Kim, also known as Kimmie, is the dedicated owner of Salon Kimistry in Belleville, MI. For over 22 years, she has provided beauty services and mentored others, living out her belief in Robert Ingersoll's saying, "WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS." Her salon is a hub where her artistic talents and passion for teaching converge.

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Beyond her salon, Kim co-founded Embracing the Culture (ETC), an organization committed to promoting black culture and supporting black-owned businesses. ETC aims to make support for these businesses a sustainable lifestyle, thus creating job opportunities, fostering generational wealth, and helping to close the racial wealth gap. Kim's firsthand experience as an entrepreneur fuels her dedication to this cause.

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Kim also deeply values the resilience and perseverance of Black culture, embodying these traits in all aspects of her life. When she's not busy at her salon or with advocacy work, she enjoys dancing, savoring Key Lime Pie, and taking well-deserved naps.

Lajuanna Robinson, owner of Whole Body Fitness w/ Lajuanna, is a passionate Fitness Lifestyle Coach dedicated to transforming lives through God’s love and the power of fitness. With over 40 years of personal fitness experience and 10+ years in coaching, she helps clients lose weight, reduce medication reliance, and improve their quality of life.

 

A career-changer from finance, Lajuanna holds certifications in personal training and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Eastern Michigan University. She works with clients of all ages, emphasizing fitness’s role in every life stage. An active participant in the Black Women’s Health Study since 1995, she advocates for tackling chronic illnesses and improving health outcomes for Black women.

 

Also a licensed hairstylist with 30+ years of experience, Lajuanna balances her passion for wellness with moments of joy—daily walks in Nichols Arboretum, time with loved ones, and quiet reflection, guided by Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Candye, the owner of Hinton Home Loans and Hinton Real Estate Group, Inc., is a pivotal figure in the Ypsilanti community. Her extensive experience and a solid commitment to honesty and integrity have enabled her business to thrive, primarily driven by repeat clients and referrals. Not only did her firm benefit as an original recipient of a Women Lift grant, but Candye also actively contributed to this initiative by serving on its Advisory Board, amplifying her impact within the community.

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Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity. She assists housed and unhoused individuals find homes from her well-known, warmly decorated storefront in downtown Ypsilanti. Candye’s engagement with the community goes beyond professional interactions. She is a cornerstone of local engagement, known for her active participation in community events and her warm, welcoming presence to all who pass by her store.​

Crystal is a dedicated community volunteer, passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. As a stay-at-home mom who's never actually "at home," she actively volunteers with her community, church, and local school district. As a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) member for her school district, Crystal works to support caregivers of children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans. She is also part of the team at AdvocaSAY, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of disabilities and empowering caregivers to advocate for their loved ones.

As a mother to children with different abilities, Crystal is deeply committed to connecting families with valuable resources and providing support to those navigating the challenges of caregiving.

When she's not volunteering, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, meeting new people, and supporting minority-owned