Neilly's Rice Mixes
Originally from Cameroon in Africa, Neilly's owner, Julie Ndjee, started the company from a working mother's need to feed her family. Creating quick, healthy meals from all natural, low sodium and wholesome ingredients was her mission. The focus was to craft delicious flavors of the world with Afro-Caribbean iinfluence. In 2012, with her husband Albert the company was born, and named after their daughter Neilly.
Sylvia's
Sylvia Woods opened a restaurant 50 years ago in Harlem and was known as the Queen of Soul Food. Sylvia authored two cook books and the secret recipes that made her Harlem restaurant famous are available for great soul food at home. Sylvia's brand is soul food made simple with fry and baking mixes, vegetables, and seasonings.
Sadie's Relish
Growing up, Mercedes Wilson's grandmother canned something they all called Cha Cha Relish and with a little help from her father, she recreated the recipe. Since then she has made it for all of her friends and family to try and they fell in love with it too! The relish that you see in stores today, is that exact relish - the one inspired by her grandmother that was loved by so many.
Boss Sauce
The sauce was created by Eddie Harris, the owner of American Specialty Manufacturing Company, Inc., and was based on a secret family recipe that was handed down for several generations. It was originally served at Eddie's Chicken Coop, which opened in 1981 in Rochester, NY, and became an instant success. Now you can prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing, sweet, spicy, hot or mild Gourmet After-Sauce that surpasses all others at home!
Skincare Essentials by Jill
Skincare Essentials by Jill, located in Cheektowaga, NY, began for Jill's daughter who was born with infant eczema. Wanting a natural product, Jill, a nurse by trade, developed her own natural special shea butter. Since the success of that product, she now has 14 plus items and many alternatives for people with skin sensitivities.
Golden Cup
Larry Stitts, the found of the Golden Cup in Buffalo, NY, discovered his passion for the coffee business when he traveled to Africa and saw the beauty and work behind creating an ideal cup of coffee. "I enjoy everything about the process, from selecting beans to creating the perfect roast. I simply wanted to create and share a perfect cup of coffee with the world."
Bronner Bros
Bronner Bros. was founded in 1947 by Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr. and his brother Arthur E. Bronner, Sr. Today Bronner Bros. is headed by second-generation Chairman Bernard Bronner which produces the BB brand of hair care products including African Royale, Tropical Roots and Bronner Bros. Professional. The 75-year-old company also produces the world's largest multicultural beauty show.
Hella Bitters
In 2012, Jomaree Pinkard became the Co-Founder and CEO of craft cocktail company, Hella Cocktail Co. In eight years, he and his partners have grown a hobby into a nationally distributed premium-quality food manufacturer to make it easier and more accessible to craft delicious drinks at home or behind the bar. Hella Bitters serves a curated portfolio of cocktailing options rooted in the pursuit of bold flavors like Mexican Chocolate, Orange, and Aromatic Extract.
Nikki's Chocolates
Jannell Easton is the owner of an up and coming one-stop-shop dessert and catering business called Nikki's Chocolates WNY. Although the name suggests chocolates, she also specializes in custom cakes and cookies. After working in a corporate environment for 12 years on a thriving management team, she realized her true passion is making delicious desserts. "Using my creative talents doesn't feel like work". Taste the love in all of her sweets made in Buffalo, NY.
Najah
Najah, which means "success" in Bisharo Ali's native tongue, came to life when friends and family would compliment her sauce recipe. Starting in local farmer's markets, this Somali-American small business continues to grow with the mission to share new cultural tastes and healthy options with a wider audience.
Zandra Beauty
Growing up in Buffalo, Zandra Cunningham always wanted to start her own business. Since she was barely nine years old, she has been passionate about developing natural skincare products. She had been looking for a lip balm that was moderately sweet and sticky, and she made her own after failing to find what she was looking for. Her passion for business continued to grow and so did a full line of plant-based skincare that is now available world-wide.