How you can celebrate Black-owned Friday this year

As a student in historic College Park, Georgia, I dreamed of owning one of the beautiful buildings lining the streets near my school. Years later, after building my first business, VB Consulting, Inc., that dream came true with The Wellness Spot Fitness & Day Spa. I envisioned creating a luxurious sanctuary dedicated to wellness and community, a place where people could find peace, inspiration and connection.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been connecting with our incredible customers and playing a role in their lives. Their support has been instrumental in our growth, allowing us to open a second location in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and launch an online store featuring our own line of products.

That's why I'm thrilled to participate in Google’s fifth annual Black-owned Friday campaign. Created in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., this initiative celebrates Black-owned businesses and encourages everyone to search, shop and support Black-owned companies. I've witnessed firsthand the power Black-owned businesses have to foster vibrant communities, and how much community support means to entrepreneurs like me.

As one way to support Black-owned Friday, watch creators Druski, GloRilla and Jayda Cheaves explore Black-owned businesses (including mine!). Directed by award-winning filmmaker Rodney Lucas, the video showcases fantastic businesses and products, and invites everyone to share the businesses they love.

Watch more videos spotlighting Black-owned businesses at g.co/blackownedfriday and spread the word with your own community by sharing your favorite Black-owned businesses to help them thrive. And if you’re a business owner, you can also learn more about resources like Google's Black-owned business attribute and the ByBlack Platform powered by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., to help people find your company on Black-owned Friday and beyond.