Dave Chappelle To Receive President’s Award At 56th NAACP Image Awards for Being A ‘Powerful Voice Of Social Consciousness
Dave Chappelle will be honored with the President's Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
Dave Chappelle will receive the prestigious President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards in recognition of his role as a “driver of progress” through his impactful comedy.
On Feb.11, the NAACP announced the celebrated Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian as this year’s President’s Award recipient. He joins past honorees such as Usher, Rihanna, LeBron James, Muhammad Ali, and Jay-Z.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a press release.
“Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time, Chappelle has earned numerous prestigious honors, including the 2019 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, five Emmy Awards, and six Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, most recently winning in 2025 for The Dreamer. He recently hosted SNL for the fourth time last month, breaking his record by delivering a 17-minute opening monologue.
Other past recipients of the President’s Award include Gabrielle Union-Wade, Dwyane Wade, Kerry Washington, Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. The 56th NAACP Image Awards celebrates Black excellence and resilience by honoring influential Black figures across various fields and extends support to the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities impacted by recent wildfires.
In collaboration with LA County, BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME, along with local organizations like Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA, the Altadena Community Preservation Fund has been launched to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve the community’s cultural heritage.
Husband-And-Wife Team Join Brooklyn Robot Foundry To Create More Equitable STEAM Spaces
'It has taken some time to differentiate ourselves from th competition..."
Richard and Denise Marie Snow are determined to make a difference in underrepresented communities.
Richard, who is the Diversity Institute Chair at the International Franchise Association (IFA) and co-host of the Smart Start Now Podcast with his wife, Denise, has made it his life’s work to ensure that there is more representation in all spaces through creating more opportunities for people of color.
The dynamic husband-and-wife team has joined with Brooklyn Robot Foundry as franchisees, recognizing the importance of creating a more diverse STEAM industry where children from all backgrounds and economic statuses can envision themselves.
Residing in New Jersey, the Snows opened their first Foundry location in Philadelphia, strategically focusing their efforts on serving neighborhoods nobody else would consider. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with the couple to learn more about their dedication to fostering inclusivity in the spaces they operate within and why they’ve chosen Brooklyn Robot Foundry as the vehicle to achieve that.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: Richard, you have been part of the franchise industry for many years in funding and as part of the Black Franchise Leadership Council. What about the Brooklyn Robot Foundry (BRF) made you and Denise want to become franchisees?
RICHARD SNOW: Denise and I were drawn to becoming franchisees with BRF first because the company aligned with our passion and vision within the children’s enrichment and education sector. We saw immense potential in the youth enrichment industry, being a vast and growing market with significant spending from parents aiming to enhance their children’s skills and interests.
While evaluating other franchise opportunities in the industry, we realized that there was a gap in high-quality programming for children that incorporated hands-on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), where kids could develop resilience through trial and error, alongside intentional social development. BRF stood out to us because it seamlessly integrated all these crucial elements into its curriculum, setting it apart from its competitors.
Moreover, beyond the program offerings, what truly captured our hearts was the culture fostered by BRF and its CEO, Jenny Young. The genuine care and dedication shown for the franchisees and leadership toward children’s enrichment deeply resonated with us. It was evident that there was a strong emphasis on social entrepreneurship, focusing not just on business success but also on the holistic development of children of all abilities. This culture of nurturing growth in children through robotics while building a legacy for our own families made us feel that BRF was the perfect fit for us as aspiring franchisees.
BE: Was there anything that surprised you about becoming a franchisee, especially being so knowledgeable about the industry?
R. SNOW: Yes—navigating the labor market. Finding qualified and dedicated talent proved to be a significant challenge initially. The entire process, from reviewing resumes to conducting interviews, took much longer than we had anticipated, and this unexpected hurdle was a valuable learning experience for us. Additionally, introducing a new brand in a large STEM market presented another challenge. Greater Philadelphia has millions of children and families with some access to STEM programming.
DENISE SNOW: We learned that a lot of programs do not allow children to take home the science projects they were working on. With our hands-on robotics classes and camps, the children in our care get to keep every robot they build with us. It has taken some time to differentiate ourselves from the competition in a way that partners can see the impact our programs can deliver for program retention and student success.
By forging strong community partnerships and implementing an aggressive marketing strategy, we’ve begun to transform this challenge into an opportunity. Our partners and parents have seen a stark difference between us and our competitors, which has added tremendous value to our brand. We have built amazing relationships with organizations, leaders, and families who have become enthusiastic believers in the high-quality robotics programs we offer at Brooklyn Robot Foundry.
