Destiny B. Sadler is a dynamic entrepreneur, digital creator, and empowerment coach dedicated to helping individuals look, feel, and live at their absolute best. With a background rooted in leadership and community impact, she serves as a Top Executive with the global beauty brand LimeLife by Alcone, where she mentors a growing network of beauty guides and champions the transformative power of confidence.

Driven by a passion for personal development and education, Destiny founded YSTBYOU and You’re Simply the Best Kids, an educational services organization focused on building foundational confidence and leadership skills in youth. She’s a graduate of Lamar High School and Southern University. Destiny’s life work centers on a simple, powerful philosophy: embracing who you are is the ultimate key to success.

Based on reporting by Texas Metro News.

Bryson Hannah celebrates his first-place finish in the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition in Birmingham, earning $5,000 for Internably LLC, his networking platform connecting college interns across the country. (Alabama A&M) ” data-large-file=”https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/pitchbryson1edit-1024×685.jpg” />

Special to the Times

The Alabama Collective and co-host Digitalundivided awarded $20,000 in cash prizes to HBCU student and alumni founders at the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition, held Thursday, October 29, at Topgolf Birmingham as part of Magic City Classic week.

Fifty-one founders representing 10 Alabama institutions competed in a booth-style format, delivering three-minute pitches with no slides or audiovisual aids, followed by three minutes of questions from a panel of industry judges. Top scorers at each booth earned $1,000 and advanced to a live Pitch Finale.

Internably, LLC, founded by Bryson Hannah of Alabama A&M University, took first place and $4,000. Internably is a networking platform that connects college students, interns, and early career professionals by company, school, city, and career interests.

“I was blown away by these innovative business ideas and the go-to-market strategies,” says Modupe Rouse, Digitalundivided Chair and Pitch Finale Judge. “These student founders took the START program skills and leveled up. I cannot wait for the economic impact of their businesses in Alabama,” added Rouse.

“What we witnessed at this year’s competition was a powerful reminder of the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential emerging from Alabama’s HBCUs,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of The Alabama Collective. “These 51 founders didn’t just show up with ideas — they showed up with vision, determination, and the confidence to turn those ideas into businesses. We’re especially proud that this year’s partnership with Digitalundivided allowed us to expand beyond the competition itself, equipping entrepreneurs with business skills to launch their businesses, coaching, and connections that will serve them long after the prizes are awarded. Our goal is not simply to celebrate great pitches, but to help build the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and business owners across Alabama.”

“Digitalundivided is delighted to partner with TAC in its work with Alabama HBCUs and in supporting the innovation and talent of students here,” says Leah D. Williams, CEO of Digitalundivided. “These student founders are the business leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to add the Digitalundivided network lifting them up as they climb towards their future achievements.”

2026 Pitch Finale Winners

First Place, $4,000: Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
Second Place, $3,000: FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
Third Place, $2,000: NexU — Alabama A&M University

Top-Scoring Booth Winners, $1,000 each

• VARA — Talladega College
• Yardly — Alabama State University
• AccessBelt — Alabama State University
• Nightshift — Talladega College
• FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
• NexU — Alabama A&M University
• Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
• Mobile Therapy Office/Unlimited Potential — Alabama State University
• BeVerified — Alabama State University
• The Vent Avengers — Trenholm State Community College

A New Path to the Stage

The 2026 competition introduced two entry tracks. Members of The Alabama Collective community were invited to apply to START, Digitalundivided’s flagship pre-revenue incubator, a three-week virtual program grounded in Lean Startup methodology. Selected participants built a working Business Model Canvas, earned an automatic slot in the Round 1 pitch booths, and received a $250 completion stipend on event day. Alabama HBCU students, recent graduates, faculty and staff filled the remaining booths and brought in founders new to the organization.

Alongside the competition, the day included entrepreneurship training, small group mentoring with industry leaders, and a Lunch and Learn fireside chat.

The 2026 competition was supported by JPMorgan Chase, HBCU CARES and NEBIUS.

About The Alabama Collective

The Alabama Collective is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating tech talent and entrepreneurs across Alabama. Through partnerships with HBCUs, industry leaders, and innovation hubs, The Alabama Collective builds programs that expose, educate, engage, and empower underrepresented communities in tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

About Digitalundivided

For over a decade, Digitalundivided has increased visibility and access for founders. Beginning with groundbreaking research and expanding into founder-centric training programs, strategic partnerships, and a vibrant founder community, Digitalundivided champions an equitable entrepreneurial landscape and provides founders at every stage with the space to improvise and innovate.

