MOODEAUX

Origin: GA | Grant Awarded: 2022 | Status: Active

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What is MOODEAUX?

When the world commands you to shrink, we say do the opposite: Flaunt How You Feel.® As a clean fragrance label rooted in the scientific connection between scent, memory and emotion, MOODEAUX® turns accessorizing your mood into mindful self-care and “luxury” into a lifestyle —  all minus any harsh alcohol, weird chemicals or unnecessary dyes. It’s through this attitude, along with our unique blends of drool-worthy accords and skin-nourishing ingredients, we’re changing the game forever. Welcome to a new era in beauty.

Company Leadership

Brianna Arps

founder & cEO

Brianna Arps is a former editor-turned-marketing expert whose passion for people, storytelling and all things beauty finally led to the birth of her very own “brand-children” MOODEAUX® and Black In Fragrance.™ In the same way as her bold sense of style, Brianna wears her emotions like a badge of honor — navigating through life by the simple motto: Flaunt How You Feel.® A St. Louis native, she’s known as an outspoken, charismatic big thinker working to make the world around her better — starting with perfume. Brianna holds a bachelor’s degree from the world’s first School of Journalism seated at the University of Missouri.

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Bask & Bloom Essentials

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2021 | Status: Active

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What is Bask & Bloom Essentials?

Bask & Bloom Essentials was founded by Candera Thompson, born and raised on the beautiful island of Abaco, Bahamas. Candera took her island remedies and love for herbal tea and used them to create a line of products. She was inspired after suffering from severe postpartum hair loss and shedding. Bask & Bloom Essentials is a beauty brand focused on multi-textured curly hair that offers intense moisture with protection from breakage. We offer a full line of curly hair products containing high quality ingredients with unique ayurvedic herbs and extracts, that promote immediate and long lasting results. The name Bask & Bloom holds true to what we seek to achieve with every customer using our products, radiant (Bask) and healthy, flourishing hair (Bloom). The name also pays homage to her island upbringing including the color scheme of the entire brand. With features in many publications such as Black Enterprise, Cosmopolitan & Allure as well as a growing following across multiple platforms, Bask & Bloom is emerging as a one-stop beauty brand to bounce back to healthy, flourishing hair.

Company Leadership

Candera Thompson

CEO/Founder

Candera Thompson was born and raised on the beautiful island of Abaco, Bahamas. She received a track scholarship to attend college at the age of 16, and moved to the USA where she completed in BS in Marketing and her MBA. After working in Marketing, Consulting and Sales for 8 years, she launched Bask & Bloom Essentials. Having suffered from severe postpartum shedding and hair loss with her 3 kids, she wanted a full line to help women bounce back to healthy, flourishing hair. She took a few formulating courses while doing additional research to connect with the best cosmetic chemists to help her launch a successful line. While networking and building a community, Candera has had the opportunity to speak on varies panels sharing her story of growing a beauty brand, how to stand out in a saturated market and continues to offer guidance to new, women-owned brands in the industry. She has been featured in many publications including Black Enterprise and Rolling Out and serves as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs in her local community. She continues to give back through charitable donations and virtual/in-person events.

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Rebundle

Origin: NC | Grant Awarded: 2020 | Status: Active

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What is Rebundle?

Rebundle is revolutionizing hair extensions with more comfort and less waste by providing the first U.S. made plant-based braiding hair. The new beauty brand offers a biodegradable alternative while also facilitating a recycling program for plastic synthetic hair. Using a proprietary process, their products are clean, vegan, and non-toxic.

Company Leadership

Ciara imani may

Founder & CEO

Ciara is a social entrepreneur from Kansas City, MO. Like many Black women, Ciara grew tired of the constant itching and discomfort she experienced while wearing braid extensions. After reading articles and discussions about how many other women experienced similar reactions, Ciara was amazed that this problem hadn’t already been solved at scale. Ciara believes that women deserve products that are made with their health in mind, without compromising the well-being of the environment.

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Be a Part of the Movement

We champion extraordinary entrepreneurs to create positive change – for St. Louis and for the world. Join us by applying to our Global Startup Competition, becoming a financial supporter, volunteering your time or amplifying our message.

Sunstation USA

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2017 | Status: Active

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What is Sunstation USA?

Life happens outdoors. Eliminate the worry of being caught without proper sun protection. Sunstation USA is your #1 resource for community sunscreen dispensers!

Company Leadership

Ross Donaldson

Founder & CEO

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Involved Industries

Be a Part of the Movement

We champion extraordinary entrepreneurs to create positive change – for St. Louis and for the world. Join us by applying to our Global Startup Competition, becoming a financial supporter, volunteering your time or amplifying our message.