2023 Nominee Finalist of Jacksonville- BY CATEGORY

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Congratulations to our 2023 Winners

Congratulations to our 2023 

Special Awards:

Best Boss Power Couple-Dr. Khalil & Ashley Orsborn

Best Boss Icons-Betty Burney, Wendy Holley and Markale Graham

Best Boss Entrepreneurs of the Year-Desiree Jones,Nakita "Kitty" Watley, Dr. Cynthia Smith, and Wil Singleton.

Best Boss Emerging New Business-Lit Tv Network, Becoming Collegiate Academy and  BMOB-Black Men of Business

Best Boss Emerging New Business-Lit Tv Network, Becoming Collegiate Academy and  BMOB-Black Men of Busin

BBest Boss Accessories for Women-Dana Flowers of Lavish Lilly;  1st runner-up Nichol Kelly-Nicholi S

Best Boss Adult Day Care/Home Care-Makaela Obi-Obi's Family Adult C

 Best Boss Airbnb Co.- Kitty's Vacation Rentals-Tracie W

Best Boss Author-Tia Coleman

Best Boss Bakery-Juanita Jones-Edible Blessings

Baest Boss  Band/Musician/Singer-Melissa Case; 1st Runner-up Jazz Zamor

Best Boss Bail Bonds Co.-Tiffany Reynolds-Unshackle Me Bail Bonds;1st place-Linda James AAA Bail Bonds

Best Boss Balloon Decorating Co.-Bria Brown-Beautiful Balloons by Bria

Baest Boss Barber-Trejon Hicks-Kle
Best Boss  Mobile Bartending Co. Char Allen-Cocktails of Sweetness

Best Boss Boutique for Women-Marie Norris-J Haute Couture
Best Boss Business Coach-Latasha Brooks

Best Boss  BBQ-Marvin McCoy-Xcellence  BBQ

Best Boss Caterer-Shavon Smoot-Skinny Pig Catering; 1st place-Jeff Johnson-3J's Catering

Best Boss Mobile Car Services-Keymeo Mitchell Mitch Mobile Care

Cigar & Smoke Bar-Traci Irven-Goodfellas Lounge

Best Boss Cleaning Co.-Dashawn Mills-Rootie 2DaTootie

Best Boss Custom T-shirts & Gifts-Ink Me Stitch & Printz-Sean and  Rhonda Baldwin

Best Boss Custom Tailors-Apparel Designers-Arminius Patterson Jr.-Audacious by Arminius

Best Boss Custom Treats/Fruit Arrangement-Latonya Stinson-Triple T's Good Eats & Sweets

Best Boss Dance & Performing Arts Studios-Shanequa Minnis-Dazzling Dolls

Best Boss Daycare/Private School- LaTonya Richardson-Academy of Learning and Early Care

Best Boss DJ- DJ Swagg-Chris Lane

Best Boss Social Events Creator-

Best Boss Social Events Creator- Shawnta Pride of ll Dope 

Best Boss Event

Best Boss Event Planner-Artesha Toliver-The Art of Even

Best Boss Event Venue-The Main Attraction-Alesia & Ivy Ros

Best Boss Florist-Charzetta Spencer-Spencers Florist;1st place Erika Gaffney-Perfectly 

