This Black History Month, we’re recognizing a few of TechTown’s Black business owners, who share their various entrepreneurial journeys
Black-owned businesses have been a mainstay for the metro Detroit area. With each decade, both legacy and emerging entrepreneurs cultivate community and boost economic growth within the area through their products, services, programming and more.
In keeping with the theme of our recent Black History Month Conference, “Black Business Reunion: Uniting the Community for Prosperity,” which recognized Black business owners of all ages in Detroit, we’re highlighting a few Black entrepreneurs and alumni of TechTown’s programming during this Black History Month. They share what inspired their businesses, what they’ve learned from business owners that have come before or after them and more.
Jerome Brown (left) and Sam VanBuren inside the East Jefferson Avenue location of their restaurant, Detroit Soul, in 2023.
Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren
Co-owners of Detroit Soul
313 STRONG alumni and 2023 Salute Award winners
Detroit Soul is a soul food restaurant with two locations in Detroit. Created in 2015 by Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren, the two were inspired by years of cooking meals with their family to start their own restaurant.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you both born in?
Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren: We belong to Generation X.
What motivated you to start a business?
We grew up with soul food all of our lives. It represents our family heritage as we spent many summers in Selma, Alabama, which was the kickoff [place] of the Freedom Fight with the march from Selma to Montgomery. As children, we traveled down Highway 80 to visit our family in Selma. There were many stories shared with us from various family members that lived the experience. The ability to demonstrate exemplary southern hospitality was instrumental to inspire us to keep the dream and vision alive here in Detroit. Many of the recipes from Alabama are being experienced here in Detroit from our ancestors.
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
Our uncle owned a trucking demolition company for 50 years in the Detroit area. During the most challenging times of segregation, he was able to work across both demographic and geographical areas through metro Detroit. He was from the Greatest Generation, born in 1921.
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
TechTown has provided both academic and practical business support for our growing business. In addition, the co-op environment allows us to [collaborate] with other businesses, as we [continue] our efforts. The public acknowledgements that TechTown has awarded us over the years also gives us credibility with our multi-faceted customer base.
As Black business owners, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
Our goal as Black business owners is to inspire the Millennials, Gen Zers, Gen Alpha and those generations to come after us, to go for their dreams. Entrepreneurship is doable with hard work and perseverance. We will continue to be a living example of how entrepreneurship can change the economic conditions for generations to come.
Nicole Bien-Aime (left) sits inside her women’s clothing store, Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique, ahead of its grand opening in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood in 2018.
Nicole Bien-Aime
Owner of Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique
Retail Boot Camp alum
Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique is a Detroit-based women’s clothing store offering apparel in sizes 0 to 5X. Founder Nicole Bien-Aime opened her brick-and-mortar location in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood in 2018, following five years of running pop-ups for her business.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you born in?
Nicole Bien’Aime: I am a Generation Xer.
What motivated you to start a business?
As a little girl, I always wanted to be my own boss. I became plus–sized, and it wasn’t much out there for plus-sized women to shop; I got so frustrated. When I got laid off from work, I started my entrepreneurial journey. I love fashion, and I was like, “I’m plus sized, there’s nothing out here for us, I’m tired of piecemealing my outfits together, I want to do something about it.”
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
There are two people. Oprah Winfrey [who is part of the Baby Boomer generation]; even though she’s not in the fashion industry, she’s been a trailblazer in everything. She didn’t let anything stop her, so, that’s one of the women I look up to. I also have a mentor who’s been in the [retail] business for 25 years, she has a boutique in Pontiac [called LCA & More – Louise Clothes Closet].
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
Retail Boot Camp really helped me dive into what I needed for the backend. I still get supported to this day. I just love that they are very in tune with the small businesses; they call you, they always send you emails, and they try to keep you in the know in the city, grants, different programming they offer and the free resources, like the Ask an Expert program. I use those [resources] quite often, especially Ask an Expert, because things change all the time. They have the experts that can get you all the information that you need or if they don’t have it, they’ll point you in the direction of where to go. So, that’s why I love TechTown.
As a Black business owner, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
Just being in the know and communing with each other. Networking with the other business owners who are just getting started and letting them know what my journey was, what I can do to help them and what they can do to help me — because it’s about learning on both sides of the stick, from new to old. Being a Black business owner, we have to do a little bit more than the average [non-Black] business owner because the information is not always there for us. But having a place like TechTown to get the information is like a step above the curve.
Crystal Angel, creator of online medical scrub store ANGELS ONLY, presents her products during the inaugural Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition Showcase in 2023.
Crystal Angel
Owner of ANGELS ONLY
Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition alum
ANGELS ONLY is an online store providing medical scrubs that are both functional and stylish. Founder Crystal Angel created the brand in 2020, aiming to provide women in the healthcare industry with uniforms that help them look and feel their best.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you born in?
