Hottest Business Baddies In The Game, Vol. 5

Bad & Bossy!

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating another dynamic collection of bag-securing business baddies who turn heads while thriving as successful entrepreneurs.

According to the Harvard Business Review, 17% of Black women are in the process of starting or running new businesses compared to only 10% of white women and 15% of white men.

Earlier this year, the Wells Fargo Impact Of Women-Owned Business Report revealed that women-owned businesses make up 39.1% of all businesses (over 14 million) employing 12.2 million workers while generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.

With Black women at the forefront of yet another movement, it’s no surprise that they’re dominating the booming restaurant industry where Gocha Hawkins shines as the Founder of Gocha’s Breakfast & Tapas Bar in Atlanta.

The celebrity hairstylist-turned-restauranteur continues to make power moves at the forefront of Atlanta’s burgeoning restaurant scene where she packs multiple locations with a mouthwatering menu featuring her world-famous ‘Betta Than Yo Momma’ biscuits, and more.

“It’s hard work. You have to be passionate about it, be committed to it and stay consistent,” said Hawkins in an interview with Restaurant Hospitality. “I work in the restaurant. I didn’t just open it and have someone else manage it and send me money.”

She also stars on WE tv reality show Bold & Bougie which follows five boss women (Malaysia Pargo, Tameka Foster, Princess Banton-Lofters and Crystal Smith) who “balance it all while living their best lives on their own terms in Atlanta,” per the official synopsis.