Jenny from the block

December 3, 2008 12:33 PM

Who are some famous or very successful female, minority business owners? Also, where could I get information about female, minority business owners in general, preferably online?

Someone I know is looking for information on female minority business owners. That's female and minority business owners, meaning no to Martha Stewart and Jay-Z, but yes to J. Lo and Oprah.

Any famous names are helpful, but more valuable would be some stats, links or book recommendations containing trends, history, etc.

Most info available is for female or minority owned businesses, not both.

Any help is appreciated!

NOTE: I really dislike the term "minority" but used it here for the sake of ease

posted by milarepa to Grab Bag (13 answers total)

Best answer: The Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners (formerly known as the Surveys of Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises) track the number of business establishments, employees, payroll, and sales for businesses, broken down by both the gender and race/ethnicity of the business owner.

The easiest way to access the data is through American FactFinder. To browse the data, choose the first dataset Economy-Wide Estimates of Business Ownership: 2002, and (if necessary) choose Filter Rows from the blue navigation bar. This will allow you to focus on a more specific geography or set of geographies, as well as industry, race, or gender (Other Dimensions for race, ethnicity or gender.)

As it is part of the Economic Census (which is conducted every 5 years), the most recent data is from 2002, but 2007 data will be released soon.
posted by Eldritch at 12:53 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: One term to search for is HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES in lieu of minority.

Many US States offices of purchasing have programs listing this type of business. For example, the NC page has a link to search for vendors, and you can sort by HUB status. Of course, note that this only shows vendors who have bothered to register with the State.
posted by mightshould at 12:56 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Female Minority Entrepreneurs Take Off (from Businessweek, February 2007)
posted by brandman at 1:06 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Madame C.J. Walker, Bridget "Biddy" Mason, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Annie Turnbo Pope Malone, Trish Millines Dziko, Tyra Banks
posted by ryanshepard at 1:09 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Here's a link to the Center for Women's Business Research.

One example I can think of is the founder of PinkBerry, Shelly Hwang. I think I even saw her on an AmEx commercial.
posted by cucumberfresh at 1:23 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Let's see, there's:

Cathy Hughes
Lisa Price
Tracy Reese
Edris Nichols
Iman
Jessica Care Moore
Monique Greenwood


I'll come back if I think of others. I'm sure I've forgotten a ton.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:26 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Lovie Yancey
posted by politikitty at 3:58 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Mama Dip (a.k.a. Mildred Council) is a bit of a local celebrity here in Chapel Hill. She's published a cookbook, too. Her restaurant is famous for yummy soul food.
posted by amtho at 4:55 PM on December 3, 2008

Best answer: Linda Johnson Rice
posted by nax at 5:02 PM on December 3, 2008

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! This is exactly what we were looking for. Every answer was the best one.

If anyone thinks of any more, feel free to post. I'll keep checking.

Thanks again!
posted by milarepa at 7:22 PM on December 3, 2008

What's successful and why do you want the names? You might check for "successful" women in your town who own a chain or tile stores or whatever. Same sources, just zero in on your zip code.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 9:30 PM on December 3, 2008

Almost forgot!

B. Smith ... who was Martha Stewart before there was a Martha Stewart.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:09 AM on December 4, 2008

Seconding Madame CJ Walker. She's the gold standard.
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:08 PM on December 5, 2008