This Black History Month, we celebrate Black excellence and entrepreneurship by spotlighting five remarkable women who are driving change, uplifting their communities, and building sustainable businesses rooted in purpose, resilience, and service. These founders have each turned passion into impact — and their work deserves support not just this month, but every day.
Nikkieda McAlister — Our Hearts Homecare LLC
Nikkieda McAlister is the heart and soul behind Our Hearts Homecare LLC, a compassionate in-home care agency based in Columbia, South Carolina. Inspired by her mother’s long career in healthcare and grounded in more than 15 years of hands-on caregiving experience, Nikkieda built her business on dignity, trust, and meaningful connection. Her agency provides compassionate support — including daily living assistance, mobility support, companionship, and more — with a philosophy that prioritizes client comfort and caregiver empowerment. Through her work, she honors the legacy of service that shaped her and offers families reliable care that truly feels personal and respectful.
Nic Burnette — Destination Fortified Counseling & Wellness
Nic Burnette, LISW-CP, is the founder and clinical provider of Destination Fortified Counseling & Wellness, a private practice focused on emotional resilience and long-term mental well-being. Grounded in evidence-based care and a belief that seeking therapy is an act of courage, Nic brings depth, experience, and empathy to every client interaction. Her work centers on helping individuals navigate challenges like anxiety, life transitions, grief, interpersonal conflict, and everyday stressors through tailored, compassionate therapy. Nic has leveraged her academic training and clinical experience to create a space where healing is not one-size-fits-all, but deeply personal and empowering.
Shawniece Hall — Flames (Author)
Shawniece Hall is a writer whose work comes from a place of deep introspection, storytelling mastery, and emotional truth. Her book Flames — born from late-night notebooks and personal exploration — is more than a novel; it’s a narrative that resonates with readers who have known love, loss, growth, and rebirth. Shawniece’s writing reflects her journey of healing through creativity, and she uses her voice to ignite transformation in others. Her stories remind readers that pain can be a spark for strength, and that vulnerability can become power.
Ann Watson — Educator, Entrepreneur & Champion of Second Chances, TRY NPO & Unlimited Choices
Ann Watson exemplifies the belief that purpose never retires. As a lifelong educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and champion of second chances, Ann has dedicated decades to uplifting others through education and opportunity. Her journey underscores resilience and purpose — proving that impactful leadership doesn’t fade with age, but instead continues to evolve. Ann’s life work centers on serving others, advocating for growth, and empowering individuals who are ready to rewrite their own stories.
Ciara Robinson — Divine Kurves
Ciara Robinson is the visionary founder of Divine Kurves, a fashion brand created to fill a gap in stylish, confidence-boosting clothing for plus-size women. Ciara’s entrepreneurial journey began from a desire to redefine what fashion can mean for curvy women — not just in terms of fit, but in terms of empowerment and pride. Through Divine Kurves, she offers versatile, statement-making pieces that allow women to express themselves boldly and beautifully. Ciara’s brand is rooted in celebration of identity, community, and confidence, and she continues to grow her business with intention, creativity, and unwavering belief in her mission.
Support these women-led businesses this Black History Month and beyond. Their stories are reminders that personal passion can spark widespread impact, and that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for community elevation, representation, and legacy building.
Urban Pulse Magazine 
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