It's Black History Month, Heart Awareness Month and WISe Wellness Guild’s month to talk about all things brain health & longevity. While it seems most are regularly exercising their bodies to stay healthy on the inside and out, more people need to tap into brain exercises and activities for a longer life and a sharper mind. 

We’re officially in Black History Month, a month to celebrate and pay tribute to the accomplishments of many generations of African Americans who have faced and continue to face adversity. An easy - almost effortless - way to support the Black community is to support black-owned businesses. And we’ve made it even easier for you by compiling 10 Black-owned businesses that are defining the future in Cincinnati and beyond. 

Your support, whether that be a follow on their IG business account, or a transaction on their online store, is a tiny step in the right direction. When you choose to support a Black-owned business, you’re helping build both a better represented and stronger community. Check out these history-making Black businesses below. 

In adolescence, we are developmentally wired to care what others think of us –our world revolves around social acceptance. While we all need support & acceptance throughout our lives, this can become unhealthy if our focus becomes pleasing others or obsessing over social acceptance. Cue judgments, gossip, insecurities, & efforts to “Keep up with the Jonses,” (these days, “Keeping up with the Kardashians” is much more accurate). The beauty of aging comes with the wisdom that I am the only person I have to live with 24-7-365. Therefore, my opinion about me is the only one that matters. I am literally the only person in the world in my brain 24-7, so as long as I am living by my values, pursuing my goals, and living my authentic life, everyone else’s opinion is just that, their opinion. As Glennon Doyle says, “Disappoint everyone else so that you aren’t disappointing yourself.”

Have you ever wondered how palm trees are able to withstand the strong, treacherous conditions of hurricanes? They are designed to bend and flex, but not to break. And when the storm has passed, scientists have proven that palm trees are actually stronger than they were before the storm. Flexibility and adaptability in the face of adversity can strengthen humans as well.