Meet Our Founding Five!
In 2018, Nakeia L. Drummond set out to build a synergistic community of Black women entrepreneurs where members can grow businesses, create wealth, and lead at the level of their dreams. These five women joined her on this mission and haven't left her side since, stabilizing the foundation of this empowering journey.
Kieta Mpolo Iriarte-Amin
Kieta Mpolo Iriarte-Amin is a multi-hyphenated nonprofit professional whose legacy is rooted in standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her Baltimore community, especially its women.
She founded Mpolo Business Solutions in 2012 to provide technical assistance and grant and project management consultation to women entrepreneurs and educators, as well as schools and nonprofit organizations in Baltimore.
As co-founder of Bmore Empowered, she also dedicates her time to improving the lives of young women and girls of color through mindfulness and entrepreneurship-centered programming that she says encompasses "Black Girl Brilliance."
Sam Smith
Sam Smith is the founder of Dressed In Motherhood and New Vintage by Sam. Sam is a creative with an immense passion for empowering the local and global community, which calls her to wear many hats—a community energizer, creative consultant, stylist, and designer.
She believes that what you wear is a testament to your style and gives a glimpse into who you are and what you attract.
Sam also serves as the Creative Content Manager for Bmore Empowered.
Macee Whitehead
Macee Whitehead is the owner and creative director of The Carroll School of Dance (CSOD) and co-founder of The IT Gurl LLC.
The #BlackGirlMagic movement inspired Macee's passion and vision for CSOD. Established in 2012, Macee opened her dance school to not only teach dance but leave a more significant impact by building the self-esteem of the young girls she engages through dance. Macce provides her students a safe place to be themselves, face new challenges, and thrive in a craft promoting self-expression and self-worth.
Iyonna Woods
Iyonna Woods founded Fancy Free Hair & Skin in 2015 to offer a holistic approach to hair and skin care for the entire family. Iyonna is dedicated to positively impacting Baltimore by aligning her passion for healthy living, science, and beauty with her firm conviction to be the change she wants to see in her community.
Having begun her laboratory career in 2004, Iyonna Woods has set the standards of the Product Development and Manufacturing division of Fancy Free Hair & Skin, also known as the Fancy Factory, to align with principles and procedures established in the medical manufacturing laboratories she managed during her healthcare career.
Ashley Rock Wylie
Ashley Rock Wylie is a registered nurse who divides her time between her two endeavors— Above it All Mental Health Program and Fleurs d'Ave Floral Boutique.
Above it All (AIA) provides therapy, therapeutic mentoring, and substance use disorder treatment to youth and adults. AIA's mission is to equip families with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to become productive members of society.
Since 2018, Fleurs d'Ave Floral Boutique has provided unique floral creations for all occasions and catalyzed continued economic growth in West Baltimore, which provides job opportunities for the community's residents.
Together with Nakeia, these queens have crafted a space where dreams soar, and success is the daily mantra. As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our community and empowering more Black women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.