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left to right: Bianca Page, Alexia Williams, April Ford, Shaquania Chappelle
At a networking event at Dave N Busters hosted by The Melanated Hustlers society on April 17, 2025, four successful Black businesswomen shared their journey, and also their willingness to collaborate with Black women in college ready to step into the career world.
April Ford, founder of The Melanated Hustlers Society, Miss Katie Sweet’s Dessert food truck and April Nicole Cooks private chef services, created the networking outlet to foster a safe, supportive space specifically for Black women business owners in Savannah.
“Anyone thinking about starting a business can come and find a mentor,” said Ford. “This is specifically for Black female entrepreneurs in the 912. Savannah is a mostly Black city, and Black business owners are severely underrepresented, and Black women on a national level are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, but it’s not represented here in Savannah.”
Several other Black business owners attended the event and shared advice for young Black women who want to become business owners.
Bianca Page is the founder of Rebel Rush Cosmetics, a handmade, cruelty free cosmetic brand, established in 2019.
“Don’t be discouraged about what someone else has because no matter what they have and no matter how many it is. There’s only one you so put your spin on it, but make sure your business is established correctly,” Page said.
Shaquania Chappelle, a veteran, a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate and founder of Divine Vue Interiors and Events, prides herself in her artistic abilities.
Chappelle “uses all her skills to design eclectic interiors that support her client’s overall well-being and transcend major trends” according to her website.
Her advice to young people is to “never give up and you are enough.”
Alexia Williams, founder of Alexia can help, an established wedding officiator, mobile notary, and insurance agent, emphasized the importance of staying in pursuit of passions rather than outside expectations.
She was motivated by her grandmother to pursue a career in insurance.
“Once I started doing the things that I enjoyed doing, and I found a way to monetize it, like, that’s when I started flourishing,” she said.
“Lean into your talents, lean into what you love,” she said.
These women are not simply successful, but are an integral component of the overall force towards closing the gap of underrepresented minority female business women in Savannah. They share an openness towards opportunities for students, and show that community is a great force in the establishment of career opportunities.
How to connect and apply:
Bianca Page:
Shaquania Chappelle:
Internship for Shaquania Chappelle’s Divine Vue Interiors and Events: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8Ya2jrw1mkeINnDx3By_UV29id4som5B_VvYs3q73S7yjlA/viewform?usp=sharing
Instagram: @adivinedesigner
Alexia Williams:
Instagram: @alexiacanhelp
April Ford:
Information on April Ford’s The Melanated Hustlers Society:
themelanatedhustlerssociety@gmail.com
https://themelanatedhustlerssociety.com
Social links:
Facebook: The Melanated Hustlers Society
Instagram: @the_melanatedhustlers_society
