Culture Loft has released its August issue, bringing together stories that celebrate the people, ideas, and experiences shaping Black culture today. The issue features Miko Branch on the cover, offering readers a closer look at her journey, perspective, and the legacy of Miss Jessie’s. Inside, readers will also find Dion Dawson, founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, and Jay Rush Jennings, alongside editorial coverage of the Black Women’s Expo in Chicago. From entrepreneurship and

For Black women, being strong, dependable, and available for others can sometimes come with an unspoken expectation to simply keep going even when we are tired, overwhelmed, or in need of support ourselves. Writer, Self-Care Strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of NaKeesa Marie Enterprises™, NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings is encouraging Black women to look at self-care differently. Through her writing, workshops, advocacy, and The Self-Care Engineer™ Podcast, Frazier-Jennings prom

Black Women’s Expo 2026: A Celebration of Community, Conversation & Culture For more than 30 years, the Black Women’s Expo has created a space where entrepreneurship, culture, wellness, education, and community intersect. Founded by Merry Green, the expo has grown into one of the country’s most recognized celebrations of Black women, providing a platform where businesses, leaders, creators, and change-makers can connect and thrive. The 2026 Black Women’s Expo returned to Chic

How founder Yani Milaun transformed a love for creativity, nostalgia, and design into a home goods brand built around self-expression. Home is more than a physical space. It’s where memories are created, where creativity comes alive, and where we find comfort after the world asks so much of us. For Bronx native and creative entrepreneur Yani Milaun, that belief became the foundation for building Tsunami Supply, a home goods brand designed to help people create spaces that ref

Healthy feet are often overlooked, but at NailCandy1122, foot care is viewed as an essential part of overall wellness. Located in Perry Hall, Maryland, this Black woman-owned wellness nail studio specializes in waterless pedicures and medical-focused foot care, creating a safe, hygienic, and elevated experience for every client. Under the leadership of Certified Master Pedicurist and Certified Medical Pedicurist Tarsha Johns-Avent, NailCandy1122 serves clients of all ages, in

For many Black families, wellness didn’t begin with expensive supplements or luxury health stores. It started in our kitchens, gardens, and conversations in the family. Over time, the knowledge and just the concept of wellness became harder to access and understand. Wellness began to feel complicated and harder to access. Holmes Hydration is helping to change that. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Black-owned wellness brand creates small-batch herbal teas, infused honeys, in

Self-care is a commitment to honoring yourself. At Shy’s Beauty Stop, beauty meets wellness through plant-based skincare, body care, and hair care products designed to help people slow down, reconnect, and embrace their natural glow. Founded as a Black woman-owned brand, Shy’s Beauty Stop creates high-quality products made with natural ingredients for all skin and hair types, including beard care. From nourishing soaps and exfoliating scrubs to luxurious body oils, moisturize

Folisade Garden is a storyteller turned venture architect whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a background in Theatre Arts, she transformed early career uncertainty into a decade-long journey of building her own platforms, brands, and business ecosystems. Today, she leads two core ventures: Remnant144 , a multi-disciplinary agency offering business development, graphic an

Founder of Apprey Public Relations, is turning stories into influence. Felicia Apprey, With strategic PR, authentic storytelling, and a passion for empowering small businesses and nonprofits, she amplifies voices, builds visibility, and drives real impact in communities and industries alike. Felicia Apprey is the founder of Apprey Public Relations, a dynamic and results-driven public relations firm dedicated to helping small businesses and organizations achieve their communic

Ludgy Michel is the founder of The Exodus Experience, a premium photo booth brand that partners with corporate, social, and high-end wedding events to create unforgettable, guest-centered moments. Based in New England, her team is known for delivering elevated visual experiences that do more than capture memories, they engage guests, spark joy, and become a living part of the event. Whether on-site at a luxury gala or a private celebration, The Exodus Experience is designed t