By Oren Reshef, Washington University in St. Louis; Abhay Aneja, University of California, Berkeley, and Michael Luca, Johns Hopkins University

Labeling businesses as Black-owned can significantly boost their sales, we found in a recent study.

In June 2020, the business-review website Yelp introduced a feature allowing consumers to search for Black-owned restaurants. As professors who study digitization, inequality and the economics of technology, we were interested in understanding its effect. So we analyzed more than two years of data from Yelp.

We found that restaurants labeled as Black-owned saw a 65% increase in online traffic, more searches and calls, and higher sales through food orders and in-person visits. These results suggest that for many Black-owned businesses, a simple change in their visibility can create new opportunities for growth.

However, the impact varied by location. The gains were strongest in politically liberal areas and places with lower levels of implicit racial bias, as measured by regional variation in implicit-association test scores. This suggests that platforms are in part channeling, as opposed to creating, customer demand. Interestingly, white customers drove most of the increase, suggesting the label helped raise awareness of businesses they might not have considered before.

This wasn’t just a 2020 trend – in follow-up analyses, we found similar results among businesses that opted into the feature later. We also collaborated with the online furniture company Wayfair, which launched a “Black Maker” label on its site in 2023, and found that it led to a 57% increase in web traffic. Finally, Yelp rolled out a Latino-owned label on the platform late that year, which led to a similar increase in consumer engagement.

Why it matters

This research has implications for business owners, digital platforms and policymakers. Growing awareness of racial inequality – partially driven by the Black Lives Matter movement, especially after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 — has led to increased corporate and customer interest in supporting minority-owned businesses. It also led many companies to make commitments to promote racial equity.

However, more recently, many companies have dismantled these efforts. For instance, Target recently announced that it was eliminating its program to spotlight Black-owned businesses. Our findings suggest that increasing the visibility of minority ownership – a relatively low-cost change – can substantially improve economic outcomes for Black-owned businesses.

Our results also show that diversity initiatives aren’t just about warm and fuzzy feelings. Businesses should measure and evaluate their impact to ensure their programs are effective. A well-designed program can benefit the bottom line, while a poorly designed one risks being ineffective or even counterproductive.

So it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks. Past research, including some of our own, indicates that revealing racial identity sometimes can lead to discrimination or backlash. While our findings suggest that labeling can have positive effects, a poorly implemented policy can backfire. Yelp’s initiative design empowered users looking to support Black-owned businesses while allowing other users to continue searching in alternative ways.

That means policy design is crucial. What matters isn’t just what information is revealed, but also how it’s communicated. Our analysis shows that customer demand and preferences vary considerably across locations and demographics, meaning that context also matters.

What still isn’t known

While our research suggests that businesses experienced economic benefits from adopting the label, it’s crucial to understand which policy designs work best in the long run. For instance, Yelp’s program used an opt-in feature, which may have contributed to its success.

However, open questions remain. How are platforms affected by labeling businesses? What other types of labels might be impactful, and for which types of businesses? Could some interventions backfire?

Another key question is, which customers respond to racial identity disclosures? Recent advances in data analytics can help companies refine their strategies, making it easier to target the right consumer groups for more effective initiatives.

Ultimately, our study is a step toward understanding how transparency and visibility can shape economic outcomes. It highlights a diversity initiative that has benefited both customers and businesses, and provides a road map for companies that want to design initiatives that matter. And, more broadly, it speaks to a question facing all companies: How can companies better understand and shape their societal footprint?

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Oren Reshef, Washington University in St. Louis; Abhay Aneja, University of California, Berkeley, and Michael Luca, Johns Hopkins University

Read more:

• A boycott campaign fuels tension between Black shoppers and Black-owned brands – evoking the long struggle for ‘consumer citizenship’
• The backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion in business is in full force − but myths obscure the real value of DEI
• Campus diversity is becoming difficult to measure as students keep their race and ethnicity hidden on college applications

In the past, Oren Reshef has worked as an Economics Research Intern at Yelp. The company did not intervene in the analysis or the publication process of this article.

Michael Luca has done consulting for tech companies including Yelp.

