Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The Women of Knoxville and the Shora Foundation have announced the five Black women entrepreneurs who will be competing for the chance to win a $7,500 or $2,500 business grant at The Crown Pitch Competition.

Scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 15, at the Shora Foundation’s Magnolia Campus, 2119 East Magnolia Avenue, the event is designed to do more than provide a seat at the table for Black-owned businesses by opening doors and building relationships that can lead to a long-term and sustainable business. Two of the five competitors will take away either a $7,500 or $2,500 prize along with resources and mentoring.

Those competing are, in alphabetical order:

• Jasmine Allmon, affectionately known to some as Estiebestiejaz. She has been a licensed beauty health and wellness professional since 2017. She is the proud owner of Allmon Artistry, which just celebrated being in business for 17 months. She specializes in cosmetic and medical tattooing.
• Daesya Parker is the Founder and Curator of Silver Lining Produxtions, a digital storytelling archive studio that focuses on telling the stories of Black people everywhere. Using its archive, the company preserves these stories, ensuring this history for future generations to come. Parker is dedicated to continuing the legacy of her people and their stories.
• Jaleria Rivera is currently devoted to building SpaceCraft, an artist-owned makerspace rooted in joy activism, playful practice, and community care. As an arts and cultural amenity, SpaceCraft is a homing beacon for artists, activists, and neighbors in need of a creative outlet that enriches their environment and quality of life.
• Sabrina Turner is the Owner and Photographer at Euphoric Phrames Photography. She captures portraits, events and commercial photography in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Turner has been in business for more than eight years and loves making people smile while creating memories.
• Kifeney Walker is described as passionate about educating, creativity, and making a positive impact. A dedicated Cosmetologist/Barber Educator with a background in healthy hair and scalp along with educating the community in natural hair care and more, she combines cultural thinking with a creative approach to styling hair and making people feel good about themselves.

There is no cost to attend the event. To register, click here.

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