Black Women Influencers That You Need to Be Following

The #TabletopTeam is very excited to highlight the many talented black influencers that we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with over the years. With the much-needed movement that is happening in our world we want to do our part, and placing a spotlight on some of our favorite Triangle & beyond influencers is quite frankly the very least we can do. We also wanted our blog to serve as a place to share resources about how you can help make a change. We hope that you’ll love these ladies as much as we do and follow along with their lives!

Shiquita - Unconventional Southern Belle

Shiquita Hyman is a South Carolina native, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Winthrop University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University. She decided at a very young age that serving others was her passion, and after 10+ years in the helping profession realized that undertaking this task can manifest in a variety of ways; enter The Unconventional Southern Belle brand. In November 2017, The Unconventional Southern Belle blog was born to provide Shiquita a platform to share affordable fashion, makeup and natural hair care with those who so graciously support her. Since she began blogging, she has had the opportunity to work with several national and local brands such as Fabletics and National Pawn. When Shiquita isn’t creating content, she is serving people diagnosed with autism and their families as a Clinical Professional with the Autism Society of North Carolina. She began a career in the field of disabilities and special needs in 2007, and currently serves families throughout Greensboro and Fayetteville developing and implementing behaviors support plans. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 11-year-old son, doing Zumba, spending time outdoors, and shopping! In addition to the Unconventional Southern Belle, LLC, she and her husband, Doug, also own two Clean and Press for Less locations (Burlington and Chapel Hill) and a Merry Maids Franchise (Rock Hill, SC).

Shiquita would like Tabletop's community to know: “I would like to see what our nonblack allies do to support this movement. I would definitely have to say donate whether that’s time or resources, educate themselves and their children on the history of oppression and how it so obviously continues to affect the black community today, support black owned businesses, use their platforms to continue to amplify the voices of black people on and offline, and be unafraid to have those tough conversations.”

Shiquita also recommends these resources to learn and listen.

Follow along with Shiquita on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Leslie - Sobe Savvy

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Leslie is a mom and wife who shares savvy tips and ways to live your best life, via lifestyle blog, SobeSavvy.com. Family Fun, Food, Travel, Events are just some of the topics you’ll find on her blog. Variety is the spice of life, so her features and content for brands that she creates cover a multitude of topics. #HeighPartyof3, which consists of her husband, their 7 year old daughter fondly referred to as #outandaboutAva and Leslie, enjoy being creative with their time together and sharing their family fun experiences with you! Formerly Miami Beach residents, now based in Raleigh, NC.

Leslie is always in search of what’s fun to do with family. However, she is equally as passionate about what’s entertaining and going on around us all! Leslie’s worldview has been shaped by travel throughout the US, Caribbean, Europe and Asia. She has also lived abroad in Paris, France.

As a Freelance Photojournalist/Lifestyle Blogger, Leslie loves to share “Savvy Tips” of where to go – what to do -where to eat- where to stay and where to play! While marketing businesses through social media and recapping special events, Sobesavvy.com captures the who, what, when and where making it feel as if you were there! Leslie’s blogging contributions are both highly enjoyable and informative, while her photographic work truly conveys her personal fascination for people and places.

Leslie was also featured as one of our Friends of Tabletop later last year. Check out our fun Q&A with her here!

Follow along with Leslie on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Keisha - TheGreenTea Blog

Keisha is the owner, content creator of TheGreenTea Blog, sharing food and lifestyle news based in Raleigh, North Carolina and beyond. TheGreenTea Blog is for everyone out there who wants to explore unique quality restaurants, eateries, products, and entertainment. Keisha shares with her readers and viewers what she feels is good for her body, mind, and spirit. So if you see her eating a juicy beef burger, drinking matcha tea, and getting a spa treatment in one day. That is her version of living #TheGreenTeaBlog way. Keisha is here to inspire, inform and entertain in hope to bring up good living discussions. TheGreenTea Blog distinguishes itself with entertaining Vlogs and Food Skits. It is a growing unique brand, delivering high quality video and photographic content into an authentic story-telling review that the audience can enjoy.

Keisha was featured as one of our Friends of Tabletop a few months ago. Check out our fun Q&A with her here!

Follow along with Keisha on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Chelsea - A Fashionable Believer

Inspiring words from Chelsea:

“I first would like to thank Tabletop for allowing me the opportunity to share my voice and highlighting fellow Black Women Influencers, it is so appreciated and needed.

These past few weeks and months have truly been an emotional roller coaster. Additionally, knowing that that these violent and senseless killings stemming from racism have been happening for quite some time. Just when I think I have finally gotten control of my emotions, it all comes pouring out again. However, I believe it’s absolutely okay and important to validate your emotions, your thoughts, your feelings. When I get angry, I use that emotion to focus on and fuel my hope and that strong feeling I have that brighter days are coming and that HOPE always prevails.

