How did you get your idea for the business?
Throughout my years of parenting, the biggest challenge I faced was how to approach difficult conversations with my children in a way that keeps them engaged and ensures the message is not lost in translation. I find that the importance of these conversations and providing a safe space for children to engage in these discussions is increasingly important. I decided puzzles are fun and engaging. They make a perfect idea to have pictures and puzzle pieces to engage and play while having a conversation.

What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family. As a dedicated mother I am aware of the importance of being a good role model for my children. I take this responsibility seriously and my love for my family drives me to work hard and build a positive legacy for them.

How have you been able to mentor other small business owners?
I work with a group of females who are also small business owners. We collaborate, share tips and motivate each other. I mentor the women in this group by sharing the insights I have gained as a business owner through experience, workshops etc.

How have you needed to shift your business model as a result of the Covid-19?
I shifted my business model by delivering most of my puzzles by mail through Canada Post and limit in-person delivery.

How have you seen your local community rally and support your business?
I am an advocate for giving back. I donated puzzles to the Kiddies carnival virtual event and a few local childcare centres. My local community has shared and continues to share and refer my business to their friends, families and coworkers.

How is your business a reflection of your local community?
My business reflects my local community because it serves my local community. It is reflective of the diverse community that I live in and turns this into teachable moments for children and the conversation that parents and educators should have.

Zee-Zee’s World’s puzzles help kids with topics like bullying, divorce, racism and disability. Check them out at zeezkids.com

How did you get your idea for the business?
In 2018, I was in my 2nd car accident in 2 years. I became depressed. I prayed about my future. During my recovery, I picked up my iPad and started drawing. As I drew, I felt that it would be empowering to see my designs on clothes—Black, conscious clothing is either non-existent in Canada or you really have to do a deep dive to find it. I thought to myself that there is something very wrong about not being able to reflect who you are in your clothing. A few weeks later, as scared as I was to heavily invest in a dream I had, I trademarked “Black Intelligence” and registered a business name. I was now “legit.” It felt good knowing that my community would have a chance to feel empowered wearing my clothing.

What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God who gave me the inspiration and drive to persevere with my designs and dreams. He gave me the motivation and tools to stay focused and believe in myself. I also attribute my success to my boys, Shanon and Daniel. I could not have done this without them!

How have you been able to get your business involved in the local community?
We have teamed up with Lifted by Purpose, a trauma-informed creative arts organization that focuses on helping youth living with mental health challenges by providing capacity building, counseling, and art therapy programs. They provide a safer space for youth to participate in their programs, services, and engage in the community. SDHtoronto will donate 10% of profits to Lifted by Purpose.

How have you seen your local community rally and support your business?
The community, along with local celebs have created social media posts, each wearing our t-shirts. They give great reviews and acknowledge their commitment to BLM and these changing times. We also have created “Ally” t-shirts that were requested by non-BIPOC members of the community. The response has been AMAZING! Our customers realize that the Ally t-shirts are a great way to be identified as someone who will not stand for the injustices that are witnessed too often in the media and in their backyard. The local media has also featured us on air. These media outlets include “etalk”, with Tyrone Edwards aka "Mr.1loveToronto"and “Your Morning” with Ben Mulroney. It feels so empowering to receive this support for our community.

How is your business a reflection of your local community?
Our business focuses and reflects on the Black community. We aim to empower, involve, inspire and develop the community in which we serve. The community needs to feel a sense of strength, equality, dignity and belonging. This is what we are offering to them. We are a movement. Not just a moment in time.

Check out SDHtoronto and maybe pick up a Black Intelligence tee at BlackIntelligence.ca