Strong Commitment to DEI
BE: As an advocate for increasing the number of Black franchise owners, what is it about BRF that makes it a good fit for Black entrepreneurs looking to get into franchising?
D. SNOW: There are a few key points to consider. From the very beginning, BRF has shown a strong commitment to equity and inclusion within its business model. This is significant because it creates an environment where Black entrepreneurs feel supported and valued. When we lean into our background and experiences as Black women or Black men in America, our corporate team does not flinch or flake when we highlight these different perspectives. Jenny and the BRF corporate team embrace our differences, and we work to use that to our competitive advantage.
R. SNOW: During my time as the chair of the Black Franchise Leadership Council, we collaborated with Brooklyn Robot Foundry to establish the Frandowment competition. This initiative was specifically designed to provide minority entrepreneurs with the opportunity to attain ownership within the franchise system. It’s worth noting that BRF continues to run this program annually, underscoring their dedication to ensuring that talented minority entrepreneurs, who may lack the necessary financial resources, have a path to becoming franchisees through sweat equity.
For me, the implementation of these programs and initiatives at BRF spoke volumes about how franchisees were viewed by the company. It wasn’t just about being another unit or a number; it was about being recognized as an individual with the potential to make a difference in their community through this brand. BRF’s emphasis on recognizing and empowering franchisees as individuals made me believe that this was a culture and a company where Black entrepreneurs could not only fit in, but also grow and succeed.
Growing and Advising
BE: What are your expansion plans for the business?
R. SNOW: Currently, we have 32 zip codes divided into two territories—one covering Philly West and the other covering Philly East. Additionally, we are planning to bring BRF to South Jersey as our next territory in 2025-2026. This strategic move allows us to expand the reach of our award-winning S.T.E.A.M robotics program, offering children in South Jersey the same educational opportunities that we are providing in Philadelphia.
BE: What advice do you have for black entrepreneurs considering entering the franchise space, particularly in the sector of children’s education?
R. SNOW:
Pick Your Passion: There is money to be made in franchising. Pick a franchise that radiates with purpose. The hard work doesn’t feel like a chore when you pick your passion!
Industry Landscape: It is crucial to understand the overall industry landscape in which your brand will operate. By doing so, you can identify emerging brands that offer better profit margins and position yourself to compete successfully within a competitive market.
Financial Performance: Understanding your financial performance, costs of service, and cash flow is essential for the success of your franchise business. Be diligent in monitoring these aspects to ensure sustainable growth.
Talent Acquisition: The labor market can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding and retaining great talent. Create a company culture that resonates with your employees and makes them passionate about their work.
Operational Infrastructure: Build strong operational infrastructure by going slow to go fast. Take the time to understand your market, cultivate relationships, and establish efficient operational processes. This way, when your customer base grows, you will be well-equipped to provide excellent service and foster customer loyalty.
Super Bowl Champ Jalen Hurts Stays in $2K Apartment Despite $255M Contract
The Super Bowl MVP has yet to break his millions on properties near his workplace of Philadelphia.
Jalen Hurts may be a Super Bowl Champion, but that doesn’t change his lifestyle. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback shockingly lives quite modestly, foregoing the typical millionaire abode for a simple $2K apartment.
This news made headlines, considering Hurts’ pockets remain fully stacked. The premiere athlete signed a $255M deal with the Eagles in 2023, becoming the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. While many would think he’d fork over some cash for a sprawling estate, Hurts has other plans with his millions in tow.
The Sunreported that Hurts rents an apartment in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The apartment is a 20-minute drive from Philadelphia, and its modest rent makes sense to the quarterback.
“I didn’t buy a house or anything like that when I got drafted because it was just me,” explained Hurts about the housing decision in 2021. “I didn’t need this big place just for myself…I just got me a little apartment. You know, something smooth that’ll last me for the time being.”
However, it is no longer just Hurts, as the athlete proposed to his college sweetheart, Bry Burrows, last September. Despite this, the 26-year-old is reportedly still using the rental during the football season.
Meanwhile, the NFL star still invested in some real estate properties in his hometown of Humble, Texas. He first bought a home registered under his father’s name, Averion Sr., for $215,000. While the home boasts three bedrooms, it does not compare to his next purchase fitting for a millionaire’s budget.
Hurts also bought a $6 million Texas mansion. The property, which is 6,000 square feet and sits on a 10-acre lot, has six large bedrooms and bathrooms. It also features a massive swimming pool and two garages, one detached and accommodating four cars.
