Founders

Anita Akinyemi

Anita Akinyemi is a proud wife, mother of three (including one angel), and a passionate entrepreneur. Formerly a physics teacher, she now dedicates her energy to redefining wardrobes through unique and sustainable fashion. At Vinti Trunk, Anita believes in the beauty of timeless fashion and caring for our planet. Each week on Instagram, she hosts live sales to showcase handpicked treasures that can transform wardrobes. In addition to running Vinti Trunk, Anita is also a dedicated Austin REALTOR®, helping families find their dream homes. Her diverse experiences and commitment to quality service shape everything she does. Join Anita on her journey and be part of the Vinti Trunk community.

Rhonda Daniels

Natural Radiant Life was created in 2020 by three friends looking for a way to bring clean, organic and vegan skincare to Women of Color. From that desire, Natural Radiant Life was born and provides 100% whole-food ingredient formulas that replace toxic chemicals in skincare and reduce the signs of aging and dry, dull skin. Let us help you find your glow with products that are "Nutrition for the Skin".

Melinda Herron

103 Collection is a pioneering eco-beauty brand founded in 2015 by Melinda Herron, a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to creating high-quality skincare products for sensitive skin. As a woman-owned business, 103 Collection stands out in the beauty industry by prioritizing natural ingredients and sustainability, making it a trusted choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Our brand is rooted in nature, focusing on the needs of individuals with sensitive skin. We understand the challenges faced by those with delicate skin and have developed a comprehensive range of products that are gentle, effective, and free from harmful chemicals. Our product line includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and more, all meticulously crafted to deliver visible results without compromising skin health. One of the unique aspects of 103 Collection is our commitment to innovation. We were the first to market with an AI-powered skin quiz, an advanced tool designed to personalize skincare routines for our customers. This innovative approach allows us to understand individual skin concerns better and recommend the most suitable products, enhancing the overall customer experience and satisfaction. Since our launch, we have sold over 40,000 units, a testament to the efficacy and popularity of our products. Our success can be attributed to our relentless pursuit of quality, our deep understanding of our customers' needs, and our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Every product we create is cruelty-free, vegan, and packaged in eco-friendly materials, reflecting our dedication to protecting the environment. Our retail partnerships have played a significant role in our growth and success. We are proud to be available in major retailers such as Target, Meijer, and Amazon, making our products accessible to a broader audience. These partnerships have not only expanded our reach but also solidified our reputation as a trusted and reliable brand in the beauty industry. 103 Collection has garnered significant media attention, being featured in renowned publications such as Forbes, Essence, Yahoo, and VegNews. These features have highlighted our innovative approach, our commitment to natural and sustainable beauty, and our impact on the industry. The recognition from these esteemed platforms has further established 103 Collection as a leading brand in the eco-beauty space. Our business's success is not just measured by sales and media features but also by the inspiration we provide to our community. As a woman-owned business, we aim to empower other women entrepreneurs and promote diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. Our story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for those who aspire to make a difference through their ventures.

Dana Todd Pope

Dana Todd Pope, b. Dana Todd, is an award winning, self-taught, interdisciplinary artist from the South Side of Chicago. Her primary focus is capturing the lessor told stories of hope and resilience within the human experience, often using children as her subjects. Though painting and drawing are her primary areas of exploration, she regularly challenges herself in new mediums to continuously redefine the boundaries of her expression. Documenting cultural treasures is her calling and contribution to the very same pursuit. Ms. Pope is the VISA She's Next award winning founder of Fearlessly Hue® a kid's room home décor line, sold on Walmart.com and Amazon. Dana is the author of "Know Money, Grow, Money," a children's picture book and the soon to be released children's picture book, "It's the Way You Treat Him." She is the co-founder and CEO of the Women's Live Artist Studio at Navy Pier, a gallery featuring the work of Chicago-based women artists and makers. She's also the recipient of several arts and business grant awards from Amazon, DePaul University, IFundWomen, Odyssey Media, Black Girl Ventures, The City of Chicago and others. Dana has worked with several corporate partners including Walgreens, Vitamin Angels, The Design Museum of Chicago, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Metropolitan Family Services, the Better Boys Foundation and University of Illinois to name a few. Dana has participated in artist residencies with the WNDR Museum, Navy Pier Chicago, Pigment INTL and Known Holdings on Martha's Vineyard to name a few. Currently, Dana is the curator and one of eighteen artists exhibiting with Women’s LIVE Artist Studio in the European Cultural Centre Italy's Personal Structures exhibition in Venice, Italy during the 60th Venice Biennale. Ms. Pope currently resides in Chicago, Illinois with her two children Emory and BJ.

Tara Levy

Tara Levy is an artist, author and educator from Chicago. Additionally, she is the founder of the Liberated Arts Movement, a collective of creatives dedicated to the enrichment of historically underserved communities and people of color through art and cultural programming. For the last nine years, Tara has worked in education serving in various capacities from being a high school English teacher, academic advisor to a community engagement coordinator. Her passion for education and youth development has heavily influenced her art practices and community work. Furthermore, Tara has written and directed four one act plays that have been produced by Goodman Theater, the 15th District Chicago Police Department and Missouri Theatre. In addition, she has written and illustrated two affirmation based children’s books, a poetry book and inspirational journal. Tara’s intention is that through her artistry and community work others feel seen, feel loved and empowered to let their light shine.

Jasmine Johnson

Jasmine Johnson is the founder of ParentCo, a company dedicated to innovating child safety solutions and the inventor of the Outlet Plug Plate. Inspired by her experiences as a parent and frustrated with the shortcomings of traditional outlet covers, Jasmine created the Outlet Plug Plate to enhance safety and convenience in households worldwide, solving a problem parents have faced for over 30 years. Born and raised in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, Jasmine's journey to entrepreneurship began with a vision to revolutionize home safety. Despite initial challenges, she launched ParentCo in 2020 during the pandemic, driven by her passion for improving child safety and simplifying parenting tasks. Today, ParentCo's Innovative product, the Outlet Plug Plate, has gained acclaim for its patented design and safety features. Featured in Forbes and securing partnerships with major retailers Lowe's and Walmart, Jasmine continues to lead ParentCo with a commitment to innovation and community impact.

Ari'Anna Redmond

My name is Ari’Anna Redmond, I am a junior at Bowie State University on a pre medical track! I am the owner of Tony’s Kitchen and Bakery! I started this as an ode to my late father, Tony, who taught me how to cook! We are an all inclusive, food tech company that creates allergy friendly baked goods for those with dietary restrictions or allergies!

Jamiri Flint

Entrepreneur and sales/marketing student with a passion for cultural exploration and innovation. As the founder of DIEGO, I’m developing a web app to enhance solo travel experiences through cultural education and local connections. My background includes leadership roles at Xavier University of Louisiana and a focus on community empowerment. I’m driven to create impactful solutions and am exploring advanced studies in culture and history to support my goals.

Vinsha Torain

Vinsha E Torain. Senior at the Illustrious Winston Salem-State University majoring in Healthcare Management & minoring in Accounting. Torain Ranch is an equestrian center owned and run by the Torain Family, it is dedicated to creating an inclusive space where all individuals can thrive and excel in horsemanship and the trail ride world. The ranch offers a variety of equestrian services including horseback rides, riding lessons, and guided trail rides. In addition to equestrian services, Torain Ranch also offers line dance classes (instruction), and a deluxe event package that includes the use of our venue, horseback rides, and line dance instruction. To promote sales the firm utilizes word of mouth, personal network, and both print and digital marketing. In August of 2023, the business was featured in the edition of the National Geographic magazine, a major achievement for the business to advertise and attract new customers.