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COURTESY BUY FROM A BLACK WOMAN

Nikki Porcher is founder of Buy From a Black Woman, which brings the Inspire Tour to SouthPark Mall July 8.

Are you looking for a way to support Black women-owned businesses?

H&M USA and Buy From a Black Woman will host the Inspire Tour to Charlotte at H&M in SouthPark Mall July 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m  The multi-city, pop-up shopping event highlights local Black women businesses, rallies communities to shop local vendors and serves as a networking opportunity for business owners.

The partnership, kicking off its third year, advances the nonprofit’s mission of empowering, educating, and inspiring women of color business owners and the people who support them.

“The Inspire Tour highlights Black Women Business Owners who are finding, owning and living out their ambitions," said Nikki Porcher, founder of Buy From a Black Woman. "Their stories of triumph over adversity showcase the victories in their communities, which inspires both entrepreneurs and consumers who dare to want more to keep reaching for their dreams."

In the last year, the initiative has driven over $2.7 million in revenue and grown Buy From a Black Woman’s online community to over 200,000 allies.

In 2016, Porcher launched the nonprofit that connects over 600 Black women-owned businesses across the United States and provides a community of support to help them flourish. Since partnering with H&M in 2021, Porcher and BFABW have:  

• Hosted more than 100 workshops and training sessions  

• Awarded 45 business grants

• Helped over 20 entrepreneurs with relief fund stipends

• Assisted more than 30 Black women elevate their businesses through accelerator programs

• Helped over 15 founders earn MBE certification

“H&M is committed to using its platform to promote economic inclusion and spark growth for Black women entrepreneurs, because when their businesses flourish, entire communities thrive," Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion and diversity for H&M Region Americas said in a statement. “Nikki Porcher has been instrumental in elevating these incredible businesses, ensuring they are poised for long-term success, and we are proud to stand with her and Buy From a Black Woman to make lasting change.”

•Shoppers can sample a variety of small Black women businesses at the SouthPark event, including some based in North Carolina: Flex-n-Fly: a travel wellness company that provides stretching/yoga, and relaxation classes

• Lizzie’s All-Natural Products: fresh, natural, toxin free products for home and body

• MLP Media: stationary for the purpose-driven life

• The Artsy Girl: a collection of handcrafted accessories

•    VigorWicks Candle Co.: artisan soy wax candles  The tour will also go to Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.  

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