Founders
Jessica D.
As an expert medical aesthetician and makeup artist, Jessica D. has been a leader in the field of aesthetics for over 16 years. With a background in business management, cosmetology, and medical aesthetics, Jessica D. has served as a business consultant for top doctors, nurses, and private colleges. In this capacity, Jessica has created curriculum for colleges and written esthetic programs for both certificate and diploma programs.
Jessica's passion lies in educating the next generation of estheticians and cosmetology professionals.With a particular emphasis on empowering young people to become business owners and self-sufficient individuals who can take care of their families. Miss J has mentored and sponsored countless individuals and provided free services to those in need.
Founders
Maureen Martin
Serial Entrepreneur Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional, Content Creator
Born in Cameroon, Central Africa, Maureen Martin has had the pleasure of calling two other countries home: Canada and the United States. Her professional background includes time in the newsroom (CITY-TV/MUCH MUSIC), film production, and marketing/Public Relations. Her strength as a business professional is in creating successful marketing and business strategies. Professional stints include working with agencies such as Young and Rubicon, and Cohn and Wolfe.
Maureen's film industry experience includes associate producing independent films: The Family Web and Love Goggles, along with festivals, such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Hollywood Black Film Festival, and Gen Art (film festival selection committee). She most recently competed and won the "Overstand" pitchfest at the Urbanworld Film Festival. The pilot #AfriMericans, won many commendations and was awarded first place in the Overstand pitch competition of the Urban World Film Festival 2018, also garnering a commitment for a Movie of the Week by a streaming service. Maureen shares "Distinguished Writer" recognition from the New York TV Festival 2018 with writing partner Delaina Dixon. She is co-founder of the Color of Beauty Awards and DivaGalsDaily.com, popular life and style site for the Multicultural Woman.
As a publicist, her clients appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, New York Daily News, Reader's Digest, and the New York Post.
During the unprecedented pandemic of 2020, Maureen saw the need to improve the quality of life of BIPOC and disrupt the high number of BIPOC dying during encounters with police, biased incidents and Asian hate. She pivoted into technology to create an app to crowdsource safety, improve the quality of life for BIPOC, and educate allies to be effective non-police first responders to diffuse race-motivated aggressions. The company is wellness-based and nonpolitical. Blaq App is a combination of technology and civic design that improves the overall quality of life of BIPOC, LGBTQ, and marginalized communities. We take the approach of the CDC in addressing racism and bias as a mental health disorder at pandemic levels. We do not believe in "cancel culture" but rather support therapy and training to address bias. Blaq App #TechnologyWillSaveUs #LoveWillHealUs #PoweredByLove #StopAAPIHate