We are proud to introduce Twende’s 2025 Spring Cohort. This accelerator program is designed to support Black and Brown founders in scaling their businesses by providing strategic mentorship, funding opportunities, and critical business resources. This year’s cohort includes a remarkable group of entrepreneurs who are addressing key challenges and creating impact in various industries.
Meet the 2025 Twendé Accelerator Cohort
5th Floor Fragrance Bar | Website
Founder: Shikora Black
Solution: A Black woman-owned handcrafted body care business offering mineral and petroleum-free natural products.
80/20 Fitness | Website
Founders: Kevin Bazile & Jade Bazile
Solution: Empowering busy professionals to achieve lasting wellness through habit-based fitness, nutrition, and mindset programs.
9Muses Henna | Website
Founder: Ania Diallo
Solution: Henna artistry that preserves culture, celebrates communities, and provides corporate and entertainment industry services.
Attuned Relationship Coaching | Website
Founder: Deondra Moore
Solution: Coaching individuals, couples, and corporations to enhance relationships and connections through intimacy and effective communication.
BaQ Bone BBQ & Catering | Website
Founder: Stuart McClean
Solution: Specializing in Texas-style barbecue with a bold Caribbean twist, serving premium smoked meats and scratch-made sides.
Biocatalysis Creations, LLC | Website
Founder: Frederick Cawthon
Solution: Transforming municipal waste into renewable diesel, natural gas, and biochar for sustainable energy solutions.
Blue Sage Wellness, PLLC | Website
Founder: Chanel Thomas
Solution: Increasing accessibility to high-quality psychiatric care for LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Brendalyn Player Communications/Unapologetic Introvert | Website
Founder: Brendalyn Carpenter Player
Solution: Helping introverts develop unshakable confidence, effective communication, and success in personal and professional settings.
Bumpas Technical Services LLC | Website
Founder: James Maurice Bumpas
Solution: Providing professional management consulting services, including leadership coaching and professional speaking.
Bunshine Signature Stuffed Buns | Website
Founder: Christopher Smith
Solution: Light, fluffy stuffed buns filled with delicious ingredients, expanding from local markets to regional/national sales.
Cape Coast Co. | Website
Founder: Shannon Sanders
Solution: Premium canned coffee made with directly imported beans, offering quality from morning to night.
Coach Kenyatte | Website
Founder: Kenyatte Tidwell
Solution: Holistic coaching and leadership development framework for heart-centered leaders.
Cosmic Cleaning | Website coming soon!
Founder: Te’Miyah Gray
Solution: A commercial cleaning business specializing in detail-oriented turnover and office cleaning services.
Donzaleigh’s Photography | Website
Founder: Donzaleigh Powell
Solution: Media production services, including photography, videography, and creative directing.
Ellenelle Bridal | Website
Founder: Leah Langley-McClean
Solution: A high-end bridal fashion brand serving women of all shades and sizes.
Empowered Orthodontics | Website
Founder: Jennifer Collins
Solution: Integrating orthodontics with mindfulness practices to promote holistic oral health and well-being.
Floradayleaf | Website
Founder: Dwyan Young-Smith
Solution: A floral design company creating custom planters and seasonally available plant arrangements.
Henry Universal Enterprises | Website
Founder: Jamal Henry
Solution: A production company offering creative solutions in media literacy and content creation.
HMB Arthouse | Website
Founder: Haniyfa Muhammad Branka
Solution: A mobile arts and crafts business providing interactive creative experiences and DIY craft kits.
Journey to Legacy Media and Consulting | Website coming soon!
Founder: Aaron McGee
Solution: Holistic personal coaching for emerging leaders.
Kitchen Canvas | Website
Founder: Juanita Charles
Solution: A community-focused commissary kitchen and food business incubator supporting local entrepreneurs.
Martin Development | Website coming soon!
Founder: Dave Martin
Solution: Developing moderately priced single-family homes to help Black and Brown people become homeowners.
MRPABENSON IT CONSULTING LLC. | Website
Founders: Paul Benson
Solution: Providing strategic technology leadership to empower organizations to leverage technology effectively, securely, and efficiently.
Music City Dreams Media | Website
Founders: Tomechia Howse and Joel Williams
Solution: Videography and photography services to help brands elevate their business.
MYRRH Candle Co. | Website
Founder: Jessica Johnson
Solution: An eco-luxury home fragrance brand connecting faith, restoration, and encouragement through toxin-free, handcrafted candles.
Power Move Education & Development Group | Website
Founder: Shalom Miller
Solution: A nonprofit providing STEM-certified, industry-accredited music education programs.
Press Play on Purpose Consulting, LLC | Website
Founder: Nicole Rowan
Solution: Supporting nonprofits with business strategies to drive sustainable growth.
The Black Candle Company | Website
Founder: Jessica Doaks
Solution: A luxury home fragrance collection making affordable luxury accessible.
The Joie Lab | Website
Founder: Kelsi Taylor
Solution: STEAM-based printables, homeschooling resources, and science curriculum for children and families.
TNT Goods | Website
Founders: Simone Gonzalez and Jessica McMillan
Solution: A Black, queer, woman-owned jewelry brand uplifting women to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered.
TuneHatch, Inc. | Website
Founders: Christal Hector and Nathan Youssef
Solution: An end-to-end show management platform helping artists, promoters, and venues book, promote, and ticket profitable shows.
What’s Next?
Over the next few months, these entrepreneurs will gain tailored mentorship, access to industry experts, and valuable business-building resources. The program will culminate with a pitch event, where founders will showcase their growth and strategic progress.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to scale your business? Learn more about the Twendé Accelerator and apply for future cohorts here.
This program is supported by partners: Amazon, Fisk University, LBMC, LaunchTN, Metro Nashville Government of Davidson County, Republic Bank, and Wells Fargo.
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