am·pli·fy : to increase the strength or amount of; to make larger or greater
Over the past few months, one of our main focuses has been to amplify the voices of Black women around the world. With a diverse community of our own, we reached out to you on Instagram to share YOUR favorite Black, female-owned small businesses that you know and love!
This is part of an incredible round-up series featuring some of these women and small businesses that you can support online now and in the future…in so many different industries from skincare products, to podcasters, fashionistas, foodies, accountants, and more!
Our mission has always been to empower women to chase after their entrepreneurial dreams – and now more than ever, it’s time to amplify our support for our Black community. Plus, it’s just one small way we can all do our part towards bridging the gap and supporting small!
So without further adieu, here are six incredible Black, female entrepreneurs who have turned their passions into a successful fitness brand!
Get ready to support Black women and get fit while doin’ it…
Jillian Carter | Founder of Sidebarre
Business:
Sidebarre: A high intensity, low impact full body workout barre studio in Washington, DC.
About the Founder:
Jillian is a former pointe ballerina. She loves the color coral, honey smacks cereal, side crunches, and Jay-Z!
Quote:
“With a mission of inclusivity, we wanted to create a space where all feel welcome” — Jillian
Online Classes:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Sidebarre teaches a weekly class where 100% of the proceeds are donated to an organization supporting their local community. Not only do they donate all proceeds, but they also match every dollar contributed!
Koya Webb | Founder of Get Loved Up
Business:
Get Loved Up: A yoga and holistic health school offering yoga teacher trainings across the world and online.
About the Founder:
Koya is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, personal trainer, holistic health and wellness coach, author, motivational speaker, and professional fitness model!
Quote:
“You are meant to shine in the light and the darkness. Like the sun and the moon, you are here to bless the world with your brilliance.” — Koya
Online Training:
- 100 Hr Online Yoga Teacher Training
- 200 Hr Online Yoga Teacher Training
- 300 Hr Online Yoga Teacher Training
Instagram:
What We Love:
Get Loved Up aims to teach people how to love themselves, love others, and love our planet!
Ellen + Lana Ector | Founders of Gymnetics Fitness
Business:
Gymnetics Fitness: A private Atlanta-based fitness studio offering personalized nutritional advice, customized weight loss programs, and eight different fitness regimes.
About the Founders:
Ellen and Lana are a mother-and-daughter fitness duo!
Ellen has over twenty years of nutrition and training experience. She relocated to Atlanta, Georgia from Ohio in 2000 and has competed in over 400 competitive road races and several triathlons. One of her proudest moments is being honored by the state of Georgia for creating a walking program for adults with disabilities.
Lana is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who specializes in weight loss and group training. As a college athlete, she participated in a number of fitness competitions that transitioned into her work as a fitness instructor and trainer to Atlanta’s elite.
Quote:
“Stop thinking of what could go wrong and start thinking of what could go right! Chose to wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen. Make the best of today and whatever you do, take some YOU time at some point today to invest in bettering yourself!” — Ellen
Online Classes:
- ECTORcise #TheChallenge Vol. 1
- Black Girls Workout, Too! #Quarantine15 Challenge
- Black Girls Workout, Too! Total Body Revolution!
Instagram:
What We Love:
You can tune into their Instagram Live for daily workouts featuring Gymnetics Fitness trainers and special celebrity guest trainers!
Jeanette Jenkins | Founder of The Hollywood Trainer Club
Business:
The Hollywood Trainer Club: A virtual healthy living and weight loss club with everything you need to lose weight, get in shape and make healthy living a lifetime habit!
About the Founder:
Jeanette was raised by a single mother, and fitness is what kept her focused. She considered sports her safe haven while learning the value of discipline and teamwork as it instilled self confidence and a “can do” attitude in her.
She is now considered one of Hollywood’s most sought after healthy living coaches with over 28 years of experience. Her list of celebrity clientele past and present is extensive and includes P!nk, Alicia Keys, Bebe Rexha, Mindy Kaling, Shonda Rhimes, Octavia Spencer, Tia Mowry, Amber Rose, Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams, Terrence Jenkins, Chris Bosh, Bryant Mckinnie, Shawn Johnson, Carmelita Jeter and many more!
Quote:
“My mission is to help everyone find the athlete inside them and enjoy the amazing benefits of healthy living!” — Jeanette
Online Classes:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Jeanette benefited from social and community services as a child and now dedicates her time and support to several non-profit organizations!
Angela Jennings | Co-Founder of BOOMBOX Boxing Club
Business:
BOOMBOX Boxing Club: A boutique fitness studio in Washington, DC offering music-driven, boxing-inspired group fitness classes featuring high-intensity rounds on the Aqua Training Bag, functional strength and bodyweight training, and heart-pounding playlists!
About the Co-Founder:
Angela co-founded BOOMBOX with her partner Reggie Smith on their love for boxing, music and community. They’re both finance professionals by day and fitness enthusiasts by night!
Quote:
“Our mission is to empower and inspire, while making the health benefits of boxing-inspired training accessible to all fitness levels and backgrounds.” — Angela
Online Classes:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Angela met her business partner on a Tinder date. Rather than turning into a romantic relationship, they bonded over their love for fitness and eventually decided to open a fitness facility together.
Ana Ogbueze | Founder of NC Dance District
Business:
NC Dance District: A hip hop dance studio and performance company in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering dance programs as well as industry training for both recreational and professional dancers.
About the Founder:
Ana is a woman of many talents — former NBA dancer, actress, voice over talent, producer, graphic designer, music mixer, and choreographer.
Quote:
“Because of Dance District, I know my purpose in life is to enrich the lives of others through my gift of dance.” — Ana
Online Class:
Instagram:
What We Love:
NC Dance District’s mission is to create countless opportunities for local dancers to live out their dreams!
