Meet Nourysh merchants who won in the Good Soil Seed Capital Competition

As part of Good Soil, Nourysh is about helping under-resourced entrepreneurs grow their businesses to sustainability and beyond.

One key way we've done that is through the Good Soil Seed Capital Competition, presented by Wells Fargo. To date, we have given more than $750,000 in grant funds while providing business plan training and LivePlan licenses to more than 1,000 companies.

The very challenges we saw for retail businesses in the competition led us to create Nourysh. So, we naturally wanted to launch with the retailers who won capital and mentorship from us.

Our largest prize ever went to Strands of Faith, led by Ameka Coleman. She created the business because she saw that certain hair textures weren't well-served in the market.

"We're breaking down the barriers of hair type discrimination (Texturism) by prioritizing textured hair and providing the best formulas so that everyone can feel confident in their unique beauty," says Ameka. "Experience the transformative power of clean holistic beauty. Our premium, handcrafted, non-toxic products nourish your strands while promoting mental wellness and empowering you to radiate your beauty from the inside out."

One key reason we recognized Ameka's potential was her clever partnership with hospitals, who traditionally offered all patients the same haircare products and samples. She has become the exclusive supplier of textured hair products for the biggest hospital purchasing group in the country. It not only provides a recurring revenue stream, but it also is a marketing channel, exposing Strands of Faith to patients who then go on to become retail customers.

Strands of Faith created a special bundle just for the Nourysh Launch.

SinceDungeon Forward founder David Castro won our first competition in 2023, his line of specialty hats focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) has grown dramatically.

There are now more than 120 HBCU products, plus collabs with Nickelodeon, Airheads, ArtBlk and Sunika Karaun, Dungeon Forward brings elegance and class to leisurewear at affordable prices.

David says, "The crowns by Dungeon Forward don’t just sit on heads; they share stories of cultural triumph and poetic inspiration, inviting a reimagined view of what a crown should look and feel like. Each piece stands out at first glance, designed with purpose and pride, reminding the wearer and those around them of the power in every detail.."

At a different end of the headwear spectrum, Fruition Hat Company took third prize in our 2024 competition. Their unique, elegant fashion hats are sold online, at an Atlanta storefront and through major retailers. With nearly a dozen collections currently in stock.

Fruition partners Bryan and Stanzel say, " Our mantra is simple: Be you, Be True. We're committed to igniting a culture of boundless self-love and confidence. Our diverse range of hats caters to every facet of your personality. Whether you're a free spirit or a bit more reserved, youthful or seasoned, introverted or extroverted, edgy or traditional, elegant or rugged, sleek or understated — Fruition Hats are designed to celebrate your unique essence."