Black History Month Showcase: 5 Veteran Entrepreneur

It takes an incredibly brave and loyal citizen to join the American Military. It is therefore no surprise that each of the entrepreneurs featured in this article continued with their passion to serve, even after leaving the Forces.

Even though they are not presently active in serving their country, these five African-American business owners are serving their communities and fellow veterans through promoting health and wellness.

Suzan Slaughter, Kandaka Safia

Suzan is a South Sudanese/Sudanese U.S. ArSub-Headlinemy Veteran, wife, and mother. She is also an entrepreneur who’s obsessed with health, wellness, and beauty.

‏Kandaka Safia (translates to Pure Queen) was born from ten-thousand year old Sudanese and South Sudanese skincare rituals using the original ingredients as well as modernized versions without taking away from the extraordinary healing and rejuvenating properties.

The founder of Kandaka Safia was born in Khartoum, Sudan, but grew up in Egypt and moved to the United States of America at the age of 17. In 2018, during a visit to Sudan, she was able to do a full body traditional skin care service, and experienced a difference instantly and was amazed at how soft and glowing my skin looked.

The idea for Kandaka Safia was born. A green company innovating Sudanese skin care practices and using key ingredients native to East Africa to provide extraordinary healing and rejuvenating properties for the global market.

Suzan wanted Kandaka Safia to give back to her homeland, and so she made the commitment that Kandaka Safia will source key ingredients from women-owned small businesses. Support Kandaka Safia by purchasing their products through the official website, or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Tiffany Felix-Johnson, Go Slow and Breathe

Tiffany Felix-Johnson is an Army Brat and Retired Army Veteran. Her purpose in life is to inspire people to be better and do better. In her soul, she believes that everyone should find their passion so that they will know their purpose, which will lead to a more authentic life and enhance overall health and well-being.

Tiffany is the founder of the nonprofit “Go Slow and Breathe”, which offers Self-Discovery Workshops and Retreats that creates a space for people to share their experiences and helpful tools for mind, body, and soul alignment. She is a Life Coach and Wellness collaborator, and an aspiring Influencer.

Go Slow and Breathe is passionate about inspiring people to develop a deeper connection with themselves, so that they feel strong enough to listen to their own voice and live their lives authentically. Their mission is to promote healing and wellness in the community with a one-stop wellness program to assist people on their journey to self-discovery.

If you are ready for another level of self-discovery, visit the official website, and like Go Slow and Breathe on Facebook.

Go Slow and Breathe Belize Retreat

Join us in Belize for this 7-day mind, body, and soul wellness retreat and experience the magic of the quaint island of Caye Caulker, Belize.

During this retreat, we will work to develop a deeper connection with ourselves so that we can listen to our own voice and create mind, body, and soul alignment. Activities will include meditation, journaling, yoga with a Caribbean flare and several visualization and empowerment exercises. You will feed your soul with flavorful meals and juices that will be made with fresh natural ingredients. As you connect deeper with yourself, you will have several opportunities to explore the beautiful country and experience the endless wonders of Belize.

Click here for more information.

Donisha Lewis, REST: Restoration, Empowerment, Self-care and Transformation, LLC

Donisha Lewis is from Port Arthur, Texas, and is the owner of REST: Restoration, Empowerment, Self-care and Transformation, LLC. She serves as a reservist in the U.S Air Force, as well as being a social worker who works with children of all ages to reach their fullest potential.

As a social worker, Donisha has helped survivors who were victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and childhood trauma. She knows the work it takes to heal, and is determined to help as many survivors as possible.

REST is an online store promoting mental wellness, diversity, and self-care techniques. Each product provides personal space to reflect and plan, as well as to write down your prayers, visions, and financial goals. You can also use them to organize your many to-do lists of daily responsibilities. The designs are unique and cater to the beauty of our gender, skin tone, life roles, and responsibilities.

Discover Donisha’s products on REST’s website. Support the good work that Donisha is doing by liking and following her Facebook and Instagram pages.

Brian McClean, McClean Photography

Brian McClean is a Coast Guard veteran from Philadelphia, PA. His business - McClean Photography - supports individual well-being through the use of Fine Art evidence-based themes, colors, and subjects. Each work inspires relaxation, hope, and calm.

The company is a service-disabled veteran and black-owned small business that provides canvas, metal, acrylic and framed prints.

All work is shipped and comes ready to hang in offices, restaurants, hospitals, lobbies, and homes. Augmented Reality is available to preview your favorite work in any space directly from the company website for proper sizing.

We love that Brian uses his art to give back by donating proceeds from sales to mental health initiatives.

Browse Brian’s stunning works on his website, or bring some calming beauty to your social feeds by following him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

John Nichols II and Reggie Sims, Gold Leaf Nutrition (OKC)

Lifelong friends John Nichols II and Reggie Sims, along with their wives, own Gold Leaf Nutrition in Oklahoma City. Together, they are trying to encourage a healthier lifestyle in the community by making it more accessible. The guys have known each other for a lifetime, having grown up in the same neighborhood. After drifting apart for a few years, and both joining the military - John was in the Air Force and Reggie was in the Army - life has finally brought them back together. Now they have joined forces to help cultivate a health-oriented mindset, not only for themselves, but for their families and community as well.

They pride themselves on trying to be a community club where everyone is always welcome. Patrons can take advantage of workout classes four days a week, or access a private business meeting room.

The journey to health has unique personal challenges for every individual. That’s why Gold Leaf Nutrition wants to give clients as many options as possible, so that they can find the healthy choice that best suits them. At Gold Leaf Nutrition, you can have your Turtle chocolate cheesecake and it will be good for you! All the ingredients and products used are diabetic and vegan friendly.

Gold Leaf Nutrition is at 5525 N Western Oklahoma City, OK. You can find out more by visiting their website. Even if you do not live in Oklahoma City, support John and Reggie and their families by following them on Facebook.