Black History Month 2022 Celebrate Black History Month this year by supporting our very own Chapman artists, business owners & more!
February 17, 2022
In celebration of Black History Month we’ve curated a list of black-owned businesses – including those owned by Chapman students, local organizations, and employers hiring – to get to know and continue to support once February comes to a close.
Black Student Gigs to Support at Chapman University
Angelique Francis ‘22
Graphic Designer
Angelique is a senior Graphic Design Major and Sociology Minor from Las Vegas, Nevada who has always loved the process of creating something from nothing.
As a designer, Angelique is able to create with the functionality of problem-solving, which she is extremely passionate about. She is currently completing an internship for an LA-based creative agency in addition to personal work for her art page on Instagram and school projects.
Angelique hopes to continue to problem solve in the future in any and all creative endeavors!
Instagram: @angelique.zip
Connect with Angelique on LinkedIn
Jolaya Gillams ‘23
Model
Jolaya Gillams is a Chapman University Broadcast Journalism and Documentary film major and English minor who is determined to improve the world through her writing and art.
She is also a signed model who got her professional start in British Vogue. Her favorite jobs, so far, have been international campaigns for Nike and Michael Jordans as well as Michelle Pfieffer’s perfume company, Henry Rose.
Besides modeling and film, Jolaya also works as Chapman Radio’s Marketing Manager.
Instagram: @jolaya_
Ramya Sinha ‘22
Musician
Ramya Sinha is a senior at Chapman University, born and raised in Colorado. She grew up singing, playing piano, dancing, and doing competitive gymnastics. Ramya started singing independently – recording music and music videos at the age of 16.
Ramya’s main focus is singing, but she song-writes on the side as well. Recently, she wrote the lyrics to one of her songs, “Why can’t we love,” which is about standing up for yourself and your humanity even in the face of racism, oppression, degradation, and shame.
This song is meaningful because it’s about choosing to love yourself and others even in a hateful world. Writing songs like this gives Ramya a feeling of strength, and she hopes to write and produce more in her future. Ramya’s favorite genres to sing are R&B, soul, and pop.
At Chapman, Ramya is in an a cappella group called ChapTones. She spent her college career performing and competing with them as well as recording music. Recently, they released their first album as a group called “I’ll be there,” which can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Instagram: @ramya_sinha
Listen to Ramya’s music on all major platforms!
**If you would like to be highlighted for your work, please email career@chapman.edu to be added to the blog!
Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Orange County
Products:
Laguna Candles is a women-owned, family-run business founded by Sharie Hendricks, a passionate candle lover and entrepreneur. In 2003, Hendricks conceived Laguna Candles, which is located in the beautiful coastal community of Laguna Beach, California.
Laguna Candles utilizes a proprietary coconut oil and wax blend. All candles are lovingly hand-poured and hand-crafted in the Laguna Beach, California facility. Their candles are 100% unbleached cotton wicks and sustainable, ecologically sound, sulfate-free, and pesticide-free with no animal testing, phthalates, and parabens. With unparalleled fragrance integrity, Laguna Candles adhere to the highest quality and regulatory standards.
Founded by Tahera Rene Christy, Amour Propre® is a clean beauty brand centered on self-love, inspired by nature, and fueled by positive energy.
Amour Propre®️, which means “self-love in French,” encourages customers to practice self-love by experiencing the joy of utilizing natural, organic, and aromatherapeutic skincare products.
Originally developed to soothe the symptoms of eczema, Lucky Black Skin Solution is a line of homemade all-natural products, prepared in small batches to ensure optimum quality and consistency. Lucky Black uses simple, yet quality and effective ingredients for all their products.
Lucky Black also has an exclusive line of natural handmade crystal jewelry, Thoth’s Treasures by Lucky Black. Thoth’s Treasures features one-of-a-kind eye-catching pieces that serve a dual purpose: crystals that have natural vibrations, spiritual and physical healing properties to aid in your overall well-being.
Services:
Sparkling Skincare by Amethyst
Amethyst Legree is a California-licensed esthetician of 7 years. She started her career working at a wax center in Seal Beach providing head-to-toe body waxing services. After a year of training, certification, and working full-time, Amethyst moved on to work at two medical spas — first, in Redondo Beach and then in Torrance. During this time, she continued to add more certifications and services to her resume, which include, but are not limited to, being PCA Skin-certified and VI Peel-certified. After years of growth and industry experience, she started Sparkling SkinCare by Amethyst in 2019.
Today, Amethyst’s company resides at Phenix Salon Suites’ Anaheim location in the CTR City District. She has built her business on corrective melanin skincare and body waxing services. In addition to being a beauty service company, Sparkling SkinCare by Amethyst is a wonderful skincare line available for all skin types.
152 W Lincoln Ave. Ste 128
Anaheim, CA 92805
Founded by Maurice and Tasha, Rock City is located in the heart of Southern California. They pride themselves on being the place where it doesn’t matter how well you climb, people are happy to see you and willing to help spot or create on-sight climbs together.
Rock City is Orange County’s original home for indoor rock climbing. Whether it’s your first time climbing or you’re a master sender, Rock City has climbing for all levels to enjoy a fun family-oriented environment. “We’re not just a gym, we are a community of climbers.”
5100 E. La Palma Ave. #108
Anaheim, CA 92807
Creations Salon & Barbershop specializes in natural hair care, relaxers, extensions, cuts, color, braids, Brazilian and Keratin blowout treatments, and eyelash extensions for women. For men, they offer grooming cuts, fades, and face and razor neck shaves.
The philosophy of Creations Salon & Barbershop is quality services, promoting healthy hair, excellent grooming, and exceptional customer service to all clients.
17779 Main Street Suite F/G
Irvine, CA 92614
Black-Owned Businesses Hiring on Handshake
Journalism, Media & Publishing
Blavity is an LA-based, venture-backed company focused on building technology platforms and brands for Black Millennials.
Non-Profit
Girls For A Change (GFAC) is a non-profit youth development organization aimed at empowering Black girls and other girls of color in Central Virginia to visualize their bright futures and potential through discovery, development, innovation, and social change in their communities.
Advertising, PR and Marketing
At The Shark Group’s helm is business and branding expert Daymond John, CEO and Founder of FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer.
Their innovative brand management services can help define and position your image so that your story can tell itself through live entertainment, product placement, and unrivaled access.
Fashion
Individual Expression. Collective Beauty. The Freedom To Express Who You Truly Are Is The Greatest Luxury Of All.
Tapestry, Inc. is a global house of brands powered by optimism, innovation, and inclusivity. They believe true luxury is a freedom of expression that ignites confidence and authenticity. At Tapestry, anyone from anywhere can have the best idea, and with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Internet & Software
TaskRabbit is an American online and mobile marketplace that matches freelance labor with local demand, allowing consumers to find immediate help with everyday tasks, including cleaning, moving, delivery, and handyman work.
Find more Black-owned businesses hiring on Handshake here!
Career resources for Black Students and Alumni on Handshake!
