According to TRBusiness, six small, women-owned businesses based in New York will now have a new home at Terminal 8 (T8) due to a $125 million redevelopment program. They were selected through an accelerator program launched by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports.
The chosen entrepreneurs were also offered adaptable deal structures and smaller storefront spaces to minimize entry hurdles and lower design expenses.
“Helping local businesses access concessions opportunities at Terminal 8 is an asset for our passengers, who will enjoy products unique to New York that are made and sold by local artisans and vendors,” said Dominic Lowe, US chief operating officer of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, per TRBusiness. “These six local women bring the energy and enthusiasm of a small business owner to Terminal 8 while offering one-of-a-kind products, which are made right here in New York.”
Lowe added, “Working with the Port Authority, the Institute of Concessions, and American Airlines, we designed these opportunities with a support system to help businesses thrive.”
Among the six new businesses launching at JFK, three are led by Black women, as highlighted below.
Several Black women-owned businesses are making their way to JFK airport.
According to TRBusiness, six small, women-owned businesses based in New York will now have a new home at Terminal 8 (T8) due to a $125 million redevelopment program.
Amerrah Danielson
(Beautiful Amore Skincare)
Queens, NY native and Institute of Concessions graduate Amerrah Danielson wants her plant-based skincare brand, Beautiful Amore Skincare, to become a household name. She is now one step closer.
“This achievement is a testament to the strength of small businesses, especially Black-owned and woman-owned ventures, and the impact we can make when given the chance to thrive…and to my family, my team, and my community—this moment is ours. Thank you for standing by me, for believing in me, and for being the reason I can turn this dream into reality. Together, we are building a legacy of love, resilience, and natural wellness that will inspire generations to come,” Danielson wrote on Instagram.
Gracia Clery-Leonce
(Bevo’s Kitchen)
Next on the lineup is another native of Queens, NY. Gracia Clery-Leonce is a clinical laboratory scientist turned entrepreneur who developed a variety of food options that reflect her commitment to promoting healthier living.
“With JFK in my backyard, I always wanted to get my products into the airport, so this is a dream come true,” she explained to TRBusiness. “Eating healthy while traveling is challenging, especially for plant-based travelers, and I want to change that. I want to teach the world the importance of a healthy lifestyle via good healthy eating habits, and what better way than to interact with passengers from around the globe.”
Dr. Roxanne Lord Marcelle (Mother Earth Juice Bar)
Dr. Lord-Marcelle views her role at JFK Airport as a tremendous opportunity. In 2017, she founded Mother Earth Juice Bar, which also incorporates a wellness center to promote health and well-being.
Reflecting on her latest achievement, she expressed, “Opening up my business in the airport is a tremendous opportunity for me as an African-American woman from the Caribbean. “To be able to have a presence in T8 is an exciting milestone for my business especially, as a community leader who is dedicated to helping people get certified to operate in airports.”
Marcelle’s mission is to eradicate health and wealth disparities within the Black, Indigenous, and POC communities, according to a statement shared on Instagram.
Her products include pain oil, detox tea, and a power shot for sinus infections.
This article first appeared in AfroTech.