In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development is spotlighting a dynamic group of Black business owners whose entrepreneurial journeys are helping to shape the future of their local industries. Through candid reflections, they shared moments of inspiration, lessons learned, and visions of success that extend far beyond financial gains. Their stories reveal a deep commitment to creating lasting legacies that define the economic landscape. Explore what drives their purpose, how they honor history, and the leaders who have paved the way for their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Glam By Shaddy
Adeola Adebara is the owner of Glam By Shaddy located at 45 Waverley Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.
What does success look like to you beyond profits — how do you measure impact?
Success as a makeup and photography artist goes far beyond profit for me, it is about the impact on people, storytelling, and artistic fulfillment. It involves doing the work I want to do without thinking of money, but how the work is needed and valued by people and the long-lasting impact it makes. At the end of the day, success is about creating work that resonates, uplifts, and leaves a mark beyond the surface.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see my business growing into a well-established brand with a strong client base and a recognizable creative style. I also plan to offer educational opportunities like masterclasses, online courses, or mentorship programs where I can share my skills and creativity ideas with young entrepreneurs who want to venture in the makeup and photography business.
How do you honor Black History Month through your work?
Honoring Black History Month as a makeup and photography artist is celebrating Black beauty through makeup and showcasing diverse skin tones and highlighting the beauty of deep, rich, and varied melanin shades by creating stunning makeup looks that celebrate Black skin. Also incorporating cultural elements, like drawing inspiration from African and Black cultural heritage such as tribal makeup, Afro-futurism, or historical beauty trends. I collaborate with Black-owned brands by using and promoting makeup brands owned by Black entrepreneurs which help to amplify their visibility.
Capturing images that showcase the beauty, strength, and everyday excellence of Black individuals in different fields while also collaborating with Black creatives. Working with Black models, stylists, designers, and other creatives is how I uplift and empower the community through my projects. I educate and inspire people by sharing behind-the-scenes content discussing the cultural significance of my work and use social media to highlight Black history, beauty, and contributions in the makeup and photography industries.
Tropix Pots Cuisines Bar & Grill
Kamike Myers-Pinnock is the owner of Tropix Pots Cuisines Bar & Grill located at 490 Prospect Blvd, Frederick, MD 21701.
What does success look like to you beyond profits — how do you measure impact?
Success as a business owner goes far beyond profit. A fulfilling feeling of success for me, is having happy customers, being able to build genuine relationships and delivering value that improves people’s lives. It also includes; creating a culture where employees feel inspired, supported, and proud of their work. Success for me is also having a positive impact by means of contributing to the community. Being environmentally responsible, and making a difference beyond the bottom line. With the combination of all that was mentioned, having sustainable growth, building a resilient business that can adapt, innovate, and thrive long-term makes all what success truly means to us beyond profits.
How do you honor Black History Month through your work?
We honor Black History by celebrating Black culture, uplifting the community, and educating others on our culture and experiences. Here at Tropix Pots we celebrate Black Culinary Traditions through our dishes inspired by Black culinary history, including African, Caribbean, and Southern soul food influences. We also often partner with the community to host and highlight black talents by means of poetry show cases, music, and different fraternity gatherings. We also donate to Black student unions and provide work experience training for students with disability. We use our platform for education and advocacy. We open our doors for apprenticeships for aspiring Black chefs and entrepreneurs networking events. While Black History Month is important, we make honoring Black culture an ongoing effort, not just a one-time event. We continue to uplift Black excellence through our food and community engagement.
Le Bijoux Day Spa
Sandra Troutman is the owner of Le Bijoux Day Spa located at 205 Broadway St Ste 110, Frederick, MD 21701.
How do you honor Black History Month through your work?
I honor Black history every day. As a Haitian-American, I am actively making history through my business and the lives that I impact. I strive for excellence, ensuring that my business acumen sets the tone in all of my interactions—whether with prospective business partners, clients, or janitorial staff. I treat everyone with respect and grace; and continue to promote diversity through my company and marketing strategy.
Black History Month highlights the invaluable contributions that Black individuals have made to society, even as we continue the fight for racial equity. Discrimination is real. Segregation was deeply woven into the fabric of America, and Black History Month serves as a critical reminder of these lessons. Without it, we risk repeating the atrocities of the past.
As a business owner, I honor Black History Month by working with my team to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and integrity (DEI²) remain central to our business model. When diversity wins, we all win.
What is one word to describe your business journey? Why and what does it mean?
Audacious. The definition of this word means to be fearless.
