Dr. Abi Oladele has launched a science-backed oral brand that prioritizes health over aesthetics. The first-generation Nigerian American was raised in Trenton, NJ, with high expectations on her to succeed, which she internalized as her parents’ desire to ensure their sacrifices weren’t in vain. And they certainly weren’t, she told AFROTECH™. While her father wanted her to become an orthopedic surgeon, she chose to become a dentist. This career would also allow her to marry her interests in the arts, including drawing and sculpting, she shared. “After learning more about exactly what dentistry entails, it’s definitely a mixture of art. It’s definitely a mixture of science and using my hands,” Dr. Oladele told AFROTECH™. “And because I loved using my hands and designing, crafting all those different things, I was like, ‘I can choose a career where it would be accepted by my family and my parents and would actually change people’s lives.'” She attended Howard University, earning a...

An investment from Jay-Z is being put into question in the latest legal filing surrounding Uncle Nearest. The whiskey brand launched by Fawn Weaver and her husband, Keith, is under receivership after defaulting on more than $108 million in loans from Farm Credit Mid-America, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The receivership encompasses Uncle Nearest’s Shelbyville , TN distillery , real estate holdings, intellectual property, affiliated ventures, and related entities. Court-appointed receiver Phillip Young Jr. claims Uncle Nearest has nearly $200 million in debt and is insolvent. He is also seeking full transparency into the brand’s financial records, including a $20 million loan from Jay-Z’s venture capital firm, MarcyPen, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Farm Credit’s filing states it was informed by Weaver that the $20 million was a loan from Grant Sidney, yet it claims the money actually came from MP-Tenn LLC, otherwise known as MarcyPen. Grant Sidney is the largest...

The judge-appointed receiver of Uncle Nearest claims that Fawn Weaver is trying to sway public opinion. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. will soon determine if the receivership will be expanded to include 4 Front Street LLC, Grant Sidney Inc., Humble Baron Inc., Nashwood Inc., Quill & Cask Owner LLC, Shelbyville Barrel House BBQ LLC, and Shelbyville Grand LLC — as requested by receiver Phillip Young Jr. — or be terminated, as requested by Fawn and her husband Keith. Weaver, the CEO and founder of the whiskey brand, added “Follow The Case” to FawnWeaver.com, reports the Lexington Herald-Leader. In a March 5 filing, Young argued that this move contradicts Judge Atchley’s order warning against trying the case in public, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader . “It has become clear that [Fawn Weaver’s filing last week] was intended for social media consumption, not to guide this Court in making its decision. This past week, Fawn Weaver has openly, and in...

Chicago, IL, now has its first Black-owned and operated winery. Vintrendi Wine Company Vintrendi Wine Company opened in 2017 and is led by Rick and Carin Nesbitt, according to the winery’s website. Carin serves as chief financial officer and operations manager, while Rick serves as CEO and winemaker. Per the company website, Carin brings over 30 years of experience in the financial sector to the role. She worked at a boutique financial and investment firm as an operations manager before dedicating herself to Vintrendi Wine Company . In conversation with NBC Chicago, Rick made it clear he was no stranger to the wine and liquor industry, and his involvement dates back to 1998. He has worked as a salesperson, learning the fundamentals of merchandising and running wine floor programs at major chain stores, and as a marketer at various alcoholic beverage distributors in the state, according to the winery’s website. He reached a point where he recognized he wanted more ownership in the...

Hanifa, a global luxury brand, is pausing production. Hanifa is the brainchild of Anifa Mvuemba, who founded the brand in 2012 on the belief that women can excel in all areas, according to The New York Times. The brand is recognized for its inclusive sizing and vibrant pieces. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Mvuemba shook up the fashion world when she hosted a virtual 3D fashion show for her Pink Label Congo collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hanifa has reached fashion’s biggest stage, making its Met Gala debut in 2025 when Savannah James wore one of its designs, per Vogue. In November 2025, the company offered a 45% discount during its Hanifa Friday sale, with select items available for preorder, The Cut reported. Customers flocked to secure items from the brand, hoping to wear them for special occasions. However, some customers waited for a couple of months and still had not received their orders. “I haven’t received a single email and I have items that was supposed to...

One of Uncle Nearest’s assets is up for sale. The whiskey brand is awaiting a decision from Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr., who will determine whether the company’s receivership will remain in place or be expanded . As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the whiskey brand, which once made headlines for surpassing a $1 billion valuation, defaulted on more than $108 million in loans from its lender, Farm Credit Mid-America. In the latest update, receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. — who oversees Uncle Nearest’s assets, including its distillery in Shelbyville, real estate holdings, intellectual property, affiliated ventures, and related entities — l isted the business’s Martha’s Vineyard property for sale, according to The Spirits Business . Farm Credit Mid-America claims that Uncle Nearest borrowed $2.3 million for the property, which was purchased through a separate LLC and mortgaged to another lender, notes the outlet. This move violated the loan agreements. The property was listed for $2.59...

Pinky Cole has never been one to shy away from the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. This will be no different when she appears on the 17th season of “ The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Cole’s Business Pursuits Before the show, Cole built her fast-food business, Slutty Vegan. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, she temporarily lost ownership when the company went through a global restructuring on Feb. 13, 2025. The company’s challenges included $10 million in corporate overhead and the closure of its Spelman College location. At the time, she described feeling every emotion possible from grief, sadness, fear, depression, and uncertainty. However, Cole didn’t let those feelings distract her from the bigger picture. In March 2025, she bought back the company under the name “Ain’t Nobody Coming to See You, Otis LLC.” Today, there are six Slutty Vegan locations, and Cole has expanded her footprint through a new venture called VOAGIES, a plant-based eatery selling 100% vegan hoagies,...

Nipsey Hussle’s spirit lives on not only in his music but in the business world. The late rapper passed away in 2019 at 33, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. His oldest brother, Blacc Sam, has played a pivotal role in ensuring “The Marathon Continues.” One example is The Marathon Clothing brand, which launched in 2009 and opened its flagship store in 2017 in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, according to a press release. Blacc Sam, as Nipsey Hussle’s business partner, revealed that his late brother’s children, Emani Asghedom and Kross Asghedom, would become owners of the clothing store. “When I say we own it, it’s in Hussle’s kids’ names, in their trust fund,” Blacc Sam told Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, hosts of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast. “When they get older, this is something their father worked for, and that they own, and that’s important to me. Also, just having a brick-and-mortar once again reinforced what Hussle told us and taught us.” He continued, “Just through...