I recently shared this post on my account that God has overcome the world, and when I think of the dark spots that we are seeing so strongly, I remind myself that all of the worldly things we see will never prevail or win against God--He has overcome it all.

I am Chelsea Jennette and I live in a small town called Sanford, NC not too far from Raleigh. I am a mom of one year old twin girls named Charley and Madelyn and they are such a joy! I work full-time as an attorney for a pharmaceutical company and in 2017 I started a Faith and Fashion blog titled "A Fashionable Believer”. I am and will forever be grateful for what this dream has brought me-- such great friends and an opportunity to work with dream brands. It has also combed out a dream I have had for years of incorporating my two niches together, faith and fashion, and today I announced that I will be launching my online Faith and Fashion boutique on June 11th, entitled CharleyMadelyn, after my twin daughters. In this industry, I have unfortunately experienced racism, such as exclusive-only invites that didn’t include any diversity at all. These current conversations we are having bring me so much hope, that people are listening, brands are listening, and I am just hoping and believing that the listening turns into positive action.

I would love Tabletop’s community to be graceful with each other, learn from each other, and truly rely on each other to change, for ourselves and for our generations to come. I have been so grateful for the resources that my fellow Black Influencers have provided, not only for the Black community but also for the non-Black community. There is power in education and knowledge. This week, I shared a blog post on how I am currently feeling and I shared 3 bible scriptures that I have been reflecting on which have given me so much hope. Additionally, I have listed below a few amazing resources that have been informative and helpful:

Shiquita - unconventionalsouthernbelle - provided an excellent resource for ways to support, donate, and truly be an ally.
Kiara Ruth - the.bananamoon - shares about local Black businesses you can support now and moving forward
Tiffany - thenorthernbelleofthesouth - she has been such a great source of knowledge for the Black and non-Black community
Marissa- Shabbychiccheap- shares her thoughts on being a Black mom in this racial climate we are living in

I encourage everyone to utilize these resources and not only learn from these but apply them. It starts with us. We deserve it and so do our future generations.”

Follow along with Chelsea on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Meka - Hanging With The Harrells

Meka is a fashion loving, DIYing, traveling, military wife, and mommy of 4 who shares her world and adventures with her squad #HWTH also known as Hanging with the Harrells. She is a Raleigh based Momma that loves to encourage Moms to step out on FAITH and create the best life that God has planned for you!

Meka also runs an online shop selling her adorable mom•slay gear! Check out her colorful and happy items here for you and your mom friends.

Follow along with Meka on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Chrishonda - Food Cravingz

From Chirshonda:

“Hi! My name is Chrishonda and I am the Founder of Food Cravingz. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. I've lived in Cary, North Carolina for 17 years. I am an attorney, lacrosse coach, and food blogger. I have a very busy life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I started Food Cravingz 2.5 years ago. I created Food Cravingz because I had a passion for food, travel, and trying new things. My website FoodCravingz.com covers tips on traveling, how to successfully shop at the grocery store, gift guides, recipes and Black-owned restaurants in the triangle. In my spare time, I do freelance photography for restaurants, food trucks and people looking to brand themselves on social media.

The past few weeks have been very difficult. I still cannot express in words the exhaustion, frustration, and sadness that I feel. Although these times are difficult and uncomfortable for many people, I believe we are living in the time of change. Supporting the Black Community and the Black Lives Matter movement and speaking out against racial injustice is the first step in the right direction.

I would like to see the Tabletop Community: support black owned businesses on a regular basis; educate themselves on how to be better allies through books, online materials and other resources; donate to social justice organizations, and feature more black influencers and businesses on their website and Social media platforms.

Here are some resources to take action:

George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor
Minnesota Freedom Fund https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
Color of Change https://colorofchange.org/
NAACP North Carolina https://naacpnc.org/
Charlotte Uprising https://charlotteuprising.com/
NC Community Bail Fund of Durham https://www.nccbailfund.org/
Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Link to the 50 Black-Owned Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Food Markets in the Triangle (and counting) https://www.foodcravingz.com/post/black-owned-restaurants-food-trucks-and-food-markets-in-the-triangle

Follow along with Chrishonda on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter.

Nikki - NikSnacks

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Nikki Miller-Ka is a professional food blogger and food critic based in North Carolina. She writes and bites about local and regional restaurant trends, solo travel and develops original seasonal recipes here on Nik Snacks. In addition, she is the food editor at Triad City Beat newspaper, the Casual Dining columnist in the Greensboro News & Record and tour guide for Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours.