Furthermore, Hurts decided to splurge and buy the house next door for $2.68 million. While it is unclear what his plans are for the additional home, the cost was a drop in the bucket for the Super Bowl MVP. More recently, he bought a fourth property in Houston, registered under his mother’s name.
Although Hurts makes an average of $51 million a year, his practical spending habits are a valuable asset of their own.
Shedeur Sanders Stays Loyal To Wearing Deion Sanders’ Signature Nikes When Offered Brand Jordan Sneakers
'I'm at a dilemma here, I only wear Dad's shoes, so its like it's cool, but it's like, I don't wear nothing else but that.'
Shedeur Sanders stayed loyal to his father and his Nike sneakers when he turned down an offer to receive some rare Jordan Brand sneakers during Super Bowl weekend.
A viral video shows Shedeur being shown some Jordan sneakers. The future NFL player looks perplexed but tells the person showing him the footwear that he is loyal to his father and only wears Nike made for his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.
The incident occurred over the weekend in New Orleans when everyone was in town for the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. While viewing a pile of Jordan Nikes, although he looks like he may be interested in receiving some sneakers, he hesitates and admits that he only wears his “dad’s” shoes, stating he wears “nobody else’s shoes,” including ones by NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan.
After being told that there were only a few of the ones he was being shown, he still wasn’t moved to pick any of them.
“I don’t know. I’m in a dilemma here. I only wear Dad’s shoes, so it’s like it’s cool, but it’s like, I don’t wear anything else but that. I’m you know what I mean, so I don’t know what to do here.”
“But, I gotta be true͏ to who I am. ͏͏I d͏on’t wear ͏nobo͏dy ͏else’s sh͏oes. I d͏o͏n’t wear Jordans. None of that,” Shedeur added. “My Dad has his own shoes.”
Shedeur Sanders after being showed a rare pair of Jordans in the Sneaker Store 👀
“I only wear Dad (Deion Sanders) shoes”
“I don’t wear nobody else shoes, I don’t wear Jordans…My Dad got his own shoe”
The shoes Shedeur refers to were recently re-released Nike Diamond Turfs, which his father wore while playing in the NFL during his Hall of Fame career. The sneakers were originally released over 30 years ago, in 1994. They were immediately sold out within minutes of going on sale.
Complex reported that the Nike Air Diamond Turf was released in 1993, the last year Sanders played with the Atlanta Falcons. There were follow-up versions of the original footwear: the Air Diamond Turf 2, which came out in 1994, debuted when Coach Prime was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. While wearing those sneakers, Sanders won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and took home a Super Bowl trophy.
Two years later, the Diamond Turf Max ’96 was released. In 1997, the Air Diamond Turf 4 went on sale, and the last in the series, the Air Diamond Turf 5, debuted in 1998.
Now, the latest version of the footwear was released in January 2025.
Small Businesses Can Use Checkout Technology To Help Tackle DEI Challenges
Written by Toju Ogbeide
As diversity, equity, and inclusion policies face far-reaching rollbacks across the U.S., many business owners are left wondering how the causes they care about can continue receiving support. Fortunately, technology is on your side. Compassion and impact can now be built right into your brand’s payment flow. Right now, there’s a tremendous opportunity for businesses to back organizations facing cutbacks or regulatory challenges — while also boosting their own performance.
Take a cue from major brands like Costco. According to Engage For Good, Costco was in the top five for charity checkout campaigns in 2022, raising more than $48.7 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Yet, the notion that only large companies can drive meaningful change is misleading. Small business owners can also make a significant impact. The company I founded, Goodszilla, is an impact-driven fintech that helps integrate charitable action directly into checkout processes — a sort of “compassion button” that anyone can add to their Shopify, Wix, or in-store point-of-sale system.
I was raised by a mother who was a nurse and a father who was a doctor. Watching them positively impact people’s lives inspired me to harness technology in solving world problems. My nonprofit work with the Rotary Club focused on grassroots fundraising, sparked the idea for Goodszilla. I saw how technology could simplify and enhance the process of giving back.
Since 2023, our plug-in has been connecting business owners with all North American charitable organizations. Whether a brand chooses to support Feeding America, like Chosen Foods — a wellness-focused consumer packaged goods company — or aligns with other causes, the technology offers endless customization. Nielsen research shows that 66% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that actively demonstrates social responsibility, underscoring the importance of aligning with values that resonate with your customer base.
