The WBENC Women of Color Incubator is a premier program for aspiring entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, offering the resources, community, and support needed to turn ideas into thriving ventures. This transformative program goes beyond traditional support, fostering creativity, resilience, and ambition while inspiring future innovators.
The curriculum guides participants through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from refining ideas and mastering financial strategies to building prototypes and launching ventures. The program culminated in an exciting Pitch Competition, awarding seed capital and all-expenses-paid trips to the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, connecting winners with a network of over 4,000 attendees.
The WOC Incubator Pitch Competition at North Carolina Central University, brought to you by GSK, was a dynamic showcase of the university’s brightest entrepreneurial talent. We are excited to highlight the three outstanding winners in this article and explore their innovative business ventures.
Pitch Competition Award Winner: Cameron Elyse Blount│ Céleste Studios
We are CÉLESTE — a creative agency and production studio dedicated to redefining luxury for the global consumer. Too often, luxury is confined to a Eurocentric perspective. Our mission is to break this mold and redefine luxury as a quality of life that everyone deserves, not just a symbol like a handbag or a clothing item.
At Céleste Studios, our vision is to create pathways that empower marginalized communities to access and thrive in the creative industries. By addressing barriers such as resources, networks, and opportunities, we aim to bridge the gap and make these spaces more inclusive for all.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
I tell everyone, fashion has always been my first love, but I stumbled into production by chance. In the months leading up to the pitch competition, I found myself in a creative drought, searching for direction after graduation. I realized that my ultimate goal is to build something of my own—something that aligns with my passion—rather than sitting behind a desk. However, in order to achieve the future I see, it starts by taking the risk to step out on your true hearts desire – fashion.
Participating in the competition gave me the push I needed to refine my vision and apply what I learned to the apparel branch of Céleste Studios. It wasn’t an easy journey—I had to confront my fears of feeling that my idea wasn’t “good enough.” But through research and customer feedback, I discovered a unique opportunity to create something meaningful and, most importantly, to serve people like you.
Q: What challenges are you facing building your business, and how are you overcoming them?
The biggest challenge is the gap between ideation and execution. Everyone has amazing ideas, yet very few have the tenacity to see it through.
Stepping into apparel will be my first time with all things fashion: Tech. Packs, Manufacturing, Website, Sales, etc. and with it being my first, I’m bound to make mistakes.
How I intend to navigate this unknown terrain is through the support of a team. By surrounding yourself with those who have gone down the path you desire, successfully, you can learn from those perspectives and experiences. Working with those who are well seasoned and quite frankly better than you can lead to myself becoming even stronger! When you surround yourself with greater you have two options: keep up or get left. Choosing to keep up will force me to expand and grow in ways that being by myself would never have provided.
Q: How has being part of the WOC Incubator influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation?
Being apart of the WOC Incubator has allowed me to understand the importance of creating a strong foundation. More specifically, the prototype phase creates the foundation to mess up, go in the lab, and try again. Its about getting those reps in, to create something new, making mistakes, and picking yourself back up to try again.
Q: What key elements do you think made your pitch stand out?
Passion and authenticity. This pitch was truly a homage to the younger version of myself who was drawing in sketch books at nine. When I’m creating or doing any type of business it’s from a place of passion – a place of love. I think another huge factor was that I put myself in my business. Being a creative business owner, I’m essentially creating for myself, which makes it so much easier to speak to our needs as a community. I always tell myself that it’s only you vs. you and as long as you carry that ambition to be the best version of yourself that’s all that matters. It’s literally about detaching yourself from the idea of winning and putting yourself in a place that regardless the of outcome, I gave it my all.
Business Innovation Winner: Sharnae Purcell│ Electric Sol Foods
Electric Sol Foods is a plant-based culinary venture with a mission to bring nutritious, delicious, plant-based and alkaline eating options to the community. Focused on promoting healthy living and a return to tradition, Electric Sol Foods encourages individuals to make empowered food choices through online recipes, food stories, and future pop-up events. The vision is rooted in Genesis 1:29, a belief in God-given, naturally grown foods, that heal and nurture both body and spirit.
Currently operating as a food blog, Electric Sol Foods shares not only recipes but also culinary inspiration drawn from both everyday kitchen experiments and travels. As the business evolves, the blog serves as a stepping stone toward an exciting future—starting with pop-up events that allow for community engagement, new dish experimentation, and real-time feedback.
In the long term, Electric Sol Foods plans to introduce a food truck, offering quick, flavorful meals on the go, followed by a brick-and-mortar restaurant that will provide a permanent, immersive dining experience. The goal is to build a brand that fosters creativity, quality, and a deep connection with the community, all while staying true to its commitment to healing the nation.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
My testimony is my why for the creation of Electric Sol Foods. Over 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to John Hopkins, this gastrointestinal disorder effects up to 15% of the population, and 2/3 of the diagnosis are women.
At the time, I suffered from intense, chronic stomach pains, that sometimes left me bed-ridden or sent to the ER. My physician wanted to put me on four different medications, and while they helped mask the symptoms, they did not fix the root cause of the issue.
Ultimately, after reading, praying, researching, learning and unlearning food, over a year’s time, I changed my diet and lifestyle by transitioning and eliminating processed foods, meats and dairy and incorporating naturally grown fruits, vegetables, and seeds. By grace and the Great Physician, I no longer have IBS and have not suffered from stomach pains of any kind for over a decade.
