We’re proud to introduce the Fall 2025 Twendé Cohort—our accelerator designed to champion and support Black founders who are building companies that drive innovation, opportunity, and community impact. This group of 29 entrepreneurs reflects the strength and diversity of Black entrepreneurship today.
From long-standing businesses with deep experience to emerging ventures tackling overlooked challenges, these founders span industries—from luxury streetwear and mental health platforms to construction consulting and tech solutions that bring communities closer together.
Meet the Fall 2025 Twendé Accelerator Cohort
Bhegani Execution, LLC | Website
Founder: Shabir Bhegani
Solution: Management consulting firm, specializing in the STEM industries.
Bulldog Custom Tees LLC | Website
Founder: Donn Jobe
Solution: We are a decorated apparel business with over twenty five years experience.
Chantrel & Co | Website
Founder: Chantrel Reynolds
Solution: Creative agency specializing in design, video production, events and consulting.
Civic Hacker LLC | Website
Founder: Jurnell Cockhren
Solution: We build technology to help others drive positive community outcomes.
Embodied Apparel | Website
Founder: Saundrea Sampson
Solution: Social advocacy brand funding and uplifting civically engaged organizations and causes.
Garth Media | Website
Founder: Ashley Garth
Solution: Strategic marketing agency empowering brands through storytelling and community connection.
Green Valor
Founder: Mon-Cheri Robinson
Solution: Licensed hemp retailer and supplier. Both ingestibles and industrial hemp building materials.
In Order by Jess | Website
Founder: Jessica Gautier
Solution: Creative interior styling studio transforming spaces with smart, functional design.
Jester Arts | Website
Founder: Curtis Smith
Solution: We are a Graphics art brand.
Queen of Kinks | Website
Founder: Kristi Mefford
Solution: Healing hair, honoring heritage, and redefining clean beauty for us.
LIVsafe Nashville | Website
Founder: Paolo Guarisco
Solution: Aging-in-Place and Universal Design Safety Consulting.
Lowe Insights Consulting | Website
Founder: Nashay Lowe
Solution: Conflict transformation consulting firm helping institutions build healthier, more collaborative cultures.
MAISON DIXON | Website
Founder: Jordan Hubbard
Solution: A legacy brand gathering folks together through the power of fish, spaghetti and real southern hospitality.
MONTGOMERY ROAD INCORPORATED | Website
Founder: Darius Montgomery
Solution: We offers expertise in estimating, takeoffs, preconstruction planning, project management, and subcontractor training.
MotivatHER Inc. | Website
Founder: Regina Coley
Solution: Empowering women and girls through identity, leadership, media, and mentorship.
MUKA | Website
Founder: Jantrice Johnson
Solution: Connecting minority buyers and sellers to trusted agents, vendors, and ownership opportunities.
Netas Natural Products | Website
Founder: Martha Lupai
Solution: We are all natural skin and hair products.
Officially Crowned LLC | Website
Founder: Ta-Tanisha Thomas
Solution: Officially Crowned LLC creates unforgettable experiences through travel, photography, and hospitality.
One Connection Counseling Center | Website
Founder: Tonya Mckoy
Solution: We are a mission-driven company providing coaching, consulting, outpatient mental health, and recovery services that help people reconnect to themselves, rise through life’s transitions, and lead with clarity, courage, and connection.
Pebble | Website
Founder: Aaron Jordan
Solution: Pebble helps event organizers manage vendors, sales, and attendee experience.
roots & rally | Website
Founder: Grace Reed
Solution: Where community & play take root.
Savor Culture | Website
Founder: Jade Bazile
Solution: Connecting people through culturally inspired food and immersive dining experiences.
Store&Snore | Website
Founder: Melody Pinkard
Solution: Mobile luggage storage service bringing convenience to Nashville travelers daily.
Sydney K Jackson | Website
Founder: Sydney Jackson
Solution: I create content and strategy that attracts businesses’ ideal customers.
The Grief Center | Website
Founder: Christal Pennic
Solution: Mental health therapy specializing in grief/loss.
The KOS Clothing Company | Website
Founder: Jeff Easley
Solution: We are a luxury streetwear brand.
Trust Compass Studio | Website
Founder: Amber Banks
Solution: Tech platforms to support measuring, building, and repairing trust.
UnSpoken Memories Inc | Website
Founder: Almeta Slater-Rogers
Solution: Platform for video messages delivered in the future or posthumously.
WAVE Campus | Website
Founder: Enosh Lartey
Solution: Connecting students across campuses through social experiences.
What’s Next?
Over the next 12 weeks, these founders will focus on building businesses that create wealth and opportunity. They’ll work with mentors who understand the unique challenges and advantages of being a Black entrepreneur, while accessing Nashville’s business community and each other’s expertise.
This isn’t about changing who they are to fit someone else’s definition of success. It’s about building businesses that honor their values while creating economic impact that lasts.
Want to connect with any of these founders? They’re solving real problems across industries from mental health to construction, from travel to technology. Reach out directly through their websites or LinkedIn profiles.
Ready to Join the Next Cohort?
If you’re a Black founder building something meaningful and want to be part of a community that gets it, Twendé might be exactly what you need. Apply for our next cohort.
This program is supported by our partners Amazon, Launch Tennessee, LBMC, Metro Government of Nashville Davidson County, Republic Bank, and Wells Fargo
The Twendé Accelerator is a 12-week program designed for Black founders at any stage building community and peer networks. Applications for Spring 2026 open in November 2025.
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