Partake CEO, Denise Woodard, Featured in New Pharrell & Jay-Z Video "Entrepreneur"
With the release of their newest collaboration, Pharrell and Jay-Z have amplified the voices of dozens of small Black-owned businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. The 5 1/2 minute video for "Entrepreneur," released at midnight August 21st, features 35 Black owners, founders and CEOs (by our count) while providing a glimpse at their stories.
You can see Partake CEO, Denise Woodard, around the 3 minute mark. A montage of Denise baking in the kitchen is overlaid with the text "86 investors told Denise Woodard of Partake Cookies, "No." Except Jay-Z."
When asked about the cameo Denise said, "It's very surreal! If you had told me in 2016 when I started Partake that by 2020 I would be in a Pharrell and Jay-Z video, I wouldn't have believed you. But much like this journey of the past 4 years, the pinch me moments keep coming, and I'm thankful for that."
In 2020 alone, Partake has expanded our line of gluten-free, allergy-friendly, top 8 allergen-free cookies to 2700+ stores nationwide (including Target and Whole Foods), closed a round of funding led by Marcy Venture Partners, been featured in national publications and broadcast like the Today Show and seen exponential growth in the supportive Partake community.
"The support has been overwhelming. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely process, but I am fortunate to be surrounded by a family, community and team that's rooting for me." says Denise.
Lifting up as we climb is a tenant at Partake, and spotlighting other Black and brown founders and organizations is a priority in Partake's work. To celebrate the release of "Entrepreneur" we've included a list of the other 34 founders below with links to learn more about their work.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg—it's all the hard-working, sacrificing Black entrepreneurs that can fit into 5 1/2 minutes. For more Black companies, organizations and educators, check out our blog post "100 Black educators, organizations and companies."
Featured Entrepreneurs
(in order of appearance)
Sole Folks
Compton Cowboys
Ride On! Bike Co-Op
Ty Anthony Davis - Vox Collegiate
Tyler, the Creator
Vincent & Arlene Williams - Honey’s Kettle
Iddris Sandu
Bea Dixon - Honey Pot
Arthell & Darnell Isom - D'ART Shtajio
Issa Rae
Nipsey Hussle
Neighbors Skateshop
Alrick Augustine - Keep It Run Hundred
Six Sev
Chace Infinite - Harun Coffee Shop
Chef Alisa - My Two Cents
Angela Richardson - PUR Home
Debbie Allen - Tribe Midwifery
Miss Bennett Fitness
Black & Mobile
Trill Paws Dog Accessories
Third Vault Yarns
Nicholas Johnson - First Black Princeton Valedictorian
Robert Hartwell - Broadway Star
Hugh Augustine’s Hot Bowls
Simply Wholesome Health Food Market
Soul Food House
Nail Xperience
M I O Prints
Caked & Baked
Umoja Production
Avila Diana Art
The Artisan Grower
Maison Chateau Rouge
