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Meet the 2024-2025 Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program Founders

Generously supported by Walmart.

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a competitive 16-week leadership and venture development program designed to support 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs who transform agricultural inputs into higher-value products or work directly in agriculture. Founders receive essential training, a curated list of retail readiness certifications and the financial stipend to pursue those certifications, mentorship, and access to a robust network and community. The program also offers long-term, sustainable alumni support to help entrepreneurs become retail-ready, scale their ventures, create jobs, and positively impact their communities.

Kora-Lynah Abelard, 2025 Retail Readiness Program Founder

Generously sponsored by Walmart

Ada Hseih

Fluency Beauty | New York

Fluency Beauty is a regenerative beauty brand transforming agricultural inputs like spirulina, beets, turmeric, radish, and potatoes into high-performance, multifunctional makeup products that are better for both consumers and the planet. The venture has raised $45,000 to date, including a grant from the SPARK Accelerator Pitch Competition. By partnering with agricultural suppliers practicing regenerative agriculture, Fluency supports climate-friendly farming practices that reduce food waste, restore soil health, and promote biodiversity. Its biodegradable plant-based packaging breaks down in under a year, setting a new industry standard for sustainability. Since launching, Fluency has caught the attention of major industry players, including Estee Lauder’s product development team.

Aisha Byrd

R&B Dog Bakery LLC | Texas

R&B Dog Bakery LLC is committed to delivering high-quality, nutrient-rich dog treats made from agricultural ingredients, like mint and parsley, to promote pet health and wellness. Since launching in 2018, the venture has expanded its product line from just a few offerings to over 30 unique treats, catering to a wide range of canine dietary needs. With a growing retail presence — including an online store and a brick-and-mortar location — R&B Dog Bakery is now focused on scaling its operations and expanding into major retail markets. The company is dedicated to building a brand that not only provides premium pet nutrition but also creates economic opportunities within its community.

Akil Foluke

Mama’s Juju LLC | Minnesota

Mama’s Juju LLC is a holistic health and wellness brand that blends scientific formulation with cultural traditions to create accessible, nutrient-rich products like sea moss gel and cold-pressed juices. Since its launch in 2022, the venture has grown its product line from three to six signature teas and tonics, serving over 500 customers through direct sales and local market events, with a 70% repeat purchase rate. Mama’s Juju has partnered with local organizations to host wellness workshops, impacting over 100 participants. The business has seen steady revenue growth, increasing by approximately 40% year over year and reaching over $20,000 in sales in 2024.

Autumn Jones

Holistic Mommy Inc. | Illinois

Holistic Mommy Inc. is a mission-driven health and wellness brand specializing in fresh, farm-sourced juices and holistic health products that promote sustainable agriculture and community wellness. Founded in 2023, the business partners with two local farms and a beekeeper to source high-quality ingredients, reinforcing its “farm to bottle” commitment. With $5,000 in early revenue and a growing presence at local farmers markets, Holistic Mommy Inc. is dedicated to expanding access to nutrient-rich products while fostering health education initiatives in schools and community spaces. Holistic Mommy Inc. creates local jobs and continues to deepen its local impact through partnerships and educational workshops that promote health equity.

Bell Jordan

Perfect Peace Tea LLC | California

Fluency Beauty is a regenerative beauty brand transforming agricultural inputs like spirulina, beets, turmeric, radish, and potatoes into high-performance, multifunctional makeup products that are better for both consumers and the planet. The venture has raised $45,000 to date, including a grant from the SPARK Accelerator Pitch Competition. By partnering with agricultural suppliers practicing regenerative agriculture, Fluency supports climate-friendly farming practices that reduce food waste, restore soil health, and promote biodiversity. Its biodegradable plant-based packaging breaks down in under a year, setting a new industry standard for sustainability. Since launching, Fluency has caught the attention of major industry players, including Estee Lauder’s product development team.

