NAYLA Biz
NAYLA Biz highlights businesses and services owned or led by women of colour, as well as those that prioritize culturally safe practices.
Health & Wellness
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Mindful Mommy Doula Matchmaking Agency
Mindful Mommy Doula Matchmaking Agency, founded by Gio Aiello started as a solo doula practice in 2017. It has since blossomed into a thriving community of 40+ doulas who have collectively attended hundreds of births and supported countless women.
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Dr. Shambe Mutungi
Dr. Shambe Mutungi, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist in the Durham region, was born in Uganda and immigrated to Toronto as a child. Passionate about Global Health and underserved populations, she earned a two-year Certificate in Global Health Education during her residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mutungi focuses on pelvic floor dysfunction and obstetrical fistulas. Committed to reducing health disparities among Black and immigrant communities, she also advocates for increasing Black representation in medicine, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology. In 2023, she earned a Master’s in Business Health Administration from the University of Toronto.
Journalism
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Jannelle Andes
Jannelle is an award-winning marketing maverick and storyteller with 17 years of experience in luxury, sports, entertainment, technology, beauty, fashion, and hospitality. She has received accolades such as the PR News Online Diversity & Inclusion Award and LVMH's Inclusion Index Award. As a Board Member of the Asian American Professionals Association and a member of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, she merges advocacy with mentorship and community-building. Jannelle also volunteers for the United Way and has spoken on topics like intersectionality and leadership. Currently, she is a graduate student at New York University, pursuing journalism to amplify the stories of marginalized communities.
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Barbi Walker-Walsh
Barbi Walker-Walsh is an award-winning journalist, multi-media producer, podcaster, foodie, producer, fashion lover, and a veteran flight attendant with 38 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and a Master's degree from New York University. Barbi lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and son.
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Melanie Lewis
Melanie is a 24-year-old Black journalist from New Jersey, and currently works in healthcare. Melanie’s piece depicts what women of colour go through on a daily at work. A lot of women of colour don’t speak up because they need these jobs to survive, so they suffer in silence instead of speaking up.
Financial
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Thuy Lam
Thuy (Twee) is a heart-centred Financial Mentor and Coach with a passion for serving individuals who want to live the life that they wish to TODAY while securing their financial future.
She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with 20+ years of industry experience.
When you work with Thuy, she guides you through the outer and inner work of money to revolutionize your finances.
Her clients are able to build a healthy relationship with money to overcome money blocks and crush their financial goals – goals like paying down debt, checking off their bucket list, leaving relationships or jobs that are toxic, and gaining peace of mind about their financial future.
Making a difference and empowering people with their money is her higher calling.
Thuy has an insane passion for yummy eats. Aside from being a big foodie, she enjoys spending her time on personal growth, outdoor activities, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
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Sylvia Gallo
Sylvia Gallo is a Money Coach to Canadian women. She has coached dozens of clients on their journey to build wealth using sensible systems and a non-judgemental education-first approach. She has a decade of experience in the financial services and fintech industries, experience which has given her a deep understanding of how much unbiased and expert advice is truly needed, especially for women. Sylvia currently offers fee-based 1:1 coaching, acting as your guide in the confusing journey of navigating the Canadian financial system to build the generational wealth you so deeply desire for you and your family.
LinkedIn: @sylviagallo
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Alexia Kitoko
Alexia Kitoko is the Founder, Speaker, and Financial Literacy Educator at 123 Finance. With over 10 years of experience in finance across France, Luxembourg, and Canada, she has worked with prominent institutions like Natixis Wealth Management and RBC Wealth Management, providing financial planning services for High Net Worth Individuals. Alexia is now dedicated to empowering people through financial literacy with the knowledge they need for financial confidence and independence. Her mission is to make financial education accessible, engaging, and easy to understand! Passionate about supporting diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and French-speaking communities, Alexia is deeply involved in financial literacy, networking, entrepreneurship, and mental health. Outside of her professional life, Alexia has a love for travel, dancing, and boxing, pursuits that fuel her passion for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Instagram: @123finance_
Retail
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Couth Studios
Couth Studios blends AI-driven design processes, sustainable practices, and community input to create one-of-a-kind clothing for consumers.
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Marhaba Prints
Marhaba Prints, by Aisha Ali, blends traditional motifs with contemporary styles in her designs to create a unique and vibrant collection of prints that resonate with South Asians and Muslims everywhere.