70 www.blackeoejournal.com Black EOE Journal
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
T
he National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. Through the Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi), NGLCC is proud to be committed to racial justice and equity year-round, and to provide business development resources and exclu- sive networking opportunities to Black entre- preneurs around the nation. We spoke to four Black LGBTQ business owners about their entrepreneurial journeys, their involvement with NGLCC and CoCi, and what makes their businesses unique. We encourage you to learn more about these businesses below, and to engage and network with the powerhouses behind them!
Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
By Sarah Jester
and personal necessities. Founded by Braxton Fleming, Stealth Bros & Co provides innova- tive, convenient and stylish injectable storage for the transgender community, diabetic indi- viduals, IVF recipients and other communities in need. I've filled a void within our community by providing safe, neat and discreet options to hold all medication/personal needs along with revolutionizing how sharps are disposed, right at home or on-the-go! Fleming told NGLCC. Stealth Bros & Co's mission is to make their clientele feel safe, neat and discreet with their products all while being able to express themselves as individuals. The company seeks to transform the lives of individuals who are taking their daily, weekly or bi-weekly inject- ables, helping them to feel comfortable wher- ever they are. Fleming joined the NGLCC for business development guidance, as well as to grow his LGBT business community. Joining NGLCC has ultimately changed my life, Fleming said. The phenomenal net- working opportunities and access to corporate supplier learning programs has taken my busi- ness to the next level in many ways. It's like having a business family in your back pocket for whatever your business needs; you can always reach out to someone and get honest feedback and if someone doesnt know they
Kosibah
is an elevated couture brand specializing in bridal and eveningwear under the direction of acclaimed designer Yemi Osunkoya. I design and create custom dresses for wed- dings and special occasions as well as a line of luxury loungewear I developed over the lock- on Instagram and Facebook (@yemikosi- bah), Pinterest (@kosibah) or LinkedIn (@ yemiosunkoya).
Stealth Bros & Co
is a luxury Dopp kit supply company that provides travel and at-home personal storage for both medical down period, Osunkoya told NGLCC. Osunkoya was classically trained in London and is well-versed in old school couture tech- niques. This skillset allows him to create dresses from scratch that are attuned to indi- vidual body measurements, therefore helping Kosibah to be inclusive of all body types. Osunkoya obtained certification for his business to expand his network following his relocation to New York from London. I found it great to be connected to the com- munity during lockdown and support over the last year, he said. It always buoys up my spirits to have the support of the community behind me. As a Nigerian-British gay man in NYC, I am excited for the possibilities the future holds through connections and collabo- rations with other NGLCC members. Connect with Kosibah on social media
COURTESY OF KOSIBAH
Yemi Osunkoya, founder and lead designer of Kosibah
COURTESY OF STEALTH BROS & CO
Braxton Fleming, founder of Stealth Bros & Co
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