Our case studies reinforce the benefits of incorporating charitable giving at checkout. Brands using these initiatives have seen repeat purchases climb by as much as 30% to 35%, and others have experienced a 25% increase in repeat business along with higher overall basket sizes. Customers often respond positively when they know a portion of their spending is directed toward a worthy cause, sometimes even matched by the company.
The truth is that brands that are charitable tend to differentiate themselves and build lasting reputations. In a crowded market, a commitment to social impact can set you apart, foster loyalty, and ultimately drive growth. Whether you operate online or in-store, every brand now has the opportunity to integrate meaningful social change into every transaction.
Other businesses, such as Land Grove Coffee, Simpleaf Brands, and Bea’s Bayou Skincare, are already leveraging our plug-in. Simpleaf, a Black-owned business making baby products, has not only allocated 1% of purchases to charitable giving but has also run successful campaigns like “buy three, donate one.” Skin by Ariel, another Black-owned brand, has seen a remarkable uptick in sales thanks to similar initiatives.
The work to ensure this technology is seamless has been nonstop. By embedding our end-to-end customizable plug-in into the checkout flow, we’ve removed the complexities traditionally associated with compliance and point-of-sale giving. The result is a democratization of charitable giving, where businesses of all sizes can participate in a multi-billion-dollar industry while driving genuine impact.
The era of “if you’re not big, you can’t make an impact” is over. Every transaction becomes an opportunity for change — transforming commerce into a force for good. Let’s reimagine the checkout not just as the end of a sale but as a moment where compassion and growth come together for a better tomorrow.
Toju Ogbeideis the CEO & Founder of Goodszilla, Inc. He is a visionary social impact entrepreneur and IT expert who is passionate about using technology to drive positive change. Toju has created a revolutionary platform that leverages the power of commerce to fundraise for social good.
Georgia Lawmakers Push Bill To Restrict Use Of Lyrics In Court Cases Due To Young Thug Trial
The bill would set new conditions for lyrics or other artistic material to be used as evidence.
Georgia lawmakers are hoping for a bill to set a new court standard in the aftermath of the RICO trial against Young Thug.
The state politicians introduced House Bill 237 to the floor, wanting to limit the usage of artistic material as evidence in court cases. The push to do so follows the infamous criminal trial, which became the longest-running one in Georgia history. The racketeering case against Young Thug and several other defendants associated with his YSL cohort, saw rap lyrics used as evidence by the prosecution. Moreover, prosecutors used tattoos and social media posts to also defend their case against the rapper and the other defendants.
In light of this and the surrounding controversies the trial faced, a group of Georgia representatives is now pushing for heightened restrictions on artistic materials used for such matters. They have urged to only use such items when deemed relevant and admissible by the court.
“Evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression, whether original or derivative, shall not be received into evidence against such defendant in a criminal proceeding unless such evidence is determined by the court to be relevant and admissible after an offer of proof by the proponent of the evidence outside the hearing of a jury, or such hearing as the court may require, and a statement by the court regarding the findings of fact essential to its determination of admissibility is made part of the record,” detailed the bill, as obtained byWSB-TV.
Moreover, the bill set conditions that the proposed evidence must be in order for its consideration. These include evidence that shows the defendant’s intentions to “adopt the literal meaning of the work as the defendant’s own thought or statement,” as well as a “strong factual nexus” that the exact material specifically refers to the crime alleged.
If allowed, the lyrics or artistic material used, such as other media, dance, or visual art, will also undergo “careful redactions” with “proper instructions” included when presented. However, lawmakers have only introduced the bill thus far. Following previous efforts to do so, it would break new ground for artists in high-profile criminal trials.
And Another One: Deloitte Latest Top Corporation To Cut DEI Initiatives
Who's next?
The world’s largest accounting firm, Deloitte, is one of the latest corporations to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for its private and public practices, The San Francisco Standard reported.
In an email to internal employees sent on Feb. 10, Deloitte’s chief people officer, Doug Beaudoin, said changes are being made after “a detailed review of all pertinent government directives to ensure we comply with their requirements, both as a private enterprise and as a government contractor.”
“We will sunset our workforce and business aspirational diversity goals, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Transparency Report, and our DEI programming,” he said.
While Beaudoin emphasized that “everyone is welcome at Deloitte,” the company is following the footsteps of other Fortune 500 corporations – Google, Meta and more – who have either scrapped or dialed back their DEI practices. But Deloitte was one company that once stood tall against conservative ideologies and tactics until 2024.