Abhay Aneja does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The post Identifying brands as Black-owned can pay off for businesses appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Name: Yolanda Snatcher

Title: Owner

Business Name: My Body Snatcher  

Social Media Handles: FB: Mybodysnatcher

IG: Mybodysnatcher

Website: www.MyBodySnatcher.com

What made you start your business? I was able to find a way to help women transform their bodies and raise their confidence while gaining personal financial freedom.

How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Beauty Field? I feel empowered when I’m able to help a woman feel her absolute best about her body!

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without? A good shaper, Anastasia eyebrow pomade, and Skin by Brownlee & Co

Anything else our beauty readers should know about you? MBS is a family-operated company that has had the pleasure of helping ladies feel their very best since 2014! I absolutely love what I do.

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Name:  Theresa Ree

Title: Founder and CEO

Business Name: Kanaka Beauty & Wellness

Website: www.kanakabeauty.com

What made you start your business?

After having sensitive skin and eczema the majority of my life, I wanted to stop using pharmaceutical creams and try more natural remedies. I was concerned about the side effects and hormones and needed to be less dependent on them. I started using essential oils more, experimenting with herbs, and taking supplements. It’s been a game changer.. I’m grateful for a more holistic approach to skin care and my health overall.

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?

Our Essentials healing oil blend with Clove oil, which is available now. The Stress-Less ointment, coming very soon, and 24k Gold face mask.

How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Beauty Field?

It’s a huge honor to have this opportunity and a great time to be a black entrepreneur to build, create and be a part of black excellence. Not just in beauty but in all industries. I’m happy I listened to my intuition and didn’t allow circumstances to discourage me. BeautyCon has been inspiring and has empowered me as a Black Woman Entrepreneur.

Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?

Kanake is a word from the ancient African Kingdom of Kush. Kanake was the title for queens and queen mothers of the Kush Nation. Kanaka Beauty & Wellness use all natural and organic ingredients, we believe self-care is the best care. I want to thank the Cincinnati Herald, Morgan Angelique Owens, BASH venue, the Sponsors, and all the attendees for supporting the event and local business.

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Name: Sonia Jackson Myles

Title: Founder & CEO

Business Name: The Sister Accord®️ LLC

Social Media Handles: IG @thesisteraccord @smilewithyoureyesbysjm Twitter @thesisteraccord FB The Sister Accord  LinkedIn Sonia Jackson Myles & The Sister Accord

Website: smilewithyoureyesbysjm.com 

thesisteraccord.com

thesisteraccordfoundation.org

What made you start your business?

The Sister Accord®️ was created to inspire 1 billion girls and women to learn how to love themselves and each other. Its mission is connected to helping girls and women understand their value and worth. When this is our truth, it unleashes our power to do great things and have great success. When we understand our value and worth, our confidence and self-esteem are at levels that make us fearless in pursuing our purpose and designing our destinies.  

Let us know about your new beauty product launch? 

I’m so excited about Smile With Your Eyes by Sonia Jackson Myles Eyeshadow Stencils. This product idea came to me during the pandemic when I was thinking about all of the conversations I had where girls and women shared that they loved my pictures but were afraid to wear or apply makeup, particularly eyeshadow. I call this a Humanity Insight because I kept hearing it so frequently from both groups (from all ethnic groups). When I coupled this insight with my passion for helping girls and women live a more fulfilled life, by leading with love, I knew that this idea would solve a significant pain point. The feedback and response to date has been positive as we are in our pre-launch phase. We are currently accepting pre-orders on the smilewithyoureyesbysjm.com website.  The link to pre-order is smilewithyoureyesbysjm.com/shop 

The Eyeshadow Stencil is a tool to enhance the natural beauty of our customers. It gives the user a guide (we have a tutorial video with step by step instructions) to create the looks they desire. Also, when the customer receives the stencils, there are step by step written instructions in the packaging. This product is part of The Sister Accord®️ Self-LOVE Series.

How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Beauty Field? 

I feel really empowered when I think about this product. I believe that when we open our minds to learning new things, it builds confidence and our Super Powers. I love the fact that anyone can use this product and feel empowered as well. I think we’ll experience great success with this product because it is designed with love and it meets a need. I’m excited that professional Makeup Artists have also shown interest in using this product as well.  

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?