Brittney McArthur

Herbal Accession | Illinois

Herbal Accession is a wellness and community development venture dedicated to fostering economic growth, local agriculture, holistic health, and self-sufficiency in underserved communities. With $30,000 raised through grants from the BeyGood Foundation and the City of Chicago<, the business is building a café serving healthy food, a growing garden, a body care store featuring herbal-infused products, and a multi-purpose wellness center to offer horticulture education, personal development and mindfulness classes. Since launching in 2020, Herbal Accession has impacted over 5,000 customers, hosted 12+ health fairs and wellness workshops, and facilitated 50+ small business workshops to support emerging entrepreneurs.

Bryant Williams

Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread Company | Minnesota

Hardcore Peanut Butter is a health-focused food venture developing superfood-enriched, protein-packed peanut butter, with a commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Founded in 2021, the company is pioneering the use of CRISPR-modified peanuts to create an allergen-free peanut butter formula, making nutritious, plant-based protein more accessible. By working directly with peanut growers and agricultural researchers through its partnership with Betterseeds Lab, the company is driving innovation at the intersection of food science and sustainable agriculture. With $75,000 raised through SAFE notes and loans, Hardcore Peanut Butter has secured retail placement at Fresh Thyme Market, built out its manufacturing and fulfillment infrastructure, and operates with a lean team of six part-time members as it prepares to scale.

Celena Martin

Ceeing You Through | Virginia

Ceeing You Through is a Georgia-based wellness venture dedicated to promoting holistic health through herbal wellness teas and alternative healing education, particularly in marginalized communities. Since launching its herbal tea line in 2024, Ceeing You Through has expanded from three to seven tea blends, generated over $1,400 in sales, and secured interest from four bulk clients across three states. The company also provides educational workshops on herbal medicine and self-care, ensuring that wellness remains inclusive and community-driven. With a vision to expand into retail markets across the East Coast, the business is focused on scaling operations, strengthening its retail strategy, and making holistic health products more widely available.

Jessica Dorsett

JMCandles & Home | New York

JMCandles and Home is a community-driven home goods brand specializing in custom, hand-poured eco-friendly candles and interactive candle-making workshops that promote creativity, self-expression, and sustainable living. The brand uses soy wax sourced from U.S. soybean farms, directly connecting its product line to American agriculture and promoting sustainable crop usage. The business has generated $10,000 in revenue through direct sales while growing a loyal customer base through 50+ hands-on workshops with 10-15 participants per session. With a strong digital presence and collaborations with local businesses, JMCandles and Home is working toward expanding its retail space, increasing product offerings, and scaling its experiential retail model.

Jolena Stewart

Love Energy Nature | Pensylvania

Love Energy Nature is a sustainable agriculture-tech-enabled cosmetics company dedicated to providing plant-based skincare solutions tailored to the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) consumers, particularly those affected by dermatitis and sensitive skin conditions. The company has seen remarkable growth, including a 782% increase in revenue and an 1,833% rise in sales over the past year. With $42,941 raised to date through grants, sales, and donations — including funding from Amazon, the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), and the One Next League — Love Energy Nature seeks to expand its retail footprint.

Joyson BaLisamore

Jay’s Watermelonade | Maryland

Jay’s Watermelonade is a mission-driven food and beverage venture providing heart-healthy, cold-pressed juices and frozen treats made from fruits sourced from local farms without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Founded in 2023 and through its online retail store, the company has served nearly 3,000 customers, created seasonal jobs for underserved youth, and partnered with over 20 organizations to promote healthier lifestyles in urban communities. With $24,000 raised through grants and sales—backed by The Ratcliffe Foundation, Maryland Philanthropy Network, and The University of Baltimore—the venture is now poised for retail expansion.

