In celebration of Minority Business Opportunity Week, a panel of Atlanta-based Black women business owners shared their wisdom and insights with students at Booker T. Washington High School during the Student Business Seminar.
This seminar was designed to highlight the importance of elevating and supporting minority-owned businesses and showcase each entrepreneur’s personal journey alongside the successes and challenges of business ownership.
The event was just one of several programs at Atlanta Public Schools (APS) that recognized minority businesses during the annual celebration, held Sept. 12-19.
This year’s panelists included Benjamin E. Mays High School alumna Tanisha Benjamin, owner of Primal Instincts Cosmetics and Primal Skincare; Grady High School alumna Lea Davis, owner of Sankofa Essentials; and Tahra Clarke, a licensed nail artist and owner of ArtistryATL Salon Studio.
“This was absolutely amazing for me because I want to be in a position where I’m able to share the knowledge that I’m learning and acquiring at this point in my life,” Benjamin said. “What a phenomenal opportunity to speak with young people and learn more about them and what they’re interested in, and for them to learn about what I do as well.”
Brent Bailey, Coordinator of Supplier Diversity in the Office of Equity + Social Justice, first established the seminar in 2023 to highlight the importance of exposing and connecting students to entrepreneurs who live in their community. This year, Bailey shared that students wanted to learn more about the beauty industry and hear from entrepreneurs who represent the types of careers and businesses they’re interested in pursuing.
“This was an important event because business owners were able to provide great advice to students, especially if they want to start a business or start a career,” Bailey noted. “Our panelists provided excellent advice that students can use in the future.”
During the panel discussion, each entrepreneur provided insights on everything from building your dream and understanding financial literacy, to researching, expanding services, and reinvesting in your business. Students were also able to ask questions and network with each of the business owners.
Clarke discussed how she turned her passion for doing nails into a business when she moved to Atlanta from Delaware in 2021.
“The youth of our generation now have the possibility to be whatever, whoever, and do whatever they want. Being here is a way to show others what can be done when you follow your dreams, and you lead with your passion.”
Marcie Wynn, special events coordinator and College Success teacher at Washington High School, helped identify students who attended the event. She noted that last year’s event was a resounding success and was eager for other scholars to participate. At the time, many students had started businesses and needed guidance and advice, while others were curious about how to launch their own businesses.
“If students see someone who looks like them, it makes the impossible possible,” Wynn said.
Sophomore Tache’ Auman was inspired by listening to the speakers. During the seminar, she received a booklet to help create her own business marketing plan.
“It was encouraging and engaging to hear them speak and talk about their businesses,” said Auman who dreams of starting her own hair and lash business one day. “I would love to participate again and learn more from people in different careers.”
“They gave us really good information about their businesses,” agreed Zaniya Grogan, a senior, who also wants to start her own lash business. “I took tips from all three ladies.”
In addition to the Student Business Seminar, Minority Business Week also featured a Student Entrepreneur Expo, vendor fair featuring minority and women-owned businesses, and a virtual Supplier Diversity training session on how to successfully partner and do business with Atlanta Public Schools. The district also hosted a How to Do Business Seminar in partnership with Morehouse College, in which local business owners were invited to learn about business practices within APS.