by Jarquita Brown
Higher Purpose Co. (HPC) has announced its new 2022 Higher Purpose Business Academy Cohort. Formerly known as the Higher Purpose Business Fellowship, the academy is a seven-week program anchored by HPC’s culturally relevant curriculum, business growth support, and business funding network. During the first module of the business academy’s orientation, many members expressed their excitement about being selected for the academy. During the first module, the cohort introduced themselves and shared what they hoped to gain from the program.
Business Academy Coordinator Angela Williams said it is always exciting to select a new cohort. “Each cohort we select always brings a different type of energy to the program. It’s always so exciting and refreshing to learn about each entrepreneur’s journey and see how dedicated and passionate they are when it comes to their business.”
Williams continued, “I am excited about this year’s cohort because they are now a part of the Higher Purpose Business Academy, formerly known as the Higher Purpose Business Fellowship. What sets the academy apart from what was known as the fellowship is that the HPC team has come up with new and fresh ideas that will give our new cohorts the ultimate HPC experience.”
The cohort’s first session was on Wednesday, May 18. The module, Personal Leadership, was presented by entrepreneur, author, and life coach, Schemeka Bowrin. Bowrin highlighted the importance of being an effective leader, especially as an entrepreneur. Bowrin said, “Personal leadership is taking care of your own life and responsibilities. Part of growing as a leader is to be ready to expand your capacities and strengths.”
For seven weeks, the cohort will cover several business-related topics. Topics range from branding, securing and managing business funds, forming your business, and technology to protecting your business.
2022 Higher Purpose Business Academy Spring Cohort:
- Ashley Everet, owner of DJ Fortress – Jackson
- Jawanner Davis, owner of Mal’s Magic Mix – Southaven
- Symone Daniels, owner of LASH RX, LLC – Belzoni
- LaTrisha Dumas, owner of Be UnDefeated Therapeutic Connections – Jackson
- R’Daniel Kyles, owner of Farm Hand Carrier, LLC – Brandon
- Crystal L. Jones, owner of Teacher Lady Treats, LLC
- ArLena Richardson, owner of The ArLena Richardson Agency – Moss Point
- Anthony Jones, owner of Grind Mode Fitness, LLC – Leland
- Chelsea Young, owner of Musical Expressions Experience – Jackson
- Shayna Kemp, owner of Culturalist Nails – Greenville
- Dominique Patterson, owner of Paint in the Delta – Greenville
- Tara Dortch, owner of TND Consulting – Jackson
- Ettamarie L. Jackson, owner of Jaze Educational Group – Vicksburg
- Casey Coleman, owner of Reaching Starz – Indianola
- Nora Weston, owner of Besom Express, LLC – Brandon
- DeShanna Dixon, owner of Writing Center Coordinator – Utica
- Carlista Moorehead, owner of Soft Water Soap Co – Yazoo City
- Jermesha Spiller, owner of Beauty Brew Cosmetics bda BBC Cosmetics
- Royshundria Thomas, owner of Premium Essentials, LLC – Clarksdale
- Kajuandria Williams, owner of Williams Printing and Things (WPT Events and Designs) – Olive Branch
To be considered for the Higher Purpose Business Academy, the entrepreneur must be a Higher Purpose Business Member, have a Black-owned for-profit business, person and business must reside in Mississippi, and it must be in its early stage or growth within HPC’s priority business sectors.
The priority business sectors include food, arts, housing, beauty, education, healthcare, and transportation.
Higher Purpose Co (HPC) with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has expanded the Business Academy for entrepreneurs, farmers, and artists all across Mississippi. Learn more about the Higher Purpose Business Academy at HigherPurposeCo.org/#programs.
