Closing Out Women's History Month

As Women’s History Month closes, let’s take a look at three more Black Women-Owned Businesses you may not know about.

Maya’s Cookies

Founded in 2015 by Maya Madsen, Maya's Cookies is America's #1 Black-Owned Gourmet Vegan Cookie Company. As a vegan with a sweet tooth, she had not been able to find that perfectly delicious, soft-baked gourmet vegan cookie, so she spent years crafting her award-winning and crowd-pleasing recipes. From the classic to unique and forward-thinking flavors such as "Chocolate Chip S'mores" and "Marble Fudge", every flavor has a story grounded in Maya's travels, memories, and experiences. Alongside providing the highest quality product that appeals to everyone, Maya's Cookies is committed to superior customer service and community engagement, with a focus on youth and underserved communities. Maya's Cookies ships nationwide. https://www.mayascookies.com/

Aslina Wines by Ntsiki Biyela

Ntsiki Biyela grew up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, and upon completing high school, spent a year as a domestic worker. In 1999, she was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

After graduating in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology), she joined boutique winery Stellekaya as their winemaker. But, Ntsiki wanted to create her own wines. That desire grew following a collaboration with Californian winemaker, Helen Kiplinger, as part of Mika Bulmash’s Wine for the World initiative.

Ntsiki and Aslina Wines have won numerous awards and accolades, including being recognized as one of the 2023 "Food & Wine" Drinks Innovators of the Year. https://www.aslinawines.com/

Redd Rose Vodka

Taylor Redd is the founder of Redd Rose Vodka, a brand that celebrates women in the spirits industry. With a background in law and nine years of experience as a bartender, Taylor combined her expertise in legal affairs and spirits to create a brand that is both unique and empowering.

After graduating from law school, Taylor worked in the legal industry before discovering her passion for bartending. She worked in various bars and restaurants, learning about the spirits industry which led Taylor to create Redd Rose Vodka, a brand that celebrates the hard work and contributions of women in the spirits industry. The brand's name, Redd Rose, is a nod to Taylor's surname, as well as a symbol of feminine strength and beauty. https://www.reddrosevodka.com/

Upcoming U.S. Events

Black Food Truck Festival | April 21-23, 2023 | Charleston, SC

 https://www.blackfoodtruckfestival.com/

Soul Vegan Festival | April 22nd, 2023 | Miami Beach

https://soulveganfestival.com/

Richmond African American Book Festival - Celebrating African Americans contributions to literature, books, literacy, and the literary culture. Saturday, April 15 in Richmond, VA

Experience the Thrill of Derby Day: Celebrating the Black Godfathers of Horse Racing!

On May 6th, 2023, join us for an unforgettable celebration of the Black men who dominated the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing in its early years.

Derby Day: Celebrating the Black Godfathers of Horse Racing will take place at Maymont's 1000 Westover in Richmond, VA, where you'll experience the excitement and glamour of the most prestigious horse racing event while honoring the legacy of Black pioneers in the sport.

But why should you purchase tickets to this historic event?

For one, you'll be supporting a worthy cause. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Historic Brookland Park Collective, which aims to strengthen the Historic Brookland Park Area by identifying, connecting, equipping, and supporting neighborhood leaders to identify crime, a lack of social trust, youth unemployment and blight.

But more importantly, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the incredible history of Black jockeys and horsemen in Thoroughbred horse racing, and honor the contributions of trailblazers like Oliver Lewis, Isaac Murphy, and Jimmy Winkfield, who made history by winning the Kentucky Derby in the late 1800s.

Dress in your Derby finest, enjoy a cigar in the courtyard or on the VIP patio. Try your hand at the Blackjack table and celebrate the day with signature cocktails, good food and entertainment.

Purchase your tickets now and join us on May 6th for a day of celebration, excitement, and unforgettable memories at Derby Day: Celebrating the Black Godfathers of Horse Racing!  blackfoodandspirits.com