Women's Matters

Women Trailblazers and Pathmakers

The Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition members left to right Diane C. Bailey; Diane De Costa; Erin H. Maybin; and Natasha Gaspard. Photo Credit: Gantry Studios

BKLYN Commons and NYBeauty Suites Celebrate

by Keith L. Forest
In celebration of Women’s History Month, BKLYN Commons in association with NYBeauty Suites hosted a festive soiree recently celebrating all things women.

The gathering took place at BKLYN Commons’ latest venture – Common Ground Marketplace – a collaborative, community-based weekend popup where local makers and creators come together to shop, grow, and learn.

Pictured, left to right – NYC Councilwoman Farah Louis; Ritha Pierre; NYC Councilwoman Rita Joseph; Dale Charles; and Johanne Brierre. Photo Credit: Gantry Studios

Hosted by Johanne Brierre, CEO of BKLYN Commons — a coworking space and collaborative innovation hub (bklyncommons.com), and Founder of NYBeauty Suites, state-of-the-art rental space for beauty professionals (nybeautysuites.com), the event included a festive cocktail reception featuring home-blended, crafted cocktails from Hibiscus Brew, a local café owned and operated by Allison Dunn.

It also included hors d’oeuvres and treats from women-owned or managed eateries Makina Café, 2 Girls and a Cookshop, and Brie on the Chrisme.

The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony honoring wellness and beauty-preneurs. New York City Councilwomen Rita Joseph and Farah Louis presented citations in recognition of the contributions of these remarkable women in their chosen fields.

Honorees included: Shantini Alleyne-Cooper, Niara Mullings, Samantha Frank-Beckford, Marissia Malcolm, Kerryann Bertrand Ashley Taylor, Dede Dia, and Virhonjeale “Vee” Sheridan-Matteson. In addition, citations were received from NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie and New York State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham.

Councilwoman Farah Louis, on behalf of Assemblyman Cunningham, presented a special recognition to the Natural Hairstyle and Braiding Coalition.

With a mission to elevate the art and science of natural hair and braiding (while providing safe options for chemical-free services through advocacy & activism; ethical education; business development; and community health & safety), the Natural Hairstyle & Braiding Coalition (NHBC), has helped pass legislation that empowers, uplifts the natural hair care industry. In attendance to accept the honors were Founders Diane C. Bailey, Diane De Costa, Erin H. Maybin, and Natasha Gaspard.

Brierre along with City Councilwomen Joseph and Louis also recognized some unsung community heroes in the industry. Dale Charles, Executive Director of Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, and Ritha Pierre, Law Professional and Media Entrepreneur received flowers for supporting black and women owned businesses.

The Business Reimagined Panel included Moderator Kela Walker; Kelly Ifill, Founder/CEO Guava Financial Services; May Bowman, Founder/CEO Official Black Wall Street; Kahlilah Webster, Co-Founder/Managing Partner, VMVP Accelerator, Inc.; Tanyette Colon, Founder/CEO In-FUUSE; Keisha Hickson, CEO, Hickson Agency, Inc, along with Johanne Brierre, Founder/CEO BKLYN Commons & NYBeauty Suites. Photo Credit: Gantry Studios

In addition to the award ceremony and cocktail reception, media partner Ellements Magazine unveiled its latest cover with Common Ground Marketplace founders Johanne Brierre, Samantha Frank-Beckford, Angel Yang and Allison Dunn.

The evening ended with a live panel discussion entitled “Business Reimagined: Pioneering Pathways for Tomorrow.”

Moderated by Kela Walker, the panelists included Mandy Bowman, Founder/CEO, Official Black Wall Street; Tanyette Colon, Founder/CEO, In-FUUSE; Keisha Hickson, CEO, Hickson Agency, Inc.; Kelly Ifill, Founder/CEO, Guava Financial Services; Kahlilah Webster, Co-Founder/Managing Partner, MVP Accelerator, Inc.