If you're looking for a fellow foodie to follow in the #Triad, Nikki is your girl! ❤️

Follow along with Nikki on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Marissa - Shabby Chic + Cheap

Marissa is a working mom of 3 and wife of 1 trying to balance motherhood & marriage while looking fabulous and without losing who she is or missing her favorite TV show! Here’s just a little bit about who she is: Christian, wanderluster, daydreamer, bookworm, wannabe fashionista, makeup lover, pretend model, girlboss, breastfeeding advocate (but fed is best ultimately), hoarder of shoes, laundry loather, wine + cheese fanatic, kisser of boo-boos, wife of a Lion’s fan, pretend adult, kid at heart.

Special words from Marissa:

“I would love for Tabletops community to engage in conversations and educate themselves on Black issues and topics that they want to learn more about but also, just in general.

I’ve spoken with so many of my friends and family, black and white alike about many of the experiences I’ve had and the issues I face as a Black woman this week and how they can help. Some of the conversations have been uncomfortable but necessary – I want people to continue to foster these conversations and lean into the discomfort. Communication is such an important tool to create a better understanding. As long as we lead with love then whatever is said will be received in love and that is how progress is made.

This past week it has been so amazing to see so many businesses, influencers, and people come together to stand up against systemic racism and injustices. I really hope that the momentum continues! I intend to do my part and share as much as I can!

I think it’s fantastic that Tabletop is being supportive and even more, to do so publicly. That takes courage and in times like these, I know that can be hard. I’ve enjoyed seeing the influencers you’ve highlighted, and I’m honored to be one of them.”

Follow along with Marissa on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Danae - New Saints Collective

Words from Danae:

“Hi friends! My name is Danae Edmonds. Calling myself an influencer cracks me up and makes me feel uncomfortable. I like to think of myself as a community builder. I'm an introvert but I live for a genuine connection with people. I am so happy to be one of many voices in the Triangle. Maybe it's the millennial in me or the imposter syndrome but I really don't consider myself a blogger, just an opinionated person with lots of thoughts and friends who like to hear them. I care a lot about women's issues and race issues. I have always tried to use my platform as a creative entrepreneur responsibly. And as a consumer of goods, I like to advocate for small businesses and minority-owned businesses. I often shop at those places and I have dabbled in spotlighting the women behind some of my favorite brands with my media company, @Aspiring_Co. Recently inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement I have teamed up with an illustrator friend of mine @claudialunapriego to create New Saints Collective (@newsaintscollective) Our goal is to provide resources to help activists and allies do the work in dismantling oppressive systems and healing in remembrance of lives lost through prayer candles. We will also be providing proceeds to BLM and other grassroots organizations in harmed communities. I think that most people can help the cause by educating themselves and having hard conversations with their family members who might not understand. It is not fair to ask your black friends to experience trauma since birth and then to explain their trauma to you. These are just some ways we can all show up for each other.”

Danae’s resources:

https://www.aspiringco.com/

https://www.newsaintscollective.com/

Follow along with Danae on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Kiara - The Banana Moon Blog

A letter from Kiara:

“These last two weeks have been extremely hard for me and my family. We were struggling with the new climate of Covid- 19 and then the world set on fire right before our eyes; both figuratively and in real life. Shortly before that my 6-year-old broke his arm. We wrestled with the racial injustices among black and brown people and I personally struggled to find where my voice was most needed.

So, when asked how can a particular person or organization help? My first thought is to pray, my second thought is to use your voice, my third thought is to find where your seat is at the table and lastly, what you are willing to add to the Tabletop. Not everyone can bring the turkey, not everyone can bring the green beans, but we can all bring something. When we think about the racial injustices among black and brown people the conversation of injustices can't exist without speaking about poverty & food disparities in our country and how poor people are still going to bed hungry among many other issues. So, my request will be to find those neighbors that are vulnerable invite them to local restaurants and ask their opinion on different cuisines and what their thoughts are; allow them to have a seat at the table; allow them to enjoy a true filling Tabletop experience.

I think it is important that we shed light on those Black Businesses that provide us with some of the most delicious foods. In the media world, they are often overlooked and under shared. We can engage in thoughtful forward-moving conversations that spark healthy dialogue around black issues while eating in these spaces.

I am an Arkansas native and I joined the Raleigh community 8 years ago. I am a Christian, a mother, a wife, and a friend. I am currently walking through life finding my voice. My blog, The Banana Moon reflects that; I cover a multitude of topics that are all my own thoughts and experiences one, in particular, being Food. Food is the thing that fuels us, brings us together and merges so many different cultures. It is the one thing we can all find commonality in.

Thank you so much TableTop Media Group for inviting my voice to the table.

Sincerely,

Kiara Ruth”

Below you will find a few different resources that my family and I have used

Organizations:

Justice Love Foundation

Forward Justice

Poor Peoples Campaign