Crystal Angel: I am a Millennial!
What motivated you to start a business?
My inspiration to start a fashionable, modern scrub line stemmed from a deep desire to revolutionize the healthcare industry’s standard uniform, merging functionality with fashion. After working in healthcare my entire life, and for hospitals such as DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, I observed healthcare professionals day in and day out. The realization that the traditional, boxy scrubs were not only outdated but also did little to uplift the spirits of those who wear them daily motivated me to create ANGELS ONLY during the pandemic. This vision is about more than just clothing — it’s about enhancing the wellbeing and job satisfaction of healthcare workers everywhere!
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
A particular business owner I have been inspired by over the years is Melissa Butler, owner of The Lip Bar, who is a Millennial like myself. Although we have never met, she has always inspired me, as she is a business owner from my area who is doing amazing things! Melissa has not only carved a niche for herself in a competitive market but has also set a towering standard for women-owned, Black-owned business owners like myself. Her success story resonated with me deeply, highlighting the possibilities that await when determination meets opportunity.
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
TechTown has been a cornerstone of support in my entrepreneurial journey, offering a range of opportunities and knowledge that has propelled my venture forward. From the RBC program, mentorships, workshops and networking events, they have pushed me to grow as well as connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. TechTown’s mentorship programs have provided me with access to seasoned industry leaders whose insights and guidance have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of starting and scaling a business.
As a Black business owner, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
As a Black business owner, my aspiration extends beyond the boundaries of my own success. I am deeply committed to inspiring and uplifting fellow Black entrepreneurs, as I aim to demonstrate through my actions and achievements that our dreams are attainable, and our ambitions are valid. I created ANGELS ONLY, with no business experience, after being in the healthcare field my entire life. But I knew I could have anything I set my mind to. I was able to combine both of my passions for fashion and healthcare and create a dream career. I want to inspire others to follow their passions and pursue everything they desire in this life.
TechTown is here to support entrepreneurs around Detroit and beyond. Whether you’re a tech founder, a shop owner or a restaurateur, we have what you need to kickstart your business and maintain it. Check out our programs for tech startups and small businesses, to see what’s right for you.
This Black History Month, we’re recognizing a few of TechTown’s Black business owners, who share their various entrepreneurial journeys
Black-owned businesses have been a mainstay for the metro Detroit area. With each decade, both legacy and emerging entrepreneurs cultivate community and boost economic growth within the area through their products, services, programming and more.
In keeping with the theme of our recent Black History Month Conference, “Black Business Reunion: Uniting the Community for Prosperity,” which recognized Black business owners of all ages in Detroit, we’re highlighting a few Black entrepreneurs and alumni of TechTown’s programming during this Black History Month. They share what inspired their businesses, what they’ve learned from business owners that have come before or after them and more.
Jerome Brown (left) and Sam VanBuren inside the East Jefferson Avenue location of their restaurant, Detroit Soul, in 2023.
Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren
Co-owners of Detroit Soul
313 STRONG alumni and 2023 Salute Award winners
Detroit Soul is a soul food restaurant with two locations in Detroit. Created in 2015 by Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren, the two were inspired by years of cooking meals with their family to start their own restaurant.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you both born in?
Jerome Brown and Sam VanBuren: We belong to Generation X.
What motivated you to start a business?
We grew up with soul food all of our lives. It represents our family heritage as we spent many summers in Selma, Alabama, which was the kickoff [place] of the Freedom Fight with the march from Selma to Montgomery. As children, we traveled down Highway 80 to visit our family in Selma. There were many stories shared with us from various family members that lived the experience. The ability to demonstrate exemplary southern hospitality was instrumental to inspire us to keep the dream and vision alive here in Detroit. Many of the recipes from Alabama are being experienced here in Detroit from our ancestors.
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
Our uncle owned a trucking demolition company for 50 years in the Detroit area. During the most challenging times of segregation, he was able to work across both demographic and geographical areas through metro Detroit. He was from the Greatest Generation, born in 1921.
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
TechTown has provided both academic and practical business support for our growing business. In addition, the co-op environment allows us to [collaborate] with other businesses, as we [continue] our efforts. The public acknowledgements that TechTown has awarded us over the years also gives us credibility with our multi-faceted customer base.
As Black business owners, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
Our goal as Black business owners is to inspire the Millennials, Gen Zers, Gen Alpha and those generations to come after us, to go for their dreams. Entrepreneurship is doable with hard work and perseverance. We will continue to be a living example of how entrepreneurship can change the economic conditions for generations to come.
Nicole Bien-Aime (left) sits inside her women’s clothing store, Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique, ahead of its grand opening in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood in 2018.
