Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Black British Brand Builders

If you’re attending in person, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.

Celebrate Black History Month with stories from Inspiring Entrepreneurs! Join us for a panel discussion featuring four successful Black British entrepreneurs who built their businesses through the power of their social media presence. Learn their secrets for building online communities and how they turned their influence into income.

Expect to:

• Discover how social media influencers can create income streams
• Learn how social media is redefining online business
• Explore strategies to connect with your audience and build a community
• Understand how to leverage your influence to build a successful brand
• Gain insights on how content creators are using social media to highlight Black culture

Speaker bios:

Emmanuel, Founder of The Eman Effect

Emmanuel is a qualified financial advisor with over 15 years of experience. He's a captivating speaker who has empowered over 50,000 individuals and businesses nationwide towards financial independence. You may have seen or heard him as a financial expert on BBC Radio, Channel 4, Jeremy Vine, and ITV, reaching wide audiences across the UK.

Elaine Akyamah-nyamake, aka Elaine Babey

Elaine, also known as Elaine Babey, is a comedic force to be reckoned with. From hilarious skits to travel vlogs, Elaine’s unique perspective and infectious laughter have captivated audiences worldwide.

Her ability to inspire others to see the world through her eyes is what sets her apart. Elaine’s comedic genius and cultural insights have made her a beloved future in the entertainment industry.

Craig McAnuff, Co-Founder of Original Flavas

Craig is more than just a culinary entrepreneur; he’s a cultural ambassador for Caribbean cuisine. Co-founder of Original Flavas, a thriving brand with over 750,000 followers on social media, Craig learnt traditional Caribbean cooking from his mother and grandmother. This deep connection to his heritage fueled his desire to share the flavours of the Caribbean with a wider audience, turning his love for food into a thriving business.

Beyond Original Flavas, Craig’s branding and marketing agency (Craig Dean) helps businesses create strong identities and effective marketing strategies.

Jamelia Donaldson, Founder and CEO of TreasureTress

Jamelia is the founder and CEO of TreasureTress, Europe's largest curly hair product subscription service and has transformed the natural hair care landscape.

TreasureTress not only addresses the lack of quality products for curly hair in the UK but also nurtures a vibrant and interconnected community that transcends geographical boundaries. With almost 50k followers on Instagram, TreasureTress has become a go-to resource for the curly hair community.

Jamelia's expertise and transformative work have earned her recognition from industry leaders and publications like Forbes, Buzzfeed, and The Times. With her groundbreaking TREND REPORT: "The Untapped Opportunity: in the UK Afro Hair Market," Jamelia is paving the way for future innovation and growth in the beauty sector.

The talk will be moderated by:

Brenda Emmanus OBE, Broadcaster, Journalist and Consultant Director of Free Spirit Productions

Brenda is an accomplished Broadcaster and Journalist working across print, radio, and television. She has built her career and reputation across a range of genre from news and current affairs, popular factual, travel and fashion and the arts.

In a career that spans over 30 years, Brenda has spent a significant part as an Arts, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent for the BBC, presenting regular features on the daily BBC London News, and fronting insightful documentaries on Princess Diana, Tate Modern, the history of Black British Artists and the British Designers that shaped the world. She is consistently called to host cultural and commercial events.

She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 for services to Broadcasting and Diversity and enrolled on to the Black Powerlist in 2023. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts in 2022.

For those joining us in person, the event will be followed by a networking reception with drinks, meeting with other attendees, as well as the speakers. For those joining us online, the panel and talk will run from 18.30 – 20.30.

If you have specific access requirements, please email [email protected]

This event is tailored to those who are just thinking about starting a business, are already a business owner who wants to learn more, or perhaps simply wish to establish a stronger network. Attendees will leave this event feeling inspired and engaged.

Host or Publisher British Library, Business & IP Centre