Kedisha Clayborne

Francis And Bee’s PETS | Arizona

Francis And Bee’s PETS is a Black-owned, woman-owned business dedicated to promoting pet wellness through handcrafted, 100% organic, plant-based dog treats. The treats are made using ingredients like oats, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed sourced from small farms, highlighting the venture’s commitment to supporting local agriculture. Since launching in 2020, the company has served over 5,000 “pupstomers” with a 95% repeat customer rate at farmers markets while building a strong online presence and securing a vendor spot at The Arizona State Fair. With $77,000 in sales, the business has been entirely self-funded, relying on community support to fuel its growth while educating pet owners about the benefits of farm-fresh, organic ingredients.

Kimberly Harris

Grace & Luminance LLC | Ohio

Grace & Luminance is a growing eco-friendly home goods brand specializing in handcrafted scented products and experiential retail through immersive candle-making workshops. The company’s candles use natural soy wax sourced from U.S. soybean farms, along with essential oils derived from botanicals grown using regenerative farming practices. Founded in 2022, the business has sold over 300 products and hosted 20+ workshops, engaging more than 50 participants in community-driven experiences. With $11,000 raised through sales, family donations, and Shopify Capital loans, Grace & Luminance is committed to scaling its retail presence while promoting sustainable craftsmanship rooted in agriculture.

Kora-Lynah Abelard

Orijin | Florida

Orijin is a culturally inspired skincare brand that transforms agricultural botanicals like hibiscus and jasmine into premium, handcrafted beauty products. Rooted in Haitian traditions, Orijin honors cultural beauty rituals while creating sustainable value from agricultural ingredients. Since launching in 2022, the company has generated over $30,000 in revenue, built a loyal customer base of 300+ customers with a 51% repeat purchase rate, and maintained its operations entirely through sales. With a focus on ethical sourcing and product innovation, Orijin is now preparing for its next growth phase—expanding retail partnerships, optimizing supply chains, and developing direct sourcing relationships with farmers to enhance economic opportunities.

Kym Anglin

Koko’s Kitchen | Texas

Koko’s Kitchen is a purpose-driven pet food company creating healthy, plant-based dog treats that promote pet wellness while championing sustainability and social impact. The treats are formulated using agricultural inputs like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and flaxseed, sourced directly from regional farms to ensure traceability and support local producers. Operating on a $30,000 initial investment, Koko’s Kitchen is preparing for its March 2025 launch by partnering with a BIPOC woman-owned co-producer, creating summer jobs for at-risk youth, and supporting animal welfare organizations through profit donations. The company is actively pursuing USDA Organic certification, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural transparency.

LaToya Larkin

Black Girl Tamales | Texas

Black Girl Tamales is a food venture pioneering the fusion of Southern flavors and Latin American culinary traditions to create innovative, value-added agricultural products. Each tamale showcases locally sourced agricultural ingredients like corn, sweet potatoes, and collard greens, directly connecting the brand’s success to regional farmers. The company has raised $250,000, with financial backing from the Heinz Lee Initiative and participation in the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women (OMBW) program. It has also built strategic manufacturing partnerships with Sunrise Mexican Foods to scale production, gained national recognition, earning features in Houston Chronicle, ABC Localish, and Cuisine Noir, and has showcased its products at the Walmart Frozen Food Summit and the Consensus Great Brands Showcase.

Laura Manning

LaJAshley | Ohio

LaJAshley is a beauty brand that transforms plant-based ingredients like botanical extracts and marine kelp into high-performance, vegan hair and skincare products while promoting clean beauty and sustainability. Founded in 2012, the company has raised $280,000 through grants and individual donations, with financial support from Harvard Business, LISC, and Rise Up!. With placement in Meijer Fairfax, Amazon, and Walmart.com, LaJAshley has sold over 25,000 units and reached 10,000 students through educational workshops that teach clean beauty, science, and entrepreneurship. Recognized in Fox 8 and Fox 3 News Cleveland, and featured at 1,000+ live events, the brand is scaling its retail presence, expanding its product line to include scalp and sensitive skin care solutions, and deepening its educational impact.

