Chicago's Changemakers: Meet the Winners of BGV's 2025 Pitch Competition

Black Girl Ventures is building the future of entrepreneurship, and our 2025 Chicago Pitch Competition proved it.

These Black women founders didn’t just pitch ideas. They pitched legacy, equity, and the kind of innovation that transforms entire communities.

From wellness brands rooted in ancestral healing to manufacturing solutions democratizing the beauty industry, our winners represent the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Katrina Thacker Founder of  — 1st Place

Founder of Nzuri Kulture

Nzuri Kulture creates wellness products rooted in scent, culture, and healing.

As a Reiki practitioner and candle maker, Katrina launched her brand during the pandemic to help herself and others find peace through intentional self-care.

During her pitch, she reminded us that “we can’t talk about generational healing if we’re not talking about legacy building”, a mission that generated $93,000 in revenue through 3,714 units sold in 2024 alone.

What started with one candle called Chakra Khan has blossomed into handcrafted collections including dessert-inspired candles, skincare, smudge kits, and aromatic room sprays. Each product honors spiritual depth and cultural reverence.

Learn more at nzurikulture.com or follow on Instagram @nzurikulture

Karlene Davis — 2nd Place

Founder of Vash Beauty Labs 

Vash Beauty Labs is dismantling the barriers that keep indie beauty founders from launching.

As a trained cosmetic scientist with over a decade of formulation experience, Karlene identified a critical gap: accessible, high-quality manufacturing for small brands.

Her company offers customizable private label products with low minimum order quantities, making beauty entrepreneurship possible for creators who’ve been priced out by traditional labs.

Karlene emphasized that “no matter how small the start, indie brands can dream big with Vash Beauty Labs.” Since launching, she’s achieved over 220% year-over-year growth with margins up to 76%, serving the beauty builders who traditional manufacturing overlooks.

Learn more at vashbeautylabs.com

Jada Samuels — 3rd Place

Founder of Jada Juice

Jada Juice is transforming wellness beverages with all-natural, cold-pressed juices that prove you don’t have to choose between flavor and nutrition.

At just 17, Jada decided to break cycles of diet-related illness in her family and community. Her company creates zero-sugar, preservative-free juices that customers consistently describe as “delicious and refreshing.”

She shared her vision of “creating generational health, one Jada Juice at a time.” With over $150,000 in revenue generated through direct sales and wholesale partnerships, plus active community engagement through youth wellness workshops, she’s building more than a beverage brand. She’s building healthier futures.

Learn more at jadajuice.com or follow on Instagram @jada.juice

Building More Than Businesses

These founders are building more than businesses. They’re building change.

Each represents BGV’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who center equity, community impact, and generational wealth creation in their work.

At Black Girl Ventures, we believe in the power of capital, capacity, and community. That’s why we continue to invest in founders who are setting new standards in their industries and leading with vision.

Join us in celebrating, supporting, and investing in their vision. Because at BGV, we know: community is capital.

Congratulations ladies!

Subscribe to the Digital Orange Juice for juicy ideas and the people who fund them. You can find out about our next pitch competitions here. Also, be sure to join our new community BGV Connect!

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