Sometimes we need to be encouraged and sometimes we need to encourage. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our greatness and other times we need to share our greatness. No matter what stage of life, we have value and we can also reimagine our dreams, elevate our minds to greatness, and believe that the possibilities don’t have to be limited or shut down because of where we are or how begin.
Even in our competitive society, we have so many WOC in businesses that seem to show resemblance to each other’s gifts and talents. However, we realize that not every cake, book, artist, musician, etc. are the same. In fact, it’s because of the diversity of gifts, talents, culture, family, and Yes, traumatic experiences that makes each business different.
Here at W2WTalk, we value and celebrate WOC who have the courage and the audacity to start, maintain, and share their experiences, hope, and strength with others, regardless of what stage of execution their business is in.
Check out these WOC and be encouraged to step out of your comfort zones and be the Boss, you were meant to be.
Shavonne Randolph
W2WT: Who are you and where are you from?
Shavonne: My name is Shavonne Randolph aka @vivala_vonnie. I’m the owner of Glam Girl Waxing and Glam Girl things and accessories. I am from West Philly. I have 2 amazing children and a very supportive husband.
W2WT: Tell us about the time when you knew it was time to start your own business?
Shavonne: 6 years ago I was working hard at two jobs, I was exhausted all the time and I wasn’t able to spend the time I wanted with my son. I felt so much guilt by being away from home all the time but I had to work to provide the best life for my son. That’s when I knew either I could keep working for someone else or take control of my life and become a Boss. I started out selling loungewear and lingerie to selling gift baskets. Now I own Glam Girl Waxing and Glam Girl Things and accessories both lucrative and up and on the rise! I’m proud and thankful every day that I made the decision to start my own business and I advocate for other people to do so too.
W2WT: What is that special piece that you bring that makes you and what you do stand out?
Shavonne: I make each visit at my body wax studio an enjoyable experience, by remembering the small things about my clients, making sure they leave with the knowledge to care for their skin and hair growth, after they visit with me, and being relatable. I’m not just a wax technician I’m also a listening ear with no judgment just an overall pleasant experience.
Charisma Bruce Price
W2WT: Who are you and what is it that you do?
Charisma: My name is Charisma Bruce Price aka Rizzy Real. I was born and raised in North Philadelphia and as my mother’s only child I always found a way to entertain myself which is why I developed a love for art, music, and drama. As a teen, the love of music caused me to embrace hip hop culture and through hip hop dance. I am the mother of 3 children and 1 recent grandson Noah, who I adore. I also worked as a plus-size model, but my main passion is for hip-hop culture.
I was a writer for local magazines and also became the assistant to the editor and chief Ogbonna Hagins of Philly Word Magazine. Later, I became a Radio Personality for Philly Hott Radio and then launched a magazine called Live and Direct Magazine as the Editor and Chief with Eric Thompson. I’m also an actress and have appeared in several stage plays locally most notably a play called “Reclamation” at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center. Currently, I work as a Homecare Administrator responsible for all aspects of operations for a homecare company in Delaware County. I’m also a co-host for a podcast called “The Philly Street Poet Real Talk Podcast” which airs weekly on YouTube and Facebook every Friday. Finally, stay tuned because I’m acting in an upcoming Web Series called Intertwined
W2WT: Tell us about a time when you experienced hardship but made it through?
Charisma: In 2020, I suffered a heart attack and even though my health had declined, I persevered by still going back briefly to assist Live and Direct Media Group and consulted on show production and development so the passion never left. I believe it was my love for hip-hop culture and my determination to not give up, even when it looked bad. I honestly am a woman of my word and I’m also hands-on. So, I basically needed to be doing what I love to do and made it part of my healing process.
W2WT: What is that special part about your life that makes you smile no matter what’s going on or where you may be in life?
Charisma: I credit God for my health and for giving me a second chance at life. I am 51 years young and my life is renewed and more important than ever. In my spare time, I love singing at Karaoke, cooking, DIY crafting, and spending time with my 3 sons and my 8-month-old grandson Noah who is the apple of my eye. Although my life has come with compromises, setbacks, and losses, I can say that my love for family and hip-hop culture will make me smile every time.
Mrs. Torry Hannibal
W2WT: Who are you and where are you from?
Torry: Hi, my name is Torry Hannibal, I was born and raised in Philadelphia Pa.
W2WT: Tell us about a time when you knew it was time to start your own business?
Torry: I always wanted to start my own business, but I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought maybe I’d open a child care center or a coffee shop. It wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I started my banana pudding business. I needed some extra money to help with some bills. My husband suggested that I sell my banana pudding since it tastes so good and everybody likes it so much. I have been making banana pudding for a long time, but only for family dinners and special holidays. Now I’ve turned it into a business. I make more than the classic banana pudding.
‘Oh! Puddin’ has several flavors. My strawberry crunch is one of the big ones that I sell the most but as I expand you can expect to taste more of what ‘Oh! Puddin will be whipping up just for you.
Stay tuned because I also like the idea of being a travel agent. I recently wrote an ebook on traveling to Disney World.
W2WT: What is that special piece that you bring that makes you and what you do stand out?
Torry: For me, the fact that I already have people loving my pudding motivated me to make it for them. So, why not get paid by opening up a business and sharing my gifts and talents. The special piece is that I love baking and the smiles from my customers. I love to see people’s faces light up. They say Torry you put your foot into this. What makes me stand out is I put my twist on it. I put love in it. God has placed this business on my heart so no one can take it away from me. I’m doing it because I want to give back. I want to be that person if someone needs something and I have the money to give or if someone just needs a favor that I’m there as a financial resource to others. Also what makes me stand out is my variety of flavors, my presentations are good, the #1 thing is that “Oh! Puddin’ tastes great and will have you ready to smack somebody, or at least make you close your eyes and think about grandma’s kitchen.
Dayji Moore
W2WT: Who are you and where are you from?
Dayji: My name is Dayji Moore, I’m from Philadelphia. I am an acrylic painter, Biologist, and aspiring toy manufacturer.
My art Instagram is @dayjis_space_
W2WT: Tell us about a time when you knew it was time to start your own business?
Dayji: My current venture entails me providing custom portraits for my clients. I started selling my works about 1.5 years ago but it all started with me painting various types of beauty within the black community. I thought about how society often rejected or ignored “unconventional” features, so I sought to highlight them through my artwork! I paint people who have freckles, curly hair, locs, rich chocolate skin, extremely fair skin, and much more. I want my collections to inspire acceptance of all of the kinds of beauty that black people possess.
W2WT: What is that special piece that you bring that makes you and what you do stand out?
Dayji: I think my entire portfolio of work makes me stand out! I’ve gotten my portraits of celebrities such as Tabitha Brown, and beauty influencers from all over the world! I’d like to think that my depiction of diversity is my niche! I hope to one day reflect that same celebration of our differences in my line of toys! I’m in development now, so keep an eye out for Melting Pot Toys LLC.!