Malique Middleton

Gewd Botanicals | Virginia

Gewd Botanicals is a natural skincare brand that grows botanicals on two urban farms in Richmond, VA, using them to create locally sourced skincare products like body butters, scrubs, and oils. Founded in 2018, the venture has raised $13,403 through sales, grants, and seed funding, with support from James Madison University’s Seed Fund and VCU’s SHIFT Retail Lab. In addition to producing clean skincare, Gewd Botanicals grows fresh produce for sale and donation to local community fridges and partners with 5+ community gardens to provide youth gardening education. Gewd Botanicals is focused on creating local jobs and scaling into retail while staying rooted in sustainability and community impact – thus building a farm-to-shelf model that empowers healthier skin and healthier communities.

Nadia Dixon

Moss Sauce LLC | Georgia

Moss Sauce LLC is a wellness brand specializing in sea moss products designed to address vitamin deficiencies and support holistic health. All products are made from sustainably harvested sea moss—an agricultural product grown through aquatic farming—blending marine agriculture with holistic wellness. Since launching in 2020, the company has generated $200,000 in revenue exclusively through direct sales and built partnerships with nearly 20 retail and wellness locations, including Nutrition Depot, Total Nutrition, and LA Fitness across Houston and Atlanta. The venture is focused on making sea moss products more accessible while educating communities about the connection between marine agriculture and wellness.

Naomi Tolbert

Goddess Good Food | Ilinois

Goddess Good Food is a plant-based, gluten-free frozen pizza company redefining convenient, health-conscious eating with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Each pizza features farm-sourced vegetables, herbs, and gluten-free grains, highlighting the venture’s reliance on sustainable agriculture to deliver high-quality products. Founded in 2020 and pivoting to pizzas in 2022, the company grew from street-side sales in Chicago to securing retail placements and farmers’ market success. Entirely self-funded with a $29,000 investment, the venture saw a 300% revenue increase in 2024 and is focused on expanding distribution while prom

Quandra Gray

What The Sprout | Maryland

What the Sprout is a Baltimore-based social enterprise that teaches people—especially in underserved communities—how to grow their own food through microgreen cultivation. Launched in 2023 and self-funded with $12,300 in sales, the business has run over 40 hands-on workshops and distributed more than 200 microgreen kits, equipping families with the tools and knowledge to grow fresh food at home. By working with local libraries, schools, and recreation centers, What the Sprout is tackling food insecurity with a practical, low-cost solution. As demand grows, the venture is focused on expanding its retail strategy, increasing kit sales, and reaching 500+ participants annually to make homegrown food more accessible.

Sean Sweeney

The KMIR Bar | Texas

The KMIR Bar is a Texas-based wellness brand that creates nutrient-dense, functional snack bars made with ingredients sourced from local farmers, including microgreens from Restorative Farms in South Dallas. Founded in 2023, KMIR is funded <u

. The company’s farm partnerships ensure fresh, locally grown produce is incorporated directly into each bar, strengthening the connection between urban agriculture and healthy eating. The company’s farm partnerships ensure fresh, locally grown produce is incorporated directly into each bar, strengthening the connection between urban agriculture and healthy eating. The venture has already introduced its products through local markets and community events, including a fun run and wellness workshop for at-risk youth, and is now focused on scaling into retail stores to bring mindful snacking to more households.

“What the Sprout empowers communities to grow their own food through education and easy-to-use microgreen kits, making fresh food more accessible. The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a game-changer, helping me scale this impact and advance food security through sustainable agriculture.”

Quandra GrayWhat The Sprout

Stacey Eldridge

Stacey Sherri Inc | California

Stacey Sherri Inc is a vegan, eco-friendly body care brand that creates clean, sustainable skincare products from sustainably sourced, ag-based products while driving social impact. Founded in 2019 and self-funded with $25,000 from personal savings, sales, and community support, the company has sold on Amazon and is focused on expanding into major retailers like Walmart. Beyond skincare, the venture empowers over 96 women by providing jobs, infrastructure improvements, and health initiatives, reinvesting profits to support local economic development. Staci Sherri Inc bridges sustainable, agriculture-based raw materials with consumers, creating high-quality products while fostering impact.

