In the early 1800s, Black women ‘luminaries' lit Newport's streets. One woman is looking to rekindle that legacy.
Get Rhode Map
A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Advertisement
Q: How does the business rekindle the forgotten legacy of Black women in Newport?
Jones:
Newport's Black history, like much of Black history in America, was told rather than officially recorded, leaving many stories missing or lost to time. What little we know about the Black women candle-makers of Newport comes from oral history shared by Rev. Alvin Riley of Mt. Zion Church. He recounted how Black women from the church made candles, which were then used to light the city's streets.
Any historical records that would have been recorded were tragically lost when the original church burned down.
LMNRY helps rekindle that history by honoring the legacy of the Black women who crafted candles to ensure Newport's streets were lit at night. Newport was among the earliest cities in the country to have street lights, and the contributions of Black women were crucial to making that happen. Through candle-making, I am continuing their craft, sharing their story, and making sure their impact is recognized and remembered.
Q: How does LMNRY fit into your own personal and professional background?
I began my career in retail, transitioned to working at a hotel front desk, moved to casino gaming, and then shifted to conventional banking. Through these experiences, I have always been creative. I had a passion for fashion and went to school for early childhood education. I always wanted to own a boutique, initially envisioning a clothing store. At 27, I was diagnosed with
Advertisement
Q: Where are you sourcing your ingredients from?
My candles are sourced from a select group of small candle supply vendors across the country who prioritize quality and ethical sourcing, I use high-end clean burning materials that are all Prop 65 compliant, phthalate-free, and nontoxic, ensuring a safe and luxurious experience with every candle.
Q: What does it mean to you to be the only Black woman to own a business on historic Thames Street?
To me, representation is very important. I was born here in Newport, but becoming a business owner has introduced me to an entirely new side of this place that has been here the whole time. It's a different world. I have had the opportunity to sit at tables I never imagined I would, but it hasn't always been easy. I have met resistance, and there has been little to no advocacy or support. That is why I know there is still more work to do. I want to help other women and aspiring business owners not just find a seat at the table but build their own.
Advertisement
Q: Speaking from your experience opening the business, what changes would you like to see in Newport's small business community to make it more diverse and inclusive?
It's a common misconception that Newport residents don't need resources. Through organizations like
Q: What goals do you have for the next year? What about the next five years?
I plan to ramp up production and marketing to position LMNRY to be in stores and one day amongst the likes of Jo Malone, Harlem Candle Co,. and Diptyque. I also aim to create more local jobs by hiring employees to host candle-making experiences at our shop.
Q: What challenges are you facing, and how do you plan on overcoming them?
Building LMNRY from the ground up from nothing comes with imposter syndrome, especially as a nontraditional business owner on Thames. I combat this by owning my space and proving that there's room at the table for everyone here. Lack of access to capital, inventory management, and staffing are ongoing challenges, but I'm handling that with strategic reinvestment, refining operations and building a passionate team. I also face competition from non-local franchises, making it crucial to highlight the authenticity and essence of Newport and the importance of shopping local.
Advertisement
With limited representation in this space, I'm committed to not only growing my business, but inspiring and supporting others to do the same.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Boston Globe's weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state's economy. Send tips and suggestions to reporter Alexa Gagosz at
.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Oakville and Burlington declare August Black Business Month
The Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington have officially declared August Black Business Month. The announcement was made in a press release issued July 24 by the community group Halton Black Voices and community advocate Kezia Royer-Burkett. First recognized in the United States in 2004, Black Business Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black-owned businesses to the local and national economies. Halton Black Voices and Royer-Burkett noted in their release that the month-long recognition also brings attention to the ongoing barriers Black entrepreneurs face — particularly in accessing equitable financial support and resources — and calls for meaningful community engagement and support. They said these proclamations mark a significant step toward advancing equity, representation and economic empowerment in Halton. Black Business Month, they said, also opens the door for new community-led initiatives designed to highlight local Black-owned businesses, encourages collaboration and builds sustainable support networks across both cities. 'This is more than just a statement,' said Royer-Burkett in a press release. 'It's a commitment to recognizing the vital role Black businesses play in shaping our communities and an invitation for all residents to uplift and invest in that legacy.' Oakville and Burlington's mayors also highlighted the importance of Black-owned businesses in their communities. 'Black businesses have been part of the Oakville economic success story since the earliest days of our town as a freedom destination on the famous Underground Railway,' said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward also issued a statement in which she noted that Black-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of Burlington, but face systemic barriers that impact the visibility, growth and access to resources for Black entrepreneurs. A public proclamation ceremony will be held at Burlington City Hall ( 426 Brant St. ) on Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The proclamation will also be celebrated during the Halton Black Voices Cookout on July 26 at Mount Kelso Conservation Area .
Politico
5 hours ago
- Politico
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken.' In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said.
Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Business Insider
Kepler Capital Keeps Their Buy Rating on Diploma (DPLM)
Kepler Capital analyst Dylan Jones maintained a Buy rating on Diploma on July 24 and set a price target of p5,580.00. The company's shares closed yesterday at p5,295.00. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. According to TipRanks, Jones is a 5-star analyst with an average return of 32.3% and an 83.05% success rate. In addition to Kepler Capital , Diploma also received a Buy from Berenberg Bank's James Bayliss in a report issued on July 18. However, on July 22, RBC Capital maintained a Sell rating on Diploma (LSE: DPLM). Based on Diploma's latest earnings release for the quarter ending September 30, the company reported a quarterly revenue of p725.1 million and a net profit of p71.6 million. In comparison, last year the company earned a revenue of p617.5 million and had a net profit of p58.4 million