Based on reporting by Birmingham Times.

Big Mama used to say, “Baby, don’t come knocking on my door only when you need something. Come see about me when you need something, too!” And if you knew my Big Mama, you knew that wasn’t a suggestion. That was a standard!

Well, Election Day has come and gone. The campaign signs are coming down, the political commercials have disappeared, and some politicians have already forgotten the roads leading into our neighborhoods. Isn’t it amazing how quickly folks can find our churches, barbershops, restaurants, and community centers when they need our votes? They shake hands, hug babies, take pictures, and some even learn a gospel song! But Big Mama would ask, “Baby, now that they’ve counted our votes, who’s counting our needs?”

Where are they when our schools need resources, seniors need assistance, Black-owned businesses need contracts, and young people need mentors and jobs? Big Mama would remind us, “You can’t eat a handshake, and a photograph won’t pay the light bill!”

But here’s where the village must accept some responsibility. We cannot keep building election machines that disappear after Election Day. We need an ecosystem, connecting our churches, businesses, nonprofits, fraternities, sororities, educators, and community leaders into a year-round network of opportunity, accountability, and collective progress.

Imagine turning voter mobilization into economic mobilization. Imagine churches connecting families to resources, businesses opening doors for young entrepreneurs, and elected officials reporting measurable results instead of delivering another campaign speech. That’s how we turn political influence into community investment.

And let’s stop measuring success by how many politicians attend our events. Let’s count jobs created, contracts awarded, young people mentored, and promises kept. Accountability isn’t partisan. It’s personal, and it belongs to the entire village.

Now, I’m asking you, my readers: Send me the name of an organization, business, or community initiative we should invest in and support. Let’s connect our resources and build an ecosystem that strengthens the entire village! I have two organizations I’d like to add to the conversation: Don’t Believe the Hype, which focuses on scholarships and educational opportunities, and City Men Cook, which provides mentoring, leadership development, and opportunities to invest in the next generation of young men. Both are about more than talking about change. They’re about putting resources, relationships, and opportunities into action.

Big Mama understood that relationships require reciprocity. You cannot keep withdrawing from a community without making deposits. So whether your candidate won or lost, our responsibility remains. The election determines who holds office, but the village determines what accountability looks like.

Big Mama said, “Baby, if they know the road to your house when they need your vote, make sure they know the road back when you need results!”

The election is over. Now let’s build something that outlives the campaign!

Based on reporting by Texas Metro News.

By Special to The Baltimore Times

“Bring the Jerk to Thanksgiving” puts a real Jamaican spin on the holiday table with a signature jerk turkey recipe and cocktail and mocktail pairings.

Chicago, IL – The Jerk Man, a Jamaican jerk dry rub made in Jamaica, has partnered with Chef Nelson German, Top Chef alumnus, restaurateur, and author, for its first-ever “Bring the Jerk to Thanksgiving” campaign.

The campaign invites families to bring a new flavor to their Thanksgiving tables with The Jerk Man’s signature jerk turkey recipe, accompanied by Chef Nelson German’s cocktail and mocktail pairings. Balanced for heat, flavor, and spice, The Jerk Man offers a bold new take on a holiday classic.

Thanksgiving is about the people, stories, and traditions that bring families and friends together. “Bring the Jerk to Thanksgiving” celebrates that spirit, inviting home cooks to give the turkey its own place among the most-loved dishes on the table.

A Top Chef’s Guide to Thanksgiving with Flavor

Named one of TIME’s 2026 Latino Leaders, Chef Nelson German is known for his Afro-Latino culinary perspective and restaurants including alaMar Kitchen & Bar, Sobre Mesa, and Meski. He recently released the cookbook Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora.

“Food is how I bring people together and share a little of who I am,” said Chef German. “My Dominican roots and Caribbean heritage are always part of that, especially around the holidays. I love using Jerk Man Jerk Seasoning on my Thanksgiving turkey because it brings that authentic Jamaican flavor, with bold spices and beautiful heat that make every bite even more delicious than the last. It’s my way of bringing Island culture to a holiday classic and giving everybody at the table a reason to come back for more.”

The idea is simple: honor the traditions everyone loves, and give them another reason to ask for seconds.

Real Jamaican Jerk, Made in Jamaica. Your Way.

The Jerk Man Jamaican Jerk Dry Rub is made in Jamaica with allspice (pimento) and Scotch bonnet, the heart of real jerk, and balanced for heat, flavor, and spice so you taste the jerk, not just the burn. It comes in two heat levels, Spicy and Mild, and because it’s a dry rub, you’re in control: use a little for a gentle kick or more for full jerk. It’s made for the holiday table and stays by the stove all year.

