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Celebrate Black History Month by focusing on the contributions and innovations from Black entrepreneurs. We’re excited to bring together leaders from across the industry to share their unique experiences, the significant challenges they’ve faced to their growth and profitability, and the advice they have for early and established business owners.
About the moderator:
Brittany Hughes is an Assistant Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for Fifth Third Bank Chicago. As a lender with nearly 10 years of industry experience, Brittany is dedicated to building relationships and providing personalized financial solutions to closely held middle-market businesses and non-profit organizations. Brittany also serves as the Co-Chair for Fifth Third Chicago’ African American Business Resource Group. As Co-Chair, Brittany aims to attract and retain African American talent by promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment. Brittany is driven by a strong desire to change the racial wealth gap in communities of color.
About the panelists:
Malaika & Michael Wells, Do Well Brands
It all started one Thanksgiving Day when Mike was tasked with making the lemonade for dinner. He took the assignment seriously and the Wells Family Craft Lemonade was born. Knowing we were on to something great and that we could diversify the food and beverage industry, we began the journey of developing flavors and getting our beverages in the hands of more people.
Samuel Hines, Hines Brines
Samuel became passionate about introducing his son Maxwell, to bold and exotic flavor profiles from across the world. Through experimentation and his passion for cooking, he’s curated an array of seasoning and spice blends that have been enjoyed by friends and family and now with the public.
Pamela Jones, Charboys Sauces
Inspired by working in various restaurant cuisines of Europe, Italy, and Panama she experienced the culinary world from an international perspective and found her niche in developing all natural products. Charboy’s was originated in 2008 with the concept of providing customers with healthier condiment options to their favorite foods. Charboy’s is veteran owned business and certified as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). Charboy’s sauces are located in over 450 store locations throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, Wisconsin, and nationally through Amazon.com. Charboy’s Southern BBQ (all natural), Hot & Sweet Asian (gluten free), N’awlins Bourbon (made with real bourbon), and Hot & Spicy Ketchups (no high fructose- no corn syrup) have great taste and lower in sodium and sugars compared to most major branded sauces in its category.
Layla Bitoy, Bitoy Sweet Treats
Is a Chicago native with deep roots on both the South and West Side. A true entrepreneur at heart (Business Portfolio: Bitoy’s Sweet Treats, Insightechs Strategy & Solutions) her first love is for her family. With nearly 20+ years of experience in management consulting, Layla has leveraged her business acumen and field experience to take her passion of helping other organizations identify, evaluate, and design solutions to complex problems while building high performing teams and effective cultures. Her mission within her community keeps her grounded and striving to fuel social equity and economic development in underprivileged communities. Layla volunteers her time as a board member of several a non-profit organization s . She is a thought leader and visionary empowered by collaborative teamwork and innovation.
