Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Eboné And Nicole Barnes.
Hi Kiana and Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Brilliance in Black was founded by 6 Howard alumnae with a common goal of sharing the positive stories of Black people. What started out as simple Instagram posts recognizing positivity, turned into a keystone business in our communities and empire of Blackness!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our Instagram posts later grew into our reviews, and then most notably, our events, nothing was smooth. We did not go into this with the intent to have a full functioning business, so we were ill prepared for a lot of what comes with starting, nurturing, and maintaining a business. We built a business from what we were already doing naturally, supporting Black businesses. So the greatest struggle has been sustaining our business financially. Where we could have charged, we made it free, where others were making money, we were losing. Finding funding to keep our events free has been then biggest struggle for us, especially in this changing economy. We did not host our annual festival for the last couple years, because of the financial climate. It felt out of touch to host a shopping event, while so many people are struggling. But if there is anything we’ve learned over the years, is businesses pivot.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brilliance in Black is a hub—a go-to destination for Black progression, empowerment, and excellence; an ever-growing empire of Blackness. For over 10 years, we have supported and promoted Black businesses in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Our website is home of an international Black owned business directory. We have hosted numerous events, from Sip & Paints, movie premieres, all black bar happy hours, open mics, wellness events, to our most notable Brilliance in Black Festival, formerly the Baltimore Black Wall Street Festival. All of our events promote Black creatives, entrepreneurs, business owners, artist, and beyond. We also have a sector of our organization, known as ‘Holla Black’, that allows us to review Black owned businesses nationally and internationally. Most recently, we traveled to Paris and Lisbon, where we partnered with some amazing businesses/entrepreneurs. (Check out our Holla Blacks on our social medias!) What sets us apart is also what we are most proud of: we are not simply a business directory, event company, or advocacy organization. We are all of those things and more, working in conjunction to curate a Black cultural ecosystem that connects business, culture, and community everywhere.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Umm, the funny thing is, anyone who knows our brand knows us because we’re unapologetically, authentically ourselves in every moment. It’s kind of our thing. And if you’ve ever crossed paths with us, you also know we believe almost everything is better with a little fun—big laughs, big energy, BIG fun.
So, naturally, it may come as a bit of a shock to learn that after this year, we plan to become very serious individuals. Very professional. Very composed. Very demure. (lol)
We’ll see how long that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BrillianceinBlack.org
- Instagram: @brillianceinblack
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/brillianceinblack
- Twitter: @bib_brilliance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brillianceinblack8734
- TikTok: @brillianceinblack
