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Tag: Martha’s Vineyard

  • Black Women Launch Luxury Concierge in Martha’s Vineyard

    Two influential Black women, India Rose and Angella Henry, have joined forces to launch a premier luxury concierge service in the exclusive destination of Martha’s Vineyard. Named ‘The Inner Circle,’ this Black-owned venture aims to provide members with unparalleled access, personalized service, and a deep connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

    Insider Access and Curated Experiences

    Rose, a long-time resident, real estate agent, and founder of the Martha’s Vineyard Black Owned Business Directory, partnered with Henry, a hospitality leader and owner of the historic Dragonfly House. Their combined expertise and insider knowledge of the island inspired them to formalize their services. ‘Angella and I are great friends, and over the last couple of years, we have had a lot of folks who were reaching out to both of us in similar capacities,’ Rose shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. ‘It was time to formalize it.’

    The Inner Circle makes it seamless for clients to plan and execute curated celebrations, vacations, corporate events, and more. Access to the service is strictly application- and invitation-only, ensuring an exclusive experience for its members. Services are available year-round, with membership packages ranging from seasonal to annual commitments.

    Beyond the Island: White-Glove Support

    The benefits of The Inner Circle extend beyond Martha’s Vineyard. Henry and Rose offer white-glove support to their members, assisting them wherever life or leisure takes them. ‘We bring our members into spaces and moments that many simply can’t access on their own,’ Henry stated. ‘It’s about legacy, impact, leisure, and unforgettable memories.’

    Prioritizing Black and Women-Owned Vendors

    As women deeply connected to Martha’s Vineyard, Rose and Henry are keenly aware of the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses in a seasonal economy. They are making it a priority to feature and drive Black spending towards Black- and women-owned vendors within The Inner Circle’s network. ‘Driving and prioritizing Black spending dollars to Black-owned businesses helps to ensure that these businesses are still here when people come back the following year,’ Rose emphasized. ‘It’s a priority for me to keep the legacy of Black people, Black businesses, and Black travelers alive.’

    The Inner Circle officially launched over Labor Day weekend at the Mariposa Museum in Oak Bluffs. For those interested in inquiring about membership, further details can be found on their website.

    What do you think of this new luxury concierge service? How important is it to support Black and women-owned businesses in exclusive communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Black Women Thriving Event Celebrates Beauty on Martha’s Vineyard

    The third annual Black Women Thriving 2025 event recently took place on the picturesque shores of Martha’s Vineyard, a coastal town historically known as a summer haven for the Black community. This year’s gathering, spearheaded by The Estée Lauder Companies in partnership with Pinterest, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Clinique, celebrated the creativity, beauty, and health of Black women, bringing together 130 influential figures.

    Panels on Beauty, Marketing, and Health

    The event featured two insightful panels focusing on critical aspects of the beauty and wellness industries. CNN anchor Abby Phillip moderated the first discussion, which centered on the importance of placing Black women at the forefront of marketing and design for new brands. Susan Akkad, Senior Vice President at The Estée Lauder Companies, highlighted the company’s commitment to inclusivity through its Local and Cultural Innovation Center of Excellence, emphasizing the need to understand the science, aesthetics, and culture of Black beauty.

    Akkad was joined by Pinterest’s Chief People Officer, Doniel Sutton, who discussed the role of Black women as trendsetters on digital platforms, and Julee Wilson, editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan, who shared insights on beauty trends and highlighted trailblazing brands like Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for their inclusive products and marketing.

    Brand Activations and Community Networking

    Attendees had the opportunity to engage with brand activations from sponsors. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics hosted live makeup sessions featuring their Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, while Clinique offered educational experiences showcasing products tailored for melanated skin and age-specific concerns. Pinterest also provided personalized tote bags, symbolizing the attendees’ connection to Martha’s Vineyard.

    The second panel, moderated by television broadcaster Laura Coates, focused on health challenges and support for Black women. Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB/GYN and author, discussed perimenopause and menopause, urging Black women to advocate for their health, as they often face these challenges earlier and more severely. “Don’t suffer because you don’t get a medal at the end of the menopause marathon. We don’t have people to advocate for us, so you’ve got to advocate for yourself,” Dr. Malone advised.

    The Black Women Thriving event successfully sparked conversations and fostered connections, underscoring the value and importance of Black women in the beauty, media, and wellness sectors. The event continues to be a vital platform for celebrating and empowering Black women change-makers.

    What are your thoughts on the importance of events like Black Women Thriving? Share your opinions in the comments below!