Nicole Bien-Aime
Owner of Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique
Retail Boot Camp alum
Voluptuous Bien’Aime Boutique is a Detroit-based women’s clothing store offering apparel in sizes 0 to 5X. Founder Nicole Bien-Aime opened her brick-and-mortar location in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood in 2018, following five years of running pop-ups for her business.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you born in?
Nicole Bien’Aime: I am a Generation Xer.
What motivated you to start a business?
As a little girl, I always wanted to be my own boss. I became plus–sized, and it wasn’t much out there for plus-sized women to shop; I got so frustrated. When I got laid off from work, I started my entrepreneurial journey. I love fashion, and I was like, “I’m plus sized, there’s nothing out here for us, I’m tired of piecemealing my outfits together, I want to do something about it.”
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
There are two people. Oprah Winfrey [who is part of the Baby Boomer generation]; even though she’s not in the fashion industry, she’s been a trailblazer in everything. She didn’t let anything stop her, so, that’s one of the women I look up to. I also have a mentor who’s been in the [retail] business for 25 years, she has a boutique in Pontiac [called LCA & More – Louise Clothes Closet].
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
Retail Boot Camp really helped me dive into what I needed for the backend. I still get supported to this day. I just love that they are very in tune with the small businesses; they call you, they always send you emails, and they try to keep you in the know in the city, grants, different programming they offer and the free resources, like the Ask an Expert program. I use those [resources] quite often, especially Ask an Expert, because things change all the time. They have the experts that can get you all the information that you need or if they don’t have it, they’ll point you in the direction of where to go. So, that’s why I love TechTown.
As a Black business owner, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
Just being in the know and communing with each other. Networking with the other business owners who are just getting started and letting them know what my journey was, what I can do to help them and what they can do to help me — because it’s about learning on both sides of the stick, from new to old. Being a Black business owner, we have to do a little bit more than the average [non-Black] business owner because the information is not always there for us. But having a place like TechTown to get the information is like a step above the curve.
Crystal Angel, creator of online medical scrub store ANGELS ONLY, presents her products during the inaugural Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition Showcase in 2023.
Crystal Angel
Owner of ANGELS ONLY
Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition alum
ANGELS ONLY is an online store providing medical scrubs that are both functional and stylish. Founder Crystal Angel created the brand in 2020, aiming to provide women in the healthcare industry with uniforms that help them look and feel their best.
TechTown Detroit: What generation were you born in?
Crystal Angel: I am a Millennial!
What motivated you to start a business?
My inspiration to start a fashionable, modern scrub line stemmed from a deep desire to revolutionize the healthcare industry’s standard uniform, merging functionality with fashion. After working in healthcare my entire life, and for hospitals such as DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, I observed healthcare professionals day in and day out. The realization that the traditional, boxy scrubs were not only outdated but also did little to uplift the spirits of those who wear them daily motivated me to create ANGELS ONLY during the pandemic. This vision is about more than just clothing — it’s about enhancing the wellbeing and job satisfaction of healthcare workers everywhere!
Is there a business owner from a particular generation that inspires you?
A particular business owner I have been inspired by over the years is Melissa Butler, owner of The Lip Bar, who is a Millennial like myself. Although we have never met, she has always inspired me, as she is a business owner from my area who is doing amazing things! Melissa has not only carved a niche for herself in a competitive market but has also set a towering standard for women-owned, Black-owned business owners like myself. Her success story resonated with me deeply, highlighting the possibilities that await when determination meets opportunity.
How has TechTown supported your entrepreneurial journey?
TechTown has been a cornerstone of support in my entrepreneurial journey, offering a range of opportunities and knowledge that has propelled my venture forward. From the RBC program, mentorships, workshops and networking events, they have pushed me to grow as well as connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. TechTown’s mentorship programs have provided me with access to seasoned industry leaders whose insights and guidance have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of starting and scaling a business.
As a Black business owner, how do you hope to inspire other Black entrepreneurs?
As a Black business owner, my aspiration extends beyond the boundaries of my own success. I am deeply committed to inspiring and uplifting fellow Black entrepreneurs, as I aim to demonstrate through my actions and achievements that our dreams are attainable, and our ambitions are valid. I created ANGELS ONLY, with no business experience, after being in the healthcare field my entire life. But I knew I could have anything I set my mind to. I was able to combine both of my passions for fashion and healthcare and create a dream career. I want to inspire others to follow their passions and pursue everything they desire in this life.
TechTown is here to support entrepreneurs around Detroit and beyond. Whether you’re a tech founder, a shop owner or a restaurateur, we have what you need to kickstart your business and maintain it. Check out our programs for tech startups and small businesses, to see what’s right for you.
