The 21Ninety Awards are celebrating women who are not only building businesses but also shaping culture, driving innovation, and making a significant community impact. This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year award shines a spotlight on three remarkable Black women whose ventures center Black women while setting new standards of excellence across beauty, community wealth building, and custom jewelry artistry.
First Place Winner: Tawana Morris, Hair So Chic LA
Tawana Morris, founder of Hair So Chic LA, launched her beauty brand in 2020 and has rapidly grown it into a thriving business known for quality hair extensions and an exceptional customer experience. “Hair So Chic is for the luxe girly girl who does not mind spending an extra penny on luxury knowing she is going to get something quality,” Morris told 21Ninety. Drawing from her experience with a previous clothing boutique, House of Chic, Morris applied discipline in inventory and money management to scale her beauty business successfully.
Her business is performing exceptionally well, achieving six-figure revenue annually. While initially planning a brick-and-mortar salon, Morris strategically pivoted to create a private content studio to better support e-commerce growth. “I had to listen to my heart and the business. This setup is what feels right and lets me serve my customers best,” she explained. Morris is now expanding into product development, focusing on shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and solutions for natural hair. She expressed pride in her journey, stating that being named 21Ninety’s Entrepreneur of the Year reaffirms the impact of her work in delighting customers.
Second Place Winner: Dr. Key Hallmon, Our Village United
Dr. Lakeysha “Dr. Key” Hallmon is a visionary author and social entrepreneur dedicated to creating economic opportunities for Black businesses. Since founding The Village Market in 2016, she has supported over 1,440 businesses, facilitated $8.8 million in direct sales for Black-owned enterprises, and distributed $800,000 in grants through Our Village United. Her innovative “Village Model” integrates retail activation, technical assistance, mentorship, and capital access to help founders scale their businesses with community at the core.
Through The Village Retail, Dr. Key established a flagship storefront that showcases Black brands, transitioning makers from temporary pop-ups to permanent retail spaces. Her impressive partnerships include major corporations like Mastercard, Rockefeller Foundation, Target, and Walmart. A sought-after speaker, she has been featured by Forbes, Essence, and CNN/HLN, and actively contributes to boards and civic councils in Atlanta, advocating for equitable growth and affordable housing.
Third Place Winner: Dr. Mel Jones and Ariel Jones, Melz Grillz
Melz Grillz, a unique venture co-owned by mother-daughter duo Dr. Mel Jones and Ariel Jones, merges dentistry, craftsmanship, and culture through custom grillz and fine jewelry. This partnership combines clinical precision with artistic vision, honoring a significant aspect of community tradition. “We are truly honored and deeply humbled to be recognized for such a prestigious award,” said Dr. Mel Jones.
Ariel Jones shared that their journey has been filled with both triumphs and disappointments, but their perseverance has paid off. “This recognition is confirmation that our prayers are being answered and our brand is growing into what we always dreamt. The impact is taking notice, and we are excited for the projects ahead,” she stated. Their mission is rooted in representation, aiming to change the narrative surrounding jewelers and grillz designers by showcasing Black talent. “Our community has always been monetized by outsiders,” Ariel explained. “It was time to change the narrative of what jewelers and grillz designers look like. It is our swag, so we should produce the products.” Dr. Mel added, “We are just getting started. We plan to take our brand international.”
- Tawana Morris (Hair So Chic LA): Recognized for scaling a beauty brand with quality products and strategic business pivots.
- Dr. Key Hallmon (Our Village United): Honored for creating economic vehicles and community-centered support for Black businesses.
- Dr. Mel Jones & Ariel Jones (Melz Grillz): Celebrated for merging craftsmanship, culture, and representation in custom jewelry design.
Which of these inspiring Black women entrepreneurs motivates you the most? Share your thoughts and celebrate their achievements in the comments below!
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