Stephanie Freeman

Eccentric Earth LLC | Missouri

Eccentric Earth LLC is a sustainable agriculture and wellness venture that grows fresh microgreens and specialty crops—including sunflower shoots, pea tendrils, lavender, and turmeric—and transforms them into handcrafted herbal products like soaps and skincare items. Founded in 2024, the business has raised $5,000 through grants from Kansas Black Farmers Association, Cultivate KC, and Kansas Black Urban Growers. Through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, Eccentric Earth not only provides nutrient-dense produce to local families but also educates communities on sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship.

Terrika Knox

Herb & Orchid | Maryland

Herb & Orchid is a non-alcoholic sparkling wine brand that transforms agricultural inputs, like grapes, into premium, globally inspired beverages that offer health-conscious consumers a sophisticated way to celebrate. Since officially launching in January 2025, the venture has generated $2,010 in sales and built early retail partnerships with small non-alcoholic bottle shops. Founded and self-funded by an Army veteran with expertise in logistics and program management, Herb & Orchid emphasizes sustainable sourcing and has invested over $100,000 in product development, e-commerce infrastructure, and early marketing efforts. With a flagship flavor—Asian Pear & Agave—the brand is building a community around mindful consumption, catering to wellness-focused consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives

Ursula Kendall

Kraezy Good Foods | Georgia

Kraezy Good Foods is a farm-based brand dedicated to sustainable agriculture, educational programming, and value-added farm products. Operating on a one-acre farm in Georgia, the venture grows and sells fresh produce while engaging over 1,000 youth and families annually through farm tours, workshops, and hands-on gardening experiences—empowering the next generation of growers. Kraezy Good Foods has built a strong network of 100+ farmers and agricultural resources and has raised $50,000 in grants from the USDA FSA, and NRCS to support its growth. With one product on the market – a farm-fresh herb seasoning blend made from its own sustainably grown herbs – and other products in development that connect directly to its core agricultural roots, the business is now focused on expanding revenue streams, refining product offerings, and strengthening its retail strategy.

Vaneola Joseph

Jirah Farms | Florida

Jirah Farms is a minority-owned, woman-led farm dedicated to addressing food insecurity by growing and distributing fresh, organic, and sustainably produced fruits, vegetables, and herbs to underserved communities, Title I schools, and local community gardens. Since its founding in 2021, the farm has raised $20,000 through grants and has provided over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to local families, schools, and food banks. Jirah Farms has also partnered with 3 local organizations to create community gardens in food deserts and conducted 10+ educational workshops, teaching over 200 participants about sustainable farming and healthy eating. Jirah Farms has built a direct-to-consumer model that serves over 150 families regularly, while laying the groundwork for a CSA program and future institutional partnerships.

William Donato

Harvey Haven Lavender Farm | Delaware

Harvey Haven Lavender Farm is a specialty crop agricultural venture that cultivates lavender for sustainable skincare products, including lavender-infused oils, soaps, and balms, as well as immersive agritourism experiences. Spanning four acres in Delaware, the farm has quickly become a community hub, offering high-quality, eco-friendly products alongside event space and cottage rentals. Since its launch in 2023, the farm has generated $25,000 through sales and individual donations while working toward its first round of grant and debt funding. Harvey Haven Lavender Farm is committed to expanding its impact by strengthening retail operations, scaling production, and building out event spaces to enhance its presence in the clean beauty and home goods markets.

Yashika Annang

Hair Affair Stimulating Growth Oil | Texas

Hair Affair makes plant-based hair care products and promotes natural beauty education. With $106K in revenue, it has served 3,700+ customers worldwide.

Zahra Chibberton

Violets Herbs | Louisiana

Violet’s Herbs creates plant-based wellness products using eco-friendly farming methods. With $40K raised, it has served 1,500+ customers and expanded internationally.

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