My daily regimen includes the Skin By Brownlee & Co. Cryotherapy Ball, eyeshadow & lipstick by Makeup By RoryLee and lipstick & makeup brushes by The GlamDoctor, Rashida Williams

The post New beauty launch with Sonia Jackson Myles appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Name: Raven Young

Title: Owner 

Business Name: Material Gurl Decor

Social Media Handles: IG: Materialgurl_decor FB: Material Gurl Decor 

Website: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/material_gurl_decor_219124/cf_id/62681297b703e602d23301fd

What made you start your business?

I started off by making balloon garlands for friends, and family gatherings we would have at the house. It was always fun and therapeutic, but I never thought it would be something I’d take on as a business; until my mom (unknowingly) pushed me into making it a business by telling people I made balloon garlands. I realized I was good enough to start charging people and I’ve been perfecting my craft ever since.

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without? 

Skin by Brownlee Sunscreen 

Skin by Brownlee Face Wash

Chapstick

Anything else our beauty readers should know about you?

I make sure that every event is an experience. From the moment of inquiry up until the set-up of your balloons, it is all personalized to meet the needs of you and your event. I have put in countless hours of research on the best products and the best methods to help make your event special. I look forward to working with you to help make your event even more special. 

The post Small Business Spotlight: Material Gurl Decor appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

On Friday, September 16, 2022, The Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) of Metro Cincinnati presented its 2022 Business Excellence Awards Gala. We were sold out! As promised, it was such an exciting event. We are incredibly grateful to Fifth Third Bank as they returned as this year’s Title Investment Sponsor. Additional Sponsors include First Financial Bank, Liberty Bank, Union Savings Bank, and Guardian Savings Bank. It was an evening of highlights and recognitions of not only the small businesses but the CEG organization. The theme of the gala was “Building Business Resilience” which is a continuation of CEG’s efforts to build thriving churches and businesses which contribute to a flourishing Metro Cincinnati. During our celebration, we were able to recognize First Financial Bank as Corporation of the Year for their Engagement and the new Work Life Membership portion that was recently added to CEG. Also, we were able to celebrate New Vision United Methodist Church as CEG Member Church of the Year for their monumental efforts in doing business with not only CEG Strategic Partners but also many small businesses throughout our community.

Seven (7) small African American businesses that are a part of the CEG Strategic Partner Program were celebrated and recognized for their resilience and thriving during the 2-year period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s honorees included:

Tier 1- $3,000,000 and Above (2021 and 2020)

• Angelita Moreno Jones – Eastern Personnel

• Charles “Chuck” Futel, Jr. – Chuck Futel & Associates dba Primerica

• Sheila Holmes Howard—SHH Realty Group LLC dba Ownerland Realty

Tier 2 – $1,000,000 and Above (2021 and 2020)

• JC Battle – JC Battle & Sons Funeral Home

• Anthony Dickerson – Goodies BBQ Restaurant

• Dhana Donaldson & Yvonne Brown – Tri-City Staffing Services LLC

Tier 3 – $500,000 and Above (2021 and 2020)

• Simone Charles – Social Butterfly Events and Designs dba The Confetti Room

• Jeremy Sibert – Clearview Construction Company LLC

The seven (7) small businesses had a total of $23,094,516.00 in sales during the specified timeframe. This is

Business Resilience!

Entertainment was provided by Mike Wad and the Mighty Groovers, Revolution Dance Theatre, and the CEG Gospel Choral led by P. Ann Everson Price. Guests were upbeat and uplifted. They were then left empowered by our incredible keynote speaker Dr. Deforest Soaries, who served as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey from November 1990 to July 2021. A pioneer of faith-based community development, Dr. Soaries has led First Baptist in the construction of a new $23 million church complex and the formation of many not-for-profit entities to serve the community surrounding the church.

During the event, CEG’s President Dr. Paul Booth Jr. along with CEG’s Bank Black Initiative Committee was joined by Executives from Liberty Bank and Trust to share their exciting announcement. Ann Duplessis, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, Marketing & Sales, and Strategic Planning was joined by Wendy Ryce-Smith, Vice President, and Retail/Commercial Director Liberty Bank and Robert Lay, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage helped share in the announcement. Liberty Bank is the largest African American-owned bank in the country with over $1 Billion in assets under management. CEG is the convening sponsoring organization that has led this project in bringing Liberty Bank to Cincinnati. During this special announcement, Ann Duplessis and Liberty Bank Representatives also presented Collective Empowerment Group with a $15,000 Sponsorship check. At the end, State Representative Sedrick Denson then presented a proclamation to Todd McDonald for being the President of the Largest Black-Owned Bank in the Country.