Best Boss Food Truck-Tina Tucker-Chef Love Sol Cuisi

Best Boss Fitness Trainer-Ryan McGriff-NS2 Fi

Be

Best Bo
Best Boss Hair 

BBest Boss Hair Salon-Cynthia Meadows-Ablis

Best Boss  Healthcare Services-Jessica Wilk

Best Boss Home & Business Renovations & Interior Design-Shamari Alexande

Best Boss Lighting Design-Mar

Best Boss Limo/Party Bus Transportation-Clarence Cobb-Golden Eagle Luxury Trans

Best Boss Life Coach-Mechelle Canad

Best Boss Make-up Artist-Dee Felton-Unruly F

Best B

Best Boss Marketing Co.-Audrieanna B

Best Boss

Best Boss Night Club-Genay Mills-

Best Boss Nail Tech-Tiffany Blyke B

Best Boss Non-Profit Youth- Crystal Life-It's A Girl Thing; 1st place-Shamar

Best Boss Non-Profit-Haracka-"Nikki" Carswell-Silent 

Best Boss Playwrighter-Herb Rob

Best Boss Podcast-Tommy Bridgewater-Liqu

Best  Boss Plumber/Home Mainteance

Best Boss Realtor (Female)-Toshia H

Best Boss Restaurant-Shandon Fox

Best Boss Restaurant-Shandon F

Bes

Best Boss Sisterhood Organization-Dr. Tongela Marti

Best Boss Sisterhood Organization-Dr. Tongela 

Bes

excited to announce our Semi- Finalist for the 2026 Best Boss of Florida Awards !  We are celebrating  excellence across the state of Florida. The persons listed below were nominated by their peers as one of the BEST African American small business  owners in the State based on their  designated profession.  This list is divided into 5  groups. Emails are going out to our semi-finalist  regarding the gala and voting process. All Semi-finalist will  receive  one complimentary General Admission ticket for themselves, with an option to upgrade to  a VIP ticket. Guest wishing to attend, can also purchase tickets here on our website beginning .  ViP Business tables for  ten are also available. We will announce voting procedures and dates starting Dec.15. This information will be provided to all seni-finalist by Dec.10.The winners from each category will be announced at our 8th Annual Awards Gala to be held on Sunday, February 22,.2026 in Jacksonville, Florida at  the DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront.  All semi-finalist will be recognized at the gala.It's a formal attire affair. Tickets go on sale Nov. 25. Congrats letters should be received no later than Nov. 30 via email. GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY! We sell out every year.

CONIONS- TO ALL OUR  2026

SEMI-FINAIST:

SEMI-FINAL

CONGRATS TO OUR WINNERS AND FINALIST

Best Boss of Florida  Attorney

**Latoya Williams Shelton,PA.,Jax Fl.

**Nequosha Anderson-Anderson Law,Jax, Fl.

**The Witherspoon Law Group,Jax. Fl.

**Millicent Daniels,Daniels Law Firm, Jax. Fl.

**HAWN Law,Orlando, Fl.

**Law offices of Ramona Chaplin,PA,Jax. Fl.

**Ariel Lett-Lett Law Firm,Miami, Fl.

**Kyle J.Lee-Lee Law,Tampa, Fl.

**Tiffani Thornton Esq.-TKT Law,Tampa, Fl.

**Mark Stallworth-Stallworth Law,Tampa,Fl.

Best Boss Bakery

**Gabby Bakes,Tampa,Fl.

**Sister Honeys-Orlando,Fl.-Finalist

**Milas Front Porch,-Orlando, Fl.

**Mixed Fillings Pie Shop,Jax. Fl.

**Queens Sweets & Treats-Jax.Fl.

**Sweet & Chic,Jax. Fl.

**Jax. Bread  Co.,Jax. Fl.

**Honie Bees, Jax. Fl.

**Arble Bakery, Jax. Fl.

Best Boss Band/Singer/Musician

**Allana Southerland, Jax. Fl.

**Thee Jazz Zamor, Jax.Fl. 

**Akia  Uwanda, Jax.Fl.

**Marcus Click,Jax. Fl.

**CeCe Teneal The Songstress-Orlando, Fl.

**Jarred Armstrong-Orlando, Fl.

**The _7_Street Band-Jax. Fl.

Best Boss of Florida Caterer

**Chef  Ken-Plates on Deck,Lakeland,Fl.

**Chef W. Williams-Catering CC, Boynton Beach,Fl.

**Chef Nina,Orlando,Fl.

**Chef Melo-Xclusive Eats-Jax. Fl.

**Ashaunte Clark-Simply Charcuterie,Jax.Fl.

**Derrius Hall-Jax. Fl.

**Chef Jeff Johnson-3J's Catering,Jax.Fl.

**C. McGriff-Chef Cam & Co.-Jax. Fl.

**Corwins Catering-Winter Springs,  Fl.

Best Boss Event  Planner 

**3M Majestic Events,Jax. Fl.

**E320 Events,Jax. Fl.

**AA Coutour Events,Jax. Fl.

**Event One by Tonya,Jax. Fl.

**Party Life Productions-Orlando,Fl.

**Lavishly Events Decor-Orlando!, Fl.

**RW Events,Orlando,Fl.

**Immaculate Events, Orlando,Fl.

**Destiny Divine Kreations,Apopka,Fl.

Best Boss Event Venue 

**The Lair Venue,Orlando,Fl.

**Luxmore Grande Estate,Orlando, Fl.

**The Grand Rose Ballroom, Jax. Fl.

**Premiere Event Center,Jax. FL.

**The Rhythm Factory, Jax. Fl.

*The Eagles Nest,Jax.Fl.

**Studio Twelve Eight,Clearwater,Fl.

**Social on the River, Jax. Fl.

Best Boss Florist 

**Bloom in Glory