BAO: FAST FACTS

Black Apothecary Office was founded to transform the beauty and wellness space. We’re disrupting the model for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.

Our accelerator works with start-up brands, providing them with the tools to build a viable business, pitch investors and bring products to market.

The BAO community fosters creativity and brand development through high-impact strategic guidance, giving early-stage companies the resources and power to thrive.

AN UNTOLD STORY

The beauty and wellness space in the Black community is nearly non-existent. There are so many smart Black entrepreneurs striving for a chance.

Incubators, angel investors and venture capitalists often overlook Black beauty, health and wellness and telehealth startups when it comes to networking, mentoring and funding. The numbers aren’t pretty:

Based on the number of working-age people in the U.S.

RESHAPING THE NARRATIVE

Black Apothecary Office is designed to remove the barriers and boost Black and Latinx startups.

As a change agent in the entrepreneurial space, we connect new talent in the beauty, health and wellness, and telehealth spaces to vital resources. BAO uses our personal industry connections to create a buzz around small businesses. We help:

Enhance their startup portfolios

Provide exposure to support, guidance, education and investments

Maximize the number of previously unknown Black-owned businesses and startups

Create a cultural shift in the industry, highlighting the positivity and potential of Black entrepreneurs

THE BAO ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Funding is essential, but so is a solid business foundation.

When entrepreneurs complete the accelerator program, we’ll provide funding to move them closer to launch and offer a marketplace to host the brands, boosting their exposure and creating a buzz.

We’re on a mission to transform the way consumers interact with Black-owned and Latinx-owned beauty and wellness brands. We’re creating lasting connections— and a new generation of innovative consumer products, devices and virtual wellness services.

BAO is a community where Black creators can find their voice, build their dreams and reinvent the beauty landscape.

THE DISRUPTION BEGINS

BAO was founded in 2020, and we’re already staring to disrupt the beauty and wellness space:

That’s just the start.

Funding will accelerate the development of apps and educational products. We’re working on a deal with a nationally-known brand to feature program graduates.

BAO increases the power of our narrative and our community every day.

MEET THE CREATIVE FORCE BEHIND BAO

Jae Joseph | FOUNDER
Jae Joseph is a cultural producer and entrepreneur, working in visual arts, film and multidisciplinary platforms. He connects the traditional and experimental art worlds through art advising, brand collaboration, events and strategic communication. Joseph commits to representing artists and clients honorably and honestly, refining but not replacing their messages. He caters to private sector clients in entertainment, fashion, publishing and real estate.

Joseph has been recognized by the Ford Foundation, American Express Minority Corporate Counsel and the Parsons School of Design | The New School.

Brianna Wise | CO-FOUNDER
Brianna Wise is an author, mentor, creative director, brand strategist and stylist with expertise in the fashion, entertainment and beauty industries. She nurtures visions from creative concept through business development, taking a brand full circle before it goes to market. Wise acts as a creative director and consultant, listening and problem-solving to enhance a business or brand.

Her creative collaborations have been featured among professional performers and athletes working with global companies including SONY, BET, NYFW, Under Armour, Live Nation, Spotify, Warner Brothers, AfroPunk, Paper magazine and CBS.

Keewana Grant | PR
Keewana Grant is the director of beauty and well-being at Purple, a top PR firm. Her expertise is in beauty, health and wellness public relations and marketing.

Ashley Kirk
Ashley Kirk handles client engagements and operational delivery for the California-based team. Her focus includes Medicaid financing, managed care, business development, and provider policy and reimbursement. She provides the team with the unique perspective of an experienced healthcare provider and expertise in policy and health care reform on the state and federal level.

Irene Onyango
Irene Onyango works on project design and implementation for clients in several areas, including Medicaid financing, managed care, business development, provider policy and reimbursement. She has a strong healthcare background, with public and private sector experience. Onyango also serves as a member of the firm’s Next Generation group, a committee of our emerging leaders, experts and staff.

Christine Duchtatellier, Esq.
Christine Duchtatellier is a New York based attorney with the skill to handle the detailed paperwork required to launch and develop a startup.