Dr. Soaries has also held historic and noteworthy government positions. He served as New Jersey’s 30th Secretary of State making him the first African American male to serve as a Constitutional officer of the State. He served as a senior advisor to the governor on issues that transcended traditional departmental lines. Dr Soaries is also the former chairman of the United States Election Assistance Commission.  Dr. Soaries speech was like no other. Guest stood their feet and not only erupted in laughter throughout they were also left empowered to change.

In attendance were CEG Member Churches, Strategic Partners, as well as potential member churches and strategic partners who are looking forward to becoming members of the Collective Empowerment Group. We were grateful to have had Vice Mayor Jan Michele Lemon Kearney, Former Ohio State Senator and African American Chamber President, Eric Kearney, Kenneth Parker, 45th United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Members of the City Council, and a host of State Representatives and Judges came to join in on the experience. The night was with Dr. Soaries being presented with a Proclamation for his religious and community leadership.

Many thanks to  Event Coordinator Dhana Donaldson of MainStage Events and her events management team which includes, Program Manager Erica Garrett, Simone Charles of Social Butterfly Events,  Stage Manager Shawnise Lewis and a host of volunteers for their 

The post 2022 CEG Business Excellence Awards Recognizes Local Businesses appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Claudia Abercrumbie

President/CEO

The Abercrumbie Group

In the midst of seven amazing days in the Cincinnati region with Black Tech Week, the Cincinnati Music Festival, and the Walk of Fame, The Abercrumbie Group was proud to present The 2022 Think Tank on Equity & Inclusion in Wealth. Over 200 corporate leaders, community leaders, and Black business owners gathered on Friday, July 22, at the Hard Rock Cafe to discuss bold strategies to measurably close the racial wealth gap.   

The day included a virtual conversation with special guest, Mehrsa Baradaran, author of “The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap,” and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, panel discussions on bold internal and external corporate strategies to significantly advance racial wealth equity, a lunch conversation on breakthrough strategies to grow larger scale minority-owned businesses, and a special spotlight session for Black women entrepreneurs.

Thanks go to Fifth Third Bank, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Minority Business Accelerator, Ohio National Financial Services, Toyota Motor North America, and other corporate partners for their support and participation in this important conversation.

African Americans still own only one to two percent (1-2%) of U.S. wealth, White households have 10-12% more net worth than Black households, and only one percent (1%) of more than $130 billion in annual venture capital goes to Black entrepreneurs. Without significant disruptions and major structural reforms by government and Corporate America, this unconscionable racial wealth gap will continue for generations to come.

The post 2022 Think Tank shines light on gap in equity and inclusion in wealth appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant 

Name: Ashley Yancy

Title: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. Specialty in Adult Gerontology/Certified in Medical Aesthetics 

Business Website:

thisishor.com 

What made you start your business?

I always knew that I wanted to open my own medical practice. Starting out as a nurse’s aide in the healthcare world showed me that there are so many people fighting battles that we know nothing about. There are individuals who struggle with their weight and self-esteem. Countless people suffer from depression and anxiety. These are the same people who also feel alone. They feel like they have to cover up their true feelings and emotions. To me, that is no way to live. To be unhappy within yourself is no way to live. So, I prayed. I prayed and asked for guidance on what type of practice to open. Shortly after that, I created the first mental and medical spa in Ohio called House of Restoration Mental and Medical Oasis. Focusing on the brain and the body and promoting long term wellness.

I pride myself on knowing that each patient leaves my office with the knowledge about common chronic diseases that could be life altering when poor health is involved. I know that the world needs guidance, support, and encouragement. Whether one comes into my practice for weight loss, IV hydration, or bloodwork, they will leave with so much more than that. You as a whole matter. House of Restoration is more than just a medical spa. This is your Oasis, your safe place. 

How does it empower you as a Black Woman in the Your Field?

Being a black woman in an advanced role in healthcare is the most empowering accomplishment I have ever achieved. I have been told that I shouldn’t go any further in my career because of how black people are treated by their patients and coworkers in healthcare. I have had patients tell me that they don’t want me caring for them because of my skin color. I have had patients tell me they are shocked that a “place like this hired someone like me” countless times.