Trump allies caught wind of private messages between a Deloitte employee and then-Ohio senate nominee JD Vance from 2020, where Vance stated he thought Trump “thoroughly failed to deliver” on his economic agenda. Once The Washington Post got a hold of the messages, Trump allies called on the federal government to punish the consulting company, claiming an executive was trying to interfere with the 2024 election. “An executive at @Deloitte … decided to interfere in the election & leak private convos with JD Vance to help Kamala Harris,” the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., wrote on X.
“Maybe it’s time for the GOP to end Deloitte’s taxpayer-funded gravy train?”
Prior to President Trump’s executive orders to attack DEI initiatives, Deloitte was once a leader in the field, according to the Financial Times. The firm announced several DEI goals that were projected to be reached in 2025, including a spend of $200 million with “Black-led businesses” and heightening the presence of gender and ethnic diversity for principals, managing directors, and U.S. partners.
But now, consultants of the firm who work for the government were asked to remove pronouns that highlight their genders from email signatures, particularly ones sent to external entities, to “to align with emerging government client practices and requirements.”
In light of the latest changes, the email stated Deloitte will still carry out some diversity-related initiatives such as Heritage Month events, internal ethnic networks, and “inclusion councils.” The company also claims that hiring practices will be improved in order to make them “fair and non-discriminatory.”
UnitedHealth Group Hires Defamation Law Firm To Go After Social Media Posts
UnitedHealth Group hired defamation law firm Clare Locke LLP to take on people who posted what the company believes to be 'untrue' and 'reckless' claims.
Two months after its CEO, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in broad daylight, UnitedHealth Group is fighting back on what the company calls “defamation” claims. According to Bloomberg Law, the company hired a defamation law firm to take on people who posted what the company believes to be “untrue” and “reckless” claims.
Virginia-based law firm Clare Locke LLP is representing UnitedHealth Group. This is the same law firm that co-represented Dominion Voting Systems following the 2020 election. Dominion sued Fox News Channel for $1.6 billion. The conservative media giant settled, paying Dominion $787.5 million.
According to the law firm’s website, the team is “dedicated to litigating complex defamation matters and representing clients facing high-profile reputational attacks.”
Clare Locke Threatens Social Media Users With Defamation Lawsuit Over UnitedHealth
According to Fortune.com, Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a plastic surgeon, posted a video on Instagram claiming UnitedHealthcare called her mid-surgery to justify an in-patient stay for a woman with breast cancer who needed a surgical procedure to treat it. Dr. Potter says United ultimately denied her an overnight stay and threatened her with legal action for the posts.
Days later, she posted screen grabs of the letter, which appears to be from Clare Locke. The letter states, “We are writing to demand you correct your knowingly false, misleading, and defamatory posts regarding UnitedHealthcare.”
According to Potter, the insurer contacted her, claiming she made an error. Potter claims Clare Locke also demands a public apology and a retraction of her accusations.
“I am a woman taking care of women affected by breast cancer,” Potter said on X. “I do this work with all of my heart, and I will continue to speak up for my patients –– because they deserve better.”
South Fulton Mayor Defends Overspending Concerns, Says $26K In Travel Was To Promote The City
Kamau argued that his international excursions were in the city's interest.
South Fulton’s controversial mayor, Khalid Kamau, continues to defend his spending habits despite an audit launched by the city council.
Kamau has faced heat from both South Fulton’s city council and residents for taking international trips without others’ knowledge. These trips ranged from Colombia to Paris, with a recent flight to Ghana in December.
The costs have racked up to $26k for the city, sparking concerns. However, he shared to a Ghanaian talk show that he is, in fact, “promoting” South Fulton to the global diaspora.
Not only is his travel in question, but also his expensive office renovations. Covered previously inBLACK ENTERPRISE, he also spent $1,800 on a table that transforms into a pool table.
Despite these questionable purchases, Kamau, also known as Mayor Kobi, argued that his spending and travel expenditures helped the city. In light of the brewing investigation against him, Kamau began hosting Mayor Mondays for constituents to tour the new office.
According to Fox 5, he has also used the initiative to defend his case, stating that his promotion of the city as a Black hub opened up new doors.
We’ve been chasing these Fortune 500 companies, trying to get them to invest in our city, and all we get are warehouses and data centers. When I started talking about us being the blackest city in America, we started getting invitations from all over the world,” explained Kamau, who still intends to run for re-election.
He also slammed the allegations that the city council members had no clue about his work travel.
