SOLOO is a video series from The Light Providers that highlights entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses making a positive impact in their communities. Every business has a story worth sharing.
As a small business, we’ve had the opportunity to participate in Caribbean and African festivals, conferences, and small business expos. At each event, we were surrounded by inspiring entrepreneurs, artists, and designers building something meaningful.
In between setups and serving customers, we started having real conversations. We learned about their journeys, their challenges, and what drives them to keep going.
Those moments stayed with us.
We realized their stories deserved to be seen and shared.
That’s why we created SOLOO — to shine our light on others and highlight the people behind the brands.
Through SOLOO, we shine a light on the people behind the work. The vendors, founders, artists, and innovators who are building something meaningful and serving others through their talents and dedication.
The Light Providers was founded on the belief that light empowers people. Just as our wireless lighting helps people work, study, and create anywhere, this series is our way of illuminating the stories of those who inspire us.
Watch the videos below to discover businesses, meet the people behind them, and see how they are making a difference in their communities.
Shining Our Light on the inspiring founder of POYO Palm Wine! She shares her incredible journey with us to bring authentic African Palm Wine to the United States. POYO Palm Wine is a delicious, 100% organic product that serves a deeper purpose: providing a tangible connection to the motherland and preventing the loss of culture for the diaspora community.
The pandemic sparked a global wave of creativity, and for the founder of Jorjah Moisture, it led to a fantastic skincare line! During the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference, she shared how being home with her kids sparked the idea to create her own homemade perfumes, lotions, and body oils. Her journey turned a necessity into a business built on organic ingredients and intentional, purpose-driven products.
Shining Our Light on the brilliant Alegnta Mezmur, founder of Legna Ethiopia! We spoke with Alegenta at the Empower Community Weekend, and she shared how Legna is building a digital bridge for the Ethiopian diaspora community globally. Her platform is not just an online marketplace—it's a trusted way to shop and send gifts to local businesses in Addis Ababa, creating vital economic opportunities and strengthening community ties. She's providing a way for the diaspora to support home with ease and confidence.
Shining Our Light on Mo, President of EISSET! Mo and the EISSET team are sparking cultural connection through EthioMotion Dance Fitness! This isn't just a workout; it's a vibrant class blending high-energy fitness with authentic Ethiopian culture—music, moves, and community. Their goal is to connect the next generation and the community at large through cultural dance, proving that EthioMotion offers Culture, Community, and Calories burned!
Shining Our Light on the incredible Redeat Hable, founder of Habesha Made! We spoke with founder Redeat Hable, who shared how her brand brings authentic Ethiopian leather goods and clothing to the US, creating opportunities and connections. She's not just selling products; she's providing a way for people to represent themselves and feel a sense of home, no matter where they are.
Meet Samrawit Tafera, the visionary founder of Sheway Hair Salon and Sheway Hair Extensions. With over 15 years of unwavering passion for beauty, she has dedicated her life to making people feel fabulous and confident. Samrawit’s journey is a testament to resilience and empowerment, as she transformed her dreams into a thriving business that not only enhances beauty but also uplifts the community. By providing high-quality hair extensions and exceptional salon services, Samrawit has created a welcoming space where individuals can shine their brightest. Her commitment goes beyond just hair; she practices community support and upliftment, making her a true light provider.
Dunia Mekonnen Tegegn is the Founder of MT Legal Research and the author of Agenda 2063: Voices of African Women Today. For her, light is essential because when the power goes out, it not only affects lighting but also disrupts telecommunications—leaving us disconnected from our families back home. Plus—she shares a cultural gem with us: Eskista, a traditional Ethiopian dance full of rhythm, strength, and heritage.
Meet the incredible Senait from Segen Leather which is a powerful, artistic business inspired by her son. Senait's appreciation for light is truly beautiful. As she shared with us, light is "everything," giving her a sense of a new day and a brighter perspective. Her creations, like her patchwork leather bags, are works of art that are both timeless and unique. We love celebrating entrepreneurs who, like us, believe in the power of light to make everything brighter.
We're shining our light on Wintana Kiros from Reset Lifestyle! This registered dietitian and wellness stylist is on a mission to help people achieve complete wellness by focusing on the whole person. Wintana's philosophy is that diet and exercise are just one part of the puzzle. She shines a light on the importance of sleep, stress management, and emotional awareness, which directly impact our health. She beautifully explains that access to light is just as essential—a basic human need that allows us to care for ourselves and our families.
We’re proud to 'Shine Our Light' on Valerie from Caribbean Fusion, a remarkable Sierra Leonean entrepreneur we recently encountered. Her vibrant restaurant and pastry school not only crafts mouthwatering snacks but also serves a greater mission—empowering young girls in Sierra Leone with essential skills and income opportunities. Valerie’s unwavering dedication to community upliftment is what makes her venture truly radiant.
Alphina's story (from Auphinor Boutique) is part of our 'Shining Our Light on Others' (SOLOO) initiative. Her passion for her business, rooted in her Sierra Leonean heritage, shows that light isn't just a product—it’s a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to thrive and for entire communities to grow.
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