Through all of that, I still completed my journey with flying colors. I never once allowed any of the doubt, discouragement, or name calling per sway me to quit or give up. Knowing that I accomplished every single goal that I put into place is the best feeling ever. Being a black woman in my current role is proof that it can be done. 

What are 3 of your favorite beauty items you can’t live without?

Three beauty items that I cannot live without are lip balm, mascara, and body butter. Lip balm being NUMBER 1! 

Anything else our readers should know about you?

I have been in nursing for almost a decade. Most of my experience is in long term care and geriatrics. I have learned so much about chronic health conditions. I see how chronic health conditions affect people. If I can get others at an earlier stage in their life to educate them on proper health, then my job is done. Everyone deserves to be educated on their behaviors and the possible consequences that they harbor. Quality of life is everything! 

The post Small Business Spotlight with House of Restoration Mental and Medical Oasis appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Featured guest: Candace M. Bates

By Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

It’s a new year, so that means realigning your goals but also making sure you have all the tools at hand to be successful. As an entrepreneur myself, I know the importance of making sure your business foundation is strong, first and foremost. Herald Beauty has been fortunate enough to highlight so many beauty businesses in 2021, we also want to help these businesses succeed. We will be doing a serious of Beauty & Business pieces to do just that.

I had the great opportunity to sit down with Candace M. Bates who has an insurance agency (Black Woman Owned) The Candace Bates State Farm Agency -that helps with this initiative. 

Please check out these helpful small home business tips Candace shared. For more information, please visit the Chocolate News podcast on thecincinnatiherald.com and also https://www.candacebatesinsurance.com/

Options to Consider when insuring your small home business

Edited By: Candace M. Bates

More than half of America’s businesses are home-based. But setting up headquarters in your home does not mean your homeowners insurance will adequately protect your operation.

A typical homeowners policy covers around $2,500 of coverage for business property. This will usually cover equipment, but it will not extend liability insurance in the event that you are liable or negligent for something pertaining to your business.

1. Adding an “in-home business policy” provides more comprehensive coverage for business equipment and liability than a homeowner’s insurance endorsement.
2. A business insurance policy will cover you for home-based, business related activities that extends your liability should you be responsible for an accident.
3.  A “non-tenant” business liability policy is an option for Artisan and Service Contractors that do work outside of their home for their business (i.e., painters, plumbing, photographers, bakeries).

Making sure that you are properly equipped with the right tools to be successful is important when starting any small business. Providing customers with the appropriate data to help them make the best decisions for their business while becoming a new entrepreneur is vital. This is a huge step, and one should not feel like they need to make it alone. Ask your local State Farm Insurance Agent, Candace Bates; She and her team are readily available to assist you!

Stay tuned for more tips and tools to help you and your beauty business be successful in 2022 and beyond!

The post Beauty & Business: A follow up conversation from The Chocolate News podcast appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant 

I visited HerMD to finally try out laser hair removal, I’ve been told previously that I could not receive it due to the laser not being darker skin friendly. So, when I found out that HerMD was not only minority woman owned but had laser hair services that was pigmented skin friendly, I had to try it.

I decided to start with my underarms because it’s a small area. Honestly, I wanted to do my upper lip but scared if my face freaked out or I couldn’t take the pain (which I’ll get into later). 

The procedure itself took under 30 minutes. It was quick and I had minimal discomfort. I was told in the spots where hair is thicker, it can be a little more uncomfortable. I’m a cry baby, but overall, it was not bad. 

I can already tell my hair is not growing back as much/quick as it once did and I’m excited to share the rest of my journey at HerMD with my laser hair journey! 

Laser Hair Facts/Tips You need to know:

-Don’t wax or hair remover before having the service done

-You shouldn’t wax or use hair remover while you’re having your laser treatments going. They need your hair follicles to have its roots to be most effective. 

-You want to have hair; you can shave a day or two before

-Everyone’s hair grows in different so be sure to get a consultation before having service done

-For best results 6 or more treatments are needed with 4-6 weeks apart

-You’ll have to get maintenance/touch ups once or twice a year to maintain it, hormones play a big part in hair growth.

Aftercare: No extra heat, no strenuous activity after the procedure

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