News Summary
The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce announces grand openings for three new Black-owned businesses with ribbon-cutting events in August. Coinciding with National Black Business Month, this initiative highlights the growing impact of Black entrepreneurs on the local economy and aims to foster community support. Among the new ventures is ‘All Y’all Dolls,’ a store focusing on hand-sewn diverse dolls aimed at promoting inclusivity and self-love among children. The events aim to celebrate innovation in minority-owned businesses.
Shreveport – The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC) is poised to celebrate the grand openings of three new Black-owned businesses during a series of ribbon-cutting events scheduled for August. These festivities are timed to coincide with National Black Business Month, highlighting the increasing influence of Black entrepreneurs in the region and their significant contributions to the local economy.
The ribbon-cutting ceremonies aim to showcase the resilience and innovation of minority-owned businesses. Brittney Dunn, the Chairwoman of the SBAACC, emphasized the importance of these new enterprises, pointing out that their growth is a testament to the hard work and creativity found within the community. The SBAACC invites all members, partners, and the public to join in the celebrations, reinforcing community support for new business ventures.
Among the new businesses participating is “All Y’all Dolls,” owned by Cassandra Bolden, located in Bossier City. This unique store specializes in hand-sewn faceless dolls of various complexions and sizes, with the mission of fostering inclusivity. Bolden’s journey into doll-making began in 2010 when she made her first custom doll as a heartfelt gift for her grandmother. Although she initially created dolls as a hobby, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to pursue this passion more seriously, leading her to sell dolls through local markets and on Etsy.
Bolden’s storefront will be situated on Barksdale Air Force Base, where she intends to offer a variety of doll options that reflect diversity and promote self-love among children. Over the past two years, she has successfully sold more than 100 dolls, with prices ranging from $65 to $200 based on the complexity of the design. Customers can also personalize their orders by selecting fabrics and styles, which adds a special touch to each doll.
In her effort to create dolls that represent different backgrounds and experiences, Bolden incorporates donated fabric and clothing into her creations, further promoting community involvement. She aims to teach children the importance of self-acceptance and diversity through her products. Each doll is designed to resonate with children, allowing them to see themselves reflected and encouraging a positive self-image.
The launch of these businesses comes at a time when Black entrepreneurial initiatives are gaining momentum in Shreveport-Bossier. These new ventures not only highlight individual success stories but also contribute to the broader economic landscape by creating jobs, fostering community engagement, and providing unique services and products that cater to a diverse population.
In addition to “All Y’all Dolls,” the other new businesses being celebrated during the ribbon-cutting events have yet to be publicly announced, but they are expected to bring a variety of innovative offerings to the region. The SBAACC believes that these new openings will play a vital role in encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs in the community to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
As the SBAACC prepares for the ribbon-cutting events, the organization remains committed to supporting minority-owned businesses and fostering an environment where diversity and innovation can thrive. The upcoming celebrations will not only honor the new business owners but will also serve as a reminder of the importance of community support in building a strong economic future for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Shreveport Black Business Month
- Wikipedia: Black Business
- MSN: Three New Black-Owned Businesses Opening in Shreveport
- Google Search: Black-owned businesses in Shreveport
- KTBS: Greater Shreveport Chamber to Honor Minority Business Leaders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minority Business
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Barksdale Custom Dolls
- Google News: Black entrepreneurship Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
