Meet the 2025 IC Success Cohort

Intersect Buffalo is proud to welcome the 2025 Cohort of the IC Success Business Accelerator. These dynamic entrepreneurs represent the creativity, resilience, and innovation of Buffalo’s East Side and beyond. From fashion to food, wellness to media, each business reflects the spirit of building stronger communities through entrepreneurship.

Smooth Child – Nia & Kai Ellis

Twin designers and creative visionaries Nia and Kai Ellis are the founders of SMOOTH CHILD, an experimental fashion brand blending wearable art and high fashion. Specializing in custom garments and one-of-a-kind pieces, they continually push boundaries through design, imagination, and storytelling.
👉 Instagram

SC Pretty Boutique – Sameerah Kwakye

SC Pretty Boutique began with a meaningful gift of traditional jewelry from Ghana. Founder Sameerah Kwakye transformed that inspiration into a thriving business offering authentic, handmade African jewelry that celebrates culture, womanhood, and authenticity. From waist beads to e-commerce, SC Pretty has become a global celebration of heritage and beauty.
👉 Website | Instagram | TikTok

Rosia B. Mobile Phlebotomy Services – Candace Lattimore

Candace Lattimore founded Rosia B. Mobile Phlebotomy Services to bring accessible and confidential healthcare services directly to the community. With a focus on mobile phlebotomy and DOT drug testing, she partners with healthcare providers, employers, and organizations to ensure reliable care for all.
👉 Website

Pretty & Packing Women’s Gun Club LLC – LaToya Adams

LaToya J. Adams created Pretty & Packing Women’s Gun Club LLC to empower women through firearm safety, self-defense, and personal protection. The club provides a safe and supportive environment for women to learn, build confidence, and foster empowerment. Her mission: help women remain pretty, protected, and powerful.

I’m Just A Golfer – Ron Langhorne

Golf coach and community leader Ron Langhorne founded I’m Just A Golfer, a brand that combines golf instruction, apparel, and youth outreach. As Community Engagement Coordinator for The First Tee of Western New York, he is committed to expanding access to golf for youth across all backgrounds.

Debonair Sharp LLC – Andrew Brown

Licensed Master Barber Andrew Brown leads Debonair Sharp LLC, specializing in advanced grooming, scalp care, and skin health. Through his barbering services and professional products, Andrew offers solutions that help restore and maintain confidence and personal care.
👉 Website | Instagram | TikTok: @debonairsharp

Cyberbae – Madeline McDaniel

Creative entrepreneur Madeline McDaniel launched  Cyberbae , a woman-owned brand inspired by fashion, technology, and nostalgia. Combining her background in PR and fashion design with her personal healing journey, she uses cyberbae to encourage others to embrace their inner child and self-expression.
👉 Website | Instagram

ChiChi’s Treats – Sharmetris Lindsey

Inspired by her late grandmother, Sharmetris Lindsey founded ChiChi’s Treats, specializing in pound cakes and no-bake cheesecakes. With a degree in Business Administration, she combines skill with heart, baking to bring joy and smiles, one dessert at a time.

Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine LLC – Carine Merritt

Chef Carine Merritt, taught by her Jamaican and Cuban family, created Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine LLC to celebrate culture through food. Her business offers authentic fusion meals, cooking classes, and affordable catering that bring families and communities together.
👉 Instagram | Facebook

Buttahfly Creations LLC – Jewell Eason

With over a decade of event planning experience, Jewell Eason founded Buttahfly Wedding to make wedding planning stress-free, unique, and fun. Her women-owned, minority business provides full-service planning, custom designs, rentals, and day-of support, making her a one-stop shop for dream weddings.
👉 Instagram | Facebook

Brown Skin Network – Hanna Ross

Hanna Ross created the Brown Skin Network, a media-driven platform that empowers entrepreneurs, builds connections, and inspires people to step into their purpose. Her work fosters collaboration and visibility for underrepresented voices.
👉 Website | Instagram | Facebook

Black in Buffalo – Nassema Dawkins

Creative entrepreneur and community connector Nassema Dawkins founded Black in Buffalo, a media and resource platform that celebrates Black culture and uplifts local businesses, creators, and leaders. Through storytelling and events, she builds bridges across Buffalo’s diverse communities.
👉 Instagram | TikTok: BlackinBuffalo

The 2025 IC Success cohort embodies Intersect Buffalo’s mission to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Buffalo’s East Side. These entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building legacy, culture, and opportunity.