Home cooks can use it to bring real Jamaican jerk to season:

The turkey: a real Jamaican jerk kick for the star of the holiday table.

Sweet potatoes: a savory, spice-filled makeover for a classic side.

Roasted vegetables: everyday vegetables turned into crowd-pleasers.

Holiday leftovers: a jerk twist on the day-after turkey sandwich.

The campaign also features “The Toast,” pairing jerk turkey with Caribbean-inspired holiday cocktails and mocktails, inspired by Chef German’s new book, Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora. Published by Ten Speed Press in June 2026 and written with Andréa Lawson Gray, a James Beard Award-winning author, Caribbean Cocktails includes more than 40 drink recipes and 20 food recipes.

Recipes for The Jerk Man 24-hour Jamaican Jerk Turkey and Two Signature cocktails below:

THE JERK MAN 24-HOUR JAMAICAN JERK TURKEY (For a 12–14 lb whole turkey)

3/4 cup The Jerk Man Spicy Dry Rub

6 scallions, roughly chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic

2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers

1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 tablespoons ground Jamaican pimento (allspice)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

¼ cup fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon Jamaican Browning

2 tablespoons white vinegar

3 tablespoons neutral oil

2 tablespoons water, as needed for blending

JERK MAN SIGNATURE COCKTAILS BY CHEF NELSON GERMAN

Pineapple Old Fashioned

Doctor Bird pineapple rum, Pasión añejo t

Vendor expenses determine profits before pop-up shops even open. Your success or the lack thereof is influenced by booth fees, suppliers, and advertising. Pop-ups bring new products to your customers, but they can also leave you out of pocket.

According to IBISWorld, the US pop-up shop industry revenue exceeded $15.6 billion in 2024. Pop-ups offer Black-owned businesses an easy way to try out their products, connect with customers, and build loyalty without the need for a permanent location. This can be particularly helpful for entrepreneurs who struggle to secure the financing needed to start a business.

Before you pay for a booth, look at the costs and work out how much you need to sell to break even. A little planning can help you decide whether an event is worth the investment. Just keep in mind that large crowds don’t always mean big profits.

What Do Pop-up Shops Really Cost?

A pop-up business pays for more than a table and a tent, and booth fees alone vary widely. A June 2026 fayVen study on U.S. vendor opportunities found a middle booth fee of about $55 for listings with confirmed prices. However, costs differed considerably by location, with some high-end markets charging much more.

Ask event organizers for a complete breakdown of costs. Some additional expenses to keep in mind include:

• Electricity
• Insurance
• Permits
• Equipment rental
• Additional display space

Don’t forget about any deposits or application fees, which may be non-refundable. That can be a big deal if bad weather keeps shoppers away and you end up paying the full amount. Before committing, make sure you understand the refund and cancellation policies.

A lower fee can make a first event less risky, but the pop-up still needs to meet your needs. A higher fee may be justified if the event attracts shoppers likely to buy your products.

Get the details in writing. Ask the organizer to confirm the price and what the fee covers. Check local rules on permits and sales restrictions, since these can differ by area and product.

How Do You Work Out Your Break-Even Point?

Before you book a market, work out how much you need to sell to cover your costs. That way, you can judge whether the booth is worth the price.

Add every cost, then divide by the profit on each item. Here is an example.

A candle maker books a 10×10 booth for $375 and pays a $25 application fee. Display supplies cost $60, travel and parking cost $45, and packaging plus card fees cost $70. Total spending is $575.

Each candle sells for $30 and costs $12 to make, so profit is $18 per candle. Divide $575 by $18, and you get 32 candles. Every sale after the 32nd is profit.

Now ask a hard question: can you sell 32 candles in one day? Check your results from past events and ask organizers about attendance.

If the number looks out of reach, don’t force it. Pick a smaller area or bring products with higher margins so the math works in your favor.

Compare prices with similar products, but do not assume you must be the cheapest vendor. Customers also weigh up quality, usefulness, and the experience of buying directly from the maker.

Remember to account for payment processing fees and any commission the organizer takes from sales. If the event requires a minimum inventory, consider how much money will be tied up in products that might not sell.

For many small business owners, especially first-time entrants, the challenge is balancing ambition with reality.

How Do You Get Your Pop-up Booth Noticed?

A good location matters, but so does the audience. A busy market doesn’t guarantee sales if the crowd isn’t interested in your products. Research events before committing so you know the visitors match your business.

