Amid a record surge in American entrepreneurship, Black women have emerged as a significant force, with a notable rise in new businesses since the pandemic. Melanie Lewis, a former pastry chef from Minneapolis, exemplifies this trend. After years of working in restaurants, Lewis founded Perfect Piece Sweets Co. in 2015, leveraging Minnesota's Cottage Food Law to sell custom-designed cakes and treats. However, it was not until 2023 that her business became her full-time occupation. In April 2023, Lewis marked her first year as a full-time entrepreneur, and by August, she had secured a wholesaler license, enabling her to sell her artisan chocolates in local retail stores.
Lewis is part of the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the US—Black women. A GoDaddy report highlights a 70% increase in Black women-owned businesses since the pandemic's onset. Despite facing significant hurdles, such as higher loan denial rates, Black entrepreneurs like Lewis persevere. Organizations like the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) provide crucial support, helping minority-owned businesses secure grants and loans. As more Americans seek autonomy and flexibility through entrepreneurship, technology serves as an equalizer, allowing small businesses to compete globally. The resilience and innovation demonstrated by entrepreneurs like Lewis indicate a promising future for new business ventures in a fluctuating economy.
