BLACK APOTHECARY OFFICE
Founded On The Basis Of Excellence
BAO is a new concept model accelerator for Black and Latinx creators, collaborators, and disruptors in the beauty and wellness space. BAO works intensively with start-up brands providing them with the tools to get in the best possible shape to build a viable business, pitch investors, and bring a product to market.
Our program is specifically created to aid in beauty and wellness brand development for startups. Our focus is to further enhance your brand through impactful strategic guidance, while problem-solving, giving your company the resources needed to succeed.
Upon acceptance, startups receive all necessary on-boarding. After graduating, the brand will be able to apply for financial aid.
HISTORY
Social distancing is not new to black communities. “Social distancing” in the form of anti-black segregation and discrimination was U.S. law throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. This created racial wealth disparities that have lingered, negatively impacting black people’s capacity to start and maintain businesses. The remnants of federally backed redlining practices, which financially isolated black people throughout the 20th century, throttled the amount of wealth black people could create from homeownership.
Most entrepreneurs start businesses with the equity they’ve accrued in their homes. Consequently, black people, who’ve been over-burdened by American economic policies, require a different kind of stimulus in this coronavirus scourge era.
BAO PROGRAM AND SEED FUNDING
Our remote 3-month educational program is comprised of weekly sessions and insights panel.
Each session focuses on early-stage companies to help them develop strategies and create products designed for these specific industries. The panel is made up of industry professionals and allows startup companies to test their products directly with them.
OUR MISSION
To transform the way consumers interact with Black-owned and Latinx-owned beauty and wellness brands. This means establishing lasting connections with beauty & tech startups. Together we want to create a new generation of innovative consumer products, devices, and virtual wellness services.
OUR PROGRAM BENEFITS AND RESOURCES INCLUDE:
NETWORKING
TALENT
SALES & MARKETING
BRANDING AND LEGAL SERVICES
FINANCIAL LITERACY
OPERATIONS
DIGITAL MARKETING AND OPERATIONS
BAO | THE BLACK APOTHECARY OFFICE, INC. TEAM
JAE JOSEPH
Founder & Cultural Diversity Communications Officer
Jae Joseph is a cultural producer and entrepreneur, working in visual arts, film and multidisciplinary platforms. He connects the traditional and experimental art worlds through art advising, brand collaboration, events and strategic communication. Joseph commits to representing artists and clients honorably and honestly, refining but not replacing their messages. He caters to private sector clients in entertainment, fashion, publishing and real estate.
Joseph has been recognized by the Ford Foundation, American Express Minority Corporate Counsel and the Parsons School of Design | The New School.
BRIANNA WISE
Co-Founder & CEO
Brianna Wise is an author, mentor, creative director, brand strategist and stylist with expertise in the fashion, entertainment and beauty industries. She nurtures visions from creative concept through business development, taking a brand full circle before it goes to market. Wise acts as a creative director and consultant, listening and problem-solving to enhance a business or brand.
Wise's creative collaborations have been featured among professional performers and athletes working with global companies including SONY, BET, NYFW, Under Armour, Live Nation, Spotify, Warner Brothers, AfroPunk, Paper magazine and CBS.
ASHLEY KIRK
Empower Us Agency
Ashley Kirk handles client engagements and operational delivery for the team.
With over 10 years of financial management consulting experience in both public and private sectors, she cultivates and empowers Black businesses, incubators and accelerators by eliminating systemic barriers to generate Black new wealth.
Kirk provides social and financial options where limited-to-no funding or investments in Black businesses in general existed, and insight on how to connect with and access financial investors including angel investors and venture capital firms.
IRENE ONYANGO
Empower Us Agency
Irene Onyango works on project design and implementation for business development. With over 10 years of financial management consulting experience in both public and private sectors, she cultivates and empowers Black businesses, incubators and accelerators by eliminating systemic barriers to generate Black new wealth.
Onyango provides social and financial options where limited-to-no funding or investments in Black businesses in general existed, and insight on how to connect with and access financial investors including angel investors and venture capital firms.
KEEWANA GRANT
Beauty & Wellbeing PR Director
Keewana Grant is the director of beauty and well-being at Purple, a top PR firm. Her expertise is in beauty, health and wellness public relations and marketing.
CHRISTINE DUCHATELLIER
Entrepreneur & Business Lawyer
Christine Duchtatellier is a New York based attorney with the skill to handle the detailed paperwork required to launch and develop a startup.
MORGAN CHASE
Managing Director
Previously Morgan Chase served as the Operations Manager for an Indie Record Label. She is also the Founder and Owner of Fatally Fem Studios, a class based dance studio and booking agent for dancers within the music and entertainment industry.
As the Managing Director of BAO, she will be developing strategic operating plans that reflect the longer-term objectives and fortify an effective staff team (development, marketing, education, sales, and finance) to fulfill BAO’s mission and to facilitate the sustainable growth of its programming.
PRESS
BAO is committed to on-going mentorship for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Through our vast network of industry professionals we have developed a hybrid service BAO - By Appointment Only. We mentor creatives, start-ups, and entrepreneurs in the process of building and maintaining your brand through one-on-one sessions with seasoned professionals.
For Press Contact: