There is no future of retail without you.
whether you're buying, selling, or supporting, there's a place here for you to make an impact.
Diversify Retail® Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing minority representation in the retail industry. Together, we will create the change our industry so desperately needs.
Copywriting for Entrepreneurs
Ready to sell, scale, and level up
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation. Based in New York City & Los Angeles, available for travel.
what we do
Hey, Changemaker:
Ready to change the face + future of retail?
We are too. It's why we exist. We're a collective of Retail Industry professionals passionate about actively driving the industry forward, and just as passionate about doing the work to make it happen.
you're in the right place
on our agenda:
Business Development Connections + Resources for BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Through our Collective + Content + Commerce + Coworking + Collaborations we have a 360-degree approach to developing the exact solutions Entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses.
Supporting The Next Generation of Diverse Talent in Retail
Increasing diversity in the retail industry long-term begins with training the future of it - our youth. Through our camps and immersive retail experiences, students can explore their future in our industry.
Progressive Programs + Partnerships
We exist to be a solution that bridges the gap from where we are today, to becoming the industry we want to see tomorrow. We partner with companies invested in taking an authentic and active role in diversifying retail with us.
welcome!
We are jade + deanna, lead changemakers
It all started when LA-based Showroom Owner Jade came across ATL-based Retail Consultant, DeAnna on Insta. A DM was sent. Eye-opening conversations were had. Many months and work sessions later, Diversify Retail® was born.
In 2020, after the senseless murder of George Floyd, and seeing the awakening of retail companies to their lack of diversity, we were compelled to pour our combined 35+ years in retail, our network, our time, and our love into making sure this awakening was not just a captured moment, but rather a permanent, ever-chasing mission at the forefront of the industry. We have joined forces with countless other Retail professionals to not only bring awareness to BIPOC brands and retailers, but more importantly, to empower and equip them with the tools and strategies to excel and build a long-term, legacy-building business for themselves and their families.
our founder story: a match made in instagram heaven
we're happy you're here
Jade Sykes
DeAnna McIntosh
the collective
for bipoc brands + retailers
Throughout the year we curate revenue-generating opportunities for BIPOC Brands and Retailers. With us you will be heard, seen, trained, empowered and supported in your retail business journey.
brand matchmaking + a lot more
the buying office
You want to diversify your product assortment, and we are here to make sourcing BIPOC brands effortless and inspiring.
the event series
connect + engage
We want to connect with you in real life too. Join us for events around the U.S. designed for BIPOC students, brands + retailers to learn, connect, and collaborate.
the partnerships
for diversity-driven companies
When companies want to do more than donate - but rather take an active, ongoing role in diversifying their product mix, creating enriching mentorship programs, executing grant programs, and ensuring that diversity is always a priority - they work with us.
watch this
a Conversation about diversity in retail
Our Executive Director, DeAnna McIntosh sat down for a virtual chat with Terence Morris, Senior Vice President Leasing, Gift at AmericasMart to discuss the state of diversity in Retail at the heart of the awakening.
our 2022 summer camp
We hosted our inaugural summer camp for minority high schoolers, The Future of Retail, at The Works Atlanta in the summer of 2022. Our campers learned about the retail industry and created their own groundbreaking retail concepts!
IN The MEDIA.
Retailers like Sephora are beginning to deliver on diversity pledges, but experts say more work needs to be done to push industry efforts beyond lip service
Confessions of An Entrepreneur | Diversity In Retail: This is a heartfelt article from a non-BIPOC Entrepreneur on how we impacted her perspective on how she could diversify
Retailers tout initiatives for Black History Month | But many Black-owned brands are getting swept up in a public relations rush that could undermine their long-term success
How To Diversify Your Store | Check Out These Pointers With Jade Sykes, CEO of Diversify Retail
DeAnna goes over how you can be more diverse in your business, what to do if you don’t live in a diverse region, and how to better educate ourselves about race & inequality today
As retailers fretted about how to take action on systemic racism while people took to the streets for Black Lives Matter, a designer clarified things for them.
What the 15% Pledge for Black-owned business will look like in action | Sephora, Rent the Runway, and West Elm have signed on, but the industry has significant work to do
Consumers want retailers to do the right thing | Storytelling is how brands connect with customers. As protests lead to demands for change, they must prove they’re selling more than fairy tales
Black-owned beauty brands in the spotlight | Campaigns led by Black entrepreneurs are pushing retailers and brands to take action beyond their “Black Lives Matter” social media posts
2022 black history makers grant program
citi trends inc.
The Citi Trends' Black History Makers Grant Program increases awareness of Black-owned businesses and community organizations. Working in tandem, Diversify Retail® Inc. facilitated the application, judging process and interviewed all finalists to select the recipients.
partner spotlight
are you in?
DIVERSIFY RETAIL WITH US.
As you can see, Diversify Retail® Inc. is not your typical nonprofit. It is a path forward for open conversation, self-reflection, and most importantly, strategic action to increase diversity in all facets of the retail industry. Your donation helps us provide retail educational programming, grants + scholarships, trade opportunities, and community activities for minority students and entrepreneurs worldwide. With your support, we can, and will, change the face + future of retail.
we want to get to know you
Tell us your story through this detailed questionnaire so we can determine how to best support you in moving retail (and your business) forward. This information will tell us which opportunities that we create, or that come our way, to direct you towards.
Set aside about 5 minutes to complete this questionnaire.
