét Says Instead Of Splurging After A $150K Publishing Deal, She Opted To Self-Fund The Touring Side Of Her Career

Victoria Monét put her earnings from a publishing deal to good use, and it’s paying off. For more than a decade, the “Alright” singer has put time and dedication into the entertainment industry. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the Atlanta, GA, native developed a knack for performing as a pre-teen at a dance camp. This early experience sparked her interest in songwriting and motivated her to move to Los Angeles, CA. Since 2010, Monét has collaborated with prominent artists, putting pen to paper for talent such as Brandy Norwood (“Rather Be”), Chloe x Halle (“Do It”), and Ariana Grande (“Thank U, Next”), USA Today reports. Investing Into Her Dreams While creating hits for other artists, she was also in the process of cultivating her fanbase. At one point, she described herself as a “struggling songwriter,” but her early belief in success inspired her to invest more deeply into her craft. However, she encountered several learning curves, including vocal production and engineering....

Oct 22, 2024

REFORM Alliance And Jay-Z's Roc Nation Connect Over 2K Job Seekers With Thousands Of Employment Opportunities At Virginia Job Fair

REFORM Alliance and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation joined forces Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, by hosting a job fair in Richmond, VA, that connected over 2,000 job seekers with more than 1,500 open positions. The free event focused on removing employment barriers for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system , particularly those on probation or parole, according to a press release. Participants had access to a diverse range of 36 employers, including major national brands like Amazon, Starbucks, and Foot Locker , alongside local businesses from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The job fair also featured numerous state and local government agencies, such as the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State University, and the City of Richmond. Jessica S., who was recently released from incarceration, interviewed with both Amazon and Foot Locker and received invitations for second-round interviews. “It’s been a struggle to find work...

Oct 21, 2024

RuPaul Net Worth: How Much Has the Drag Icon Earned?

RuPaul Andre Charles, widely known as RuPaul , is a trailblazer in the world of drag and entertainment. As a drag queen, actor, singer, and television personality, RuPaul has made an indelible mark on popular culture. He rose to fame with his hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work)” in the 1990s and solidified his place as an LGBTQ+ icon through his Emmy Award-winning show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Over the years, RuPaul has become synonymous with drag culture, using his platform to promote inclusivity and self-expression. RuPaul’s Net Worth In 2024 As of 2024, RuPaul’s estimated net worth is around 80 million dollars. RuPaul has amassed his wealth through a diverse range of income streams, including television, music, endorsements, and entrepreneurship. His savvy business moves and consistent presence in the entertainment industry have made him one of the wealthiest personalities in showbiz. Sources Of Income Television And ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ RuPaul’s most significant source of income...

Oct 11, 2024