As a Haitian-American, I have always been driven to excel in everything I do. I come from a lineage of people who sacrificed their lives to overcome oppression and triumph over discrimination. My parents made many sacrifices throughout their lives so that my sister and I could be raised in America and fulfill the “American Dream.” Failure and mediocrity were never options. They had high expectations for their daughters, and I chose to embrace the challenge—to be great.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Social Policy from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. I am also a licensed Esthetician with professional certifications in business and Information Security. In my mid-50s, I made the bold decision to pursue a new career path as a Spa Owner.
I truly believe that my background in education and information technology gave me both the professional acumen and humility needed to succeed in the hospitality and esthetics industries. My journey to becoming a Spa Owner has been a rite of passage, requiring me to apply the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career to key business functions such as stakeholder and personnel management, networking, conflict negotiation, budgeting, marketing, and information security.
As an entrepreneur, confidence is essential—but for me, confidence alone was not enough. I needed, and wanted, to be bold and courageous. Tomorrow is never promised, so I challenge myself each day to seek out new ways to grow my business and make improvements that benefit my clients.
I started my business because of my strong belief in the transformative power of wellness and esthetics. Becoming the first Black woman-owned luxury day spa in the Frederick community was a milestone I proudly embraced as part of my journey. Research has shown—and my own experiences have affirmed—that we all need role models. I hope that my presence and journey serve as a catalyst for someone else’s dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
Failure is not an option. Every challenge presents a new opportunity for growth and learning, allowing me to become a better businesswoman and a better person. My commitment to civic responsibility is deeply rooted in my love for the Frederick community and my passion for being a servant-leader. I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and support my business has received from the residents of Frederick and the greater Maryland area. The City of Frederick’s leadership and business sector have embraced me with open arms, and for that, I am truly thankful.
Jollof on Point
Abimbola Oluboyo is the owner of Jollof on Point located at 450 Prospect Blvd, Frederick, MD 21701.
1. What moment made you realize your business was more than a dream — it was a legacy in the making?
The moment we saw families, both Nigerian and non-Nigerian, gathering around our dishes, sharing stories, and experiencing the flavors of West Africa, we knew Jollof on Point was more than just a restaurant—it was a cultural bridge. Seeing first-generation Nigerians introduce their children to traditional meals and hearing customers say, “This reminds me of home” reinforced that we weren’t just serving food; we were preserving heritage, creating community, and leaving a legacy for future generations.
2. What is the most unexpected lesson you've learned as a business owner?
The most unexpected lesson has been the power of adaptability. While we opened with a clear vision, we quickly learned that listening to our customers and evolving—whether through menu adjustments, service improvements, or community engagement—was key to success. The ability to pivot, embrace feedback, and continuously improve has been one of the most valuable lessons in our journey.
3. What does success look like to you beyond profits — how do you measure impact?
Success, to us, is about representation, cultural education, and community-building. When someone walks in curious about Nigerian cuisine and leaves with not just a meal but a newfound appreciation for our culture, that’s impact. When we see young Black entrepreneurs inspired by our journey, or when families bond over our food, that’s success. Beyond profits, we measure our impact by the conversations we spark, the traditions we uphold, and the joy we bring to the Frederick community.
4. How do you honor Black History Month through your work?
We honor Black History Month by continuing to share the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria and West Africa, educating our customers about the history behind our dishes, and collaborating with other Black-owned businesses. We also take this time to highlight the resilience, innovation, and excellence of Black entrepreneurs, past and present, showing that our contributions to the economy and culture are invaluable and enduring.
5. Are there any historical entrepreneurs or leaders who inspire you? Why?
Madam C.J. Walker is a huge inspiration. She built an empire at a time when opportunities for Black entrepreneurs were scarce, proving that resilience, innovation, and community upliftment can break barriers. Like her, we believe in not just building a business, but creating opportunities, empowering others, and leaving a lasting legacy.
6. What is one word to describe your business journey? Why and what does it mean?
Resilient. The journey of opening and growing Jollof on Point has been filled with challenges, from navigating regulations to introducing a new cuisine to a wider audience. But resilience has kept us moving forward, pushing through obstacles, and staying committed to our vision of sharing authentic Nigerian flavors with the community.
7. Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
In five years, we envision Jollof on Point expanding beyond Frederick, becoming a household name in Maryland and beyond. We see ourselves opening new locations, launching a product line of authentic Nigerian sauces and spices, and continuing to be a hub for cultural connection and education. Our goal is to make Nigerian cuisine more accessible while staying true to its roots and flavors.