“Here is the crazy thing: I have been sharing with the council for years. After my first trip to Colombia in 2024, I took them all out to dinner; five council members were there. The video in the newsletter is proof. You can see the same council people who are criticizing me are at the dinner,” the mayor continued.
Given the mounting allegations, Kamau made a website listing his travel receipts and pictures of his time in these countries. The matter of his undocumented receipts has also been an issue, with over 100 P-card transactions unaccounted for. Moreover, he addressed why he did not defend his actions at a recent council meeting as well.
“There have been all of these allegations that I have mishandled funds. We had to create an entire website because when I try to make presentations about it at the council meeting, the item was removed from the agenda. I was blocked from speaking,” Kamau said.
Despite his claims of innocence, the city council members are not buying his claims. District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis pushed back on Kamau’s insistence that they knew about his whirlwind travel.
“We are not tearing you down. You took your Black behind over to Africa for 20 days and didn’t tell anybody,” expressed Willis.
While the political matter wages on, Kamau hopes to further his position at the next council meeting.
My Little Rosebud Founder Mika Simpson Launches 2025 ‘Forever Collection’ Just In Time For Valentine’s Day
My Little Rosebud's 2025 Forever Collection offers a Grande option of 100 preserved roses
Maryland businesswoman Mika Simpson is blossoming into a master florist with her popular flower company, My Little Rosebud, and with a new collection of preserved roses, she’s expanded her catalog of elegant arrangements nationwide.
The former Atlanta lash technician founded My Little Rosebud in Capitol Heights, Maryland to offer an experience and provide fresh bouquets to locals. After being in the floral industry for nearly a year and a half, her company has already bloomed into a six-figure business venture and the florist’s recent addition for her customers, whom she refers to as “Rosebuds,” is giving true romance and the beauty of fresh blooms.
Simpson introduced BLACK ENTERPRISE to her 2025 “Forever Collection,” a hand-selected line of roses she described as timeless treasures. “We wanted to offer our customers something truly special — roses that capture the romance and beauty of fresh blooms, but with the convenience and longevity that we all crave,” the floral boutique owner said.
2025 Forever Collection
In January, My Little Rosebud launched the Forever Collection, preserved roses which last for up to three years. They’re real roses that go through an eco-friendly preservation process which allows them to expand their lifetime. The roses are carefully treated and require no water or sunlight to maintain their natural appearance, texture, and fragrance. “I decided to launch that just because I know a lot of people really enjoy the gift of flowers and sharing something special with someone,” said Simpson, who also kept in mind people who may not have the time or know how to properly care for them. Since the preserved roses in the Forever Collection minimize the maintenance load for those who Simpson said may not have the “green thumb.”
The Forever Collection offers exquisite options in three different sizes that customers can cherish for a long time. “We have small, large, and our grande, which is [a bouquet] of one hundred preserved roses,” she said. The exclusive line is available in red, white, and pink.
Boxed and elegantly packaged, the Forever Collection is perfect for anyone looking for long-lasting gifts that symbolizes beauty, elegance and affection. “It’s just one of those gifts that you can give to someone for almost any occasion,” the My Little Rosebud founder said. “They can be a gift to yourself just to have something in your home, graduation, [or] birthdays.”
So, what’s the perfect gift to pair with a bouquet of roses from the 2025 Forever Collection? “The perfect gift, in my opinion, would be a love letter,” said Simpson. “Because you don’t have to spend money on it. It’s really just the thought and I think those are the perfect pairs.” Going for a more grand gesture, the Maryland florist recommended the Grande bouquet. “In person, it’s huge,” she said. “But even if you want to do something small, we have our smaller sizes. I just want them to experience the love.”
My Little Rosebud bouquets are an experience and Simpson hopes her Rosebuds enjoy their flowers while they’re still alive. “Roses, especially, have an amazing scent,” she said. Simply going up to them and smelling them everyday, making sure the timeless treasures are cared for and kept visible, will allow for a more intimate experience. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s day with someone special, cherishing moments with loved ones, or simply adding a touch of elegance to your home this year, My Little Rosebud has your floral needs covered, and to keep the experience for Simpson’s Rosebuds hassle-free, aftercare cards are given with every bouquet to provide instructions on how to care for the flowers, which includes trimming and water maintenance.
The preserved roses are available year-round and ship nationwide. Due to delicacy, other fresh flower bouquets are available for in-store purchase and pickup. My Little Rosebud serves the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Look out for limited-time collections in the future, including a special arrangement for Mother’s Day. Rosebuds can stay connected on Instagram and TikTok or by joining the My Little Rosebud mailing list.