Q: What key lessons did you learn from the mentors and peers you met during the WOC Incubator?
Participating in the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) WOC Incubator has been an invaluable experience. Through this program, I learned how to break down my big goals into smaller, measurable steps, which has been a game changer in how I approach my business.
My mentors guided me in creating a clear and actionable roadmap for Electric Sol Foods’ pop-up initiative, giving me a sense of direction and confidence. With their support, I now feel more optimistic about achieving my vision and empowered to take meaningful, focused actions toward bringing ESF’s goals to life.
Q: Where do you see yourself in one year? How about 5 years?
In one year, I see Electric Sol Foods with solidified locations for our pop-up events, bringing our plant-based, nutritious offerings to communities and building excitement around our brand. The pop-ups will serve as a powerful platform for testing new dishes, refining our concepts, and growing a loyal customer base.
In five years, I envision ESF as a respected brand in the emerging plant-based food world, known not only for our delicious food, but also for our expertise in consulting. We will be helping other restaurants integrate more plant-based options into their menus, furthering our mission to make healthy, sustainable eating more accessible. Our impact will extend beyond just serving food—we’ll be empowering other businesses to embrace plant-based offerings, fostering a broader movement toward healthier eating across the industry.
Q: How has being part of the WOC Incubator influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation?
Being part of the WOC Incubator has deeply shaped my approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. Before the program, I often felt overwhelmed by the big-picture goals I had for Electric Sol Foods. Now, with the skills and insights I’ve gained, I approach challenges in a more structured and strategic way. Breaking down my goals into manageable steps has given me clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s also taught me the importance of planning, tracking progress, and staying adaptable along the way. Most importantly, this experience has reinforced my belief that entrepreneurship is not just about having a vision, but about taking intentional, consistent actions to turn that vision into reality.
Audience Choice: Kelyce Johnson│ Kj’s Sweet Tooth
Kj’s Sweet Tooth is a vibrant and innovative business specializing in handcrafted beverages and desserts. Known for its unique flavor combinations, the business offers a variety of sweet treats, including refreshing drinks, gourmet candy-inspired creations, and indulgent desserts. Whether it’s catering to events, serving at pop-up locations, or delighting customers online, Kj’s Sweet Tooth focuses on delivering joy and unforgettable flavors with every sip and bite.
At Kj’s Sweet Tooth, the mission is to bring happiness to every occasion with a touch of sweetness. From colorful, flavor-packed drinks to creative dessert pairings, every product is crafted with care and a passion for quality. The business prides itself on its ability to innovate and customize offerings, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sugar craving or add a fun and delicious twist to your celebrations, Kj’s Sweet Tooth promises an experience that’s as delightful as it is memorable with personalization, adaptability, Creativity and Inspiration and let but not least Sustainability Focus.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
Kj’s Sweet Tooth was inspired by a deep-rooted passion for baking and cooking that began with cherished moments in the kitchen alongside my grandmother. Her love for creating delicious treats sparked a joy in me that grew into a lifelong hobby and eventually a business. Through Kj’s Sweet Tooth, I aim to honor her legacy and share the same warmth, creativity, and love for sweet creations with others. Over the years, that passion grew as I experimented with recipes, learned new techniques, and developed a creative flair for combining flavors. Baking and cooking became my way of expressing love and celebrating special moments. Starting Kj’s Sweet Tooth felt like a natural extension of those experiences—a chance to turn my lifelong passion into something meaningful.
Q: What advice would you give to other female founders just starting their business?
Starting a business as a female founder is an empowering journey, and here are some pieces of advice to help navigate it, always remember confidence is key. Trust your vision, skills, and ability to succeed. Remember, your unique perspective and passion are what set you apart. Build a Strong Support System with surrounding yourself with people who believe in you—mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and friends. Networking with other women in business can be particularly inspiring and resourceful. Lastly, Prioritize Self-Care.
Building a business takes hard work, but your health and well-being should always come first. Take breaks, set boundaries, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small and make sure you stay on a great path mentally as well.
Q: What was the biggest risk you took in your pitch, and how did it pay off? 
The biggest risk I took in my pitch was stepping out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there despite being naturally shy. Sharing my story, my passion, and my vision for Kj’s Sweet Tooth required vulnerability, which was a challenge for me. I had to let people see the personal connection I have to my business and why it matters. It was nerve-wracking to open up, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. By overcoming my shyness, I showed not only others but also myself that I could be bold when it mattered most. This experience taught me the importance of taking risks, being genuine, and trusting that my passion can shine through, even when stepping into the spotlight feels daunting.
Q: What’s next for you and your business?
The next chapter for Kj’s Sweet Tooth is all about growth and innovation. I’m focused on expanding my product offerings to include even more unique and customizable treats and beverages that cater to a wider audience. Additionally, I plan to enhance the customer experience by incorporating interactive elements like workshops, pop-up events, and collaborations with other local businesses. Also, expanding into more specialized or healthful food alternatives, including vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar desserts and drinks, customers with dietary restrictions and those who are health-conscious are increasingly served by these options. Most importantly, I’ll continue staying true to the heart of my business: creating joy and connection through delicious, handcrafted sweets and drinks. There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m excited for the journey ahead!