Visibility is the lifeline of a pop-up shop. Make your booth easy to read at a glance. Clear pricing, a tidy display, and convenient payment options can make shopping a breeze.

Confusion and long delays can turn customers away to a competitor.

Branded materials can help customers remember your name and product. For example, a vendor could sell custom tote bags or use them to package purchases.

Lighting, signage, and layout matter, too. An inviting booth will draw people in even if they weren’t planning to stop. Step back and look at your setup from across the room.

If people can’t tell what you’re selling, adjust until your products speak for themselves.

Don’t forget the human touch. A warm greeting, a short story about why you started your pop-up business, or a quick demo can turn casual interest into a sale.

Shoppers who choose local businesses often want connection. Give them that, and your booth will stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Find Pop-up Shop Opportunities Near You?

Start with local business associations, community development organizations, neighborhood social media groups, and event calendars. Find markets that suit your product and reach out to those market managers directly.

Before applying, check the event’s audience, vendor selection process, fees, and rules.

What Licenses Do Pop-up Shop Vendors Need?

Requirements usually depend on the:

• Location
• Business activity
• Items sold

A vendor may need a local business license, a temporary seller permit, or additional approval for some types of merchandise. Food vendors face separate health and safety requirements. Check with the city or county where the event takes place before accepting a booking.

What Are Some Good Pop-Up Shop Marketing Ideas?

Start promoting well before the event. Use a mix of social media, local business advertising partnerships, and in-person promotion. Post your booth number, email your list, and tag the organizer so they can share your brand.

Early visibility builds anticipation and gives customers a reason to look for you once the doors open. Small business marketing works best when it’s personal. A quick video showing your setup or a behind-the-scenes look at your products can generate interest.

These moments remind people they’re supporting a real person, not just a logo.

Pop-up Shops Demand Careful Math

Pop-up shops bring energy, community, and a chance to connect with customers who value small-business credibility. Yet profits don’t start at the cash register. They start with decisions you make weeks before the event, including understanding vendor costs.

Is a pop-up shop in your future? Head to our website to learn more about small businesses and why shopping local matters.

Content provided through ContentManagerIO.

Smart ways tech companies can speed up timelines for developing software include automating repetitive tasks to free up time and using AI-powered tools to accelerate development and decision-making. They can also improve team collaboration with centralized project management platforms and adopt continuous integration and delivery to reduce deployment delays.

Management consulting and technology firm ZS found that early launch performance is highly volatile, so it’s important that you have your products ready and launched on time.

Developing software is easier said than done, though, and it’s common to experience delays. Speed things up and streamline operations, so you launch as planned.

Can You Automate Repetitive Tasks to Free Up Time for High-Value Work?

Many project bottlenecks come from repetitive tasks that pile up, and in reality, these don’t need much human judgment. It’s much better to automate these tasks so that human workers can focus on high-value work instead.

Things you can automate include:

• Testing
• Code deployment
• Report generation
• Routine data entry

Automating these tasks also ensures better consistency and accuracy. Just make sure to only automate work where processes are already well-defined.

Use AI-Powered Tools to Accelerate Development and Decision-Making

Agile development should involve AI, as it can reduce the time spent on coding, research, documentation, and troubleshooting. With analytic tools, you can analyze large amounts of data to find key issues such as bottlenecks and tasks that may fall behind schedule.

Do note that these outputs will still need human review. Without it, you may be following erroneous reports, and this can put your project even further behind.

Improve Team Collaboration With Centralized Project Management Platforms

Engineering efficiency hugely depends on good communication, and this can be difficult when there are these stakeholders:

• Developers
• Designers
• Product managers

You may even need staff augmentation in software development to help in areas where you have a lack of people, and this adds to the chaos.

The best way to handle communication is to use centralized project management platforms. Your teams can easily see which tasks need to be done, as well as which ones are already complete. The platforms will also show what dependencies there are and who’s responsible for which tasks.

In addition, you can take it a step further and integrate these platforms with development tools and communication platforms.

Should You Adopt Continuous Integration and Delivery to Reduce Deployment Delays?

Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices are vital if you want to speed up your timelines. They can reduce the risks that come with large and infrequent releases, as well as reduce the manual work required.

Implementing these practices can shorten feedback loops, as you can catch defects earlier. As a result, software delivery will be more efficient and faster.

Stay on Track When Developing Software

Developing software can be a monumental task, especially when you have multiple people on the job. If you stay organized, though, and use the right tools, you’ll be able to deliver a quality product exactly when you want to.

Check out more of our pages now to find additional informative articles.

Content provided through ContentManagerIO.