Lake Linganore Psychiatry, LCC
Lake Linganore Psychiatry, LCC (LLP) is owned by Sheila Tate, PMHNP-BC located at 617 West Patrick Street, Suite 223, Frederick, MD 21701.
What moment made you realize your business was more than a dream — it was a legacy in the making?
Interestingly, owning a business wasn't a dream that I had as a child. I once told my brother-in-law, Fritz Bernardin, I wanted to be a flight attendant so I could see the world. He encouraged me to go to nursing school and told me that nursing had endless opportunities. I don't think he would be surprised to hear that I now own a mental health practice because he always believed I had endless potential.
I have always strived to be the best at everything that I do so when I decided to open Lake Linganore Psychiatry (LLP) I already knew that it was going to be something special. I realized that I had a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals who really need help but did not get it in the past due to lack of trust, stigma, and education. I also knew that our practice would help people from all walks of life regardless of income because we believe that mental health is a right and not a privilege.
What is the most unexpected lesson you've learned as a business owner?
I have always heard people say that when you are doing something you love, it does not feel like work. I never thought that I would ever say that before I became a business owner. I have been so blessed to have reached that stage in my life. I spend most days working way more hours than I should be but I have never been happier or felt more fulfilled. I project this joy to my patients who tell how happy they are when they meet with me because I am always so positive and encouraging.
What does success look like to you beyond profits — how do you measure impact?
Every day I get to experience small success which to me is my patient returning to the office telling how much better they are feeling, how much more productive they are, how they have been able to set boundaries, or how their hemoglobin A1c dropped significantly because they were able to start lifestyle changes we talked about.
A medium success was receiving a $2,500 grant from the city of Frederick to continue to provide our services to the community.
The biggest success to me is receiving referrals from other patients for friends and family members, from therapists to see their patients, and having for other medical providers making appointments for themselves to see by us. To me that is the indication that we are doing something right, that people are getting better, and that were are a part of people's conversation.
How do you honor Black History Month through your work?
I was very focused on setting up the Self-Care Contest for the patients for the month of February. Patients answered a survey about how well they took care of themselves in January. I wanted to highlight the ones who were doing well so they can keep going and to show the ones who were not doing so well how they could do better. Prizes were given such huge self-care baskets and Amazon gift cards.
However, when you are surrounded by a team of amazing people, you don't need to think of everything yourself. My social media team at JCreative, Samantha Barnes and Lauren Herbster, help all of us at Lake Linganore Psychiatry to remember all the important dates and months of the year through the posts they publish on our Instagram account.
I was born in Haiti, the first black independent nation in the world. I am reminded each day that so many people worldwide fought for me to be an educated black woman who not only works but owns a bank account, has the right to vote, and runs a business which allows me to break the glass ceiling in my own profession which although ran by women allows men to earn more. Every month is Black History Month for me. I honor it by living up to my full potential each day because to do otherwise would be an insult to all those who dreamt about the privileges I enjoy today that they did not have.
Are there any historical entrepreneurs or leaders who inspire you? Why?
I am inspired by people who use their gifts and talents to help others. Mark Cuban comes to mind for creating Cost Plus Drug where people can buy medication without going bankrupt each month.
What is one word to describe your business journey? Why and what does it mean?
Incredibly blessed. One word is not enough. It is incredible how much trust my patients have in me. I feel blessed to be able to share my gifts with them.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Our goal at LLP is to become the largest employer of psychiatric nurses with multiple offices throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. We are currently trying to raise funds to move our offices to a new location in Frederick where we hope, if we are successful, is where we will be in 5 years.
My husband asks me very often what I am thinking about, I always reply "what I do every day, trying to figure out how to take over the world" as a tribute to one of my favorite cartoons The Pinky and the Brain.
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The stories shared by the owners of Tropix Pots Cuisine, Lake Linganore Psychiatry, Bijoux Day Spa, Glam by Shaddy, and Jollof on Point exemplify the power of entrepreneurship that creates lasting impact. From Tropix Pots’ commitment to serving vibrant Caribbean flavors, to Lake Linganore Psychiatry’s dedication to mental wellness and community care, each business is adding to the Frederick story by bringing a dream to life, personified. Bijoux Day Spa honors self-care and empowerment, while Jollof on Point shares the rich culinary traditions of West Africa and Glam By Shaddy stylistically makes fashion accessible and fun. As these businesses continue to reach new heights, their founders' unwavering passion and vision only strengthen the fabric of the local Frederick business community for years to come.
If you own a small business and maybe seeking resources to grow your business, why not reach out to our City Economic Development team to schedule a “free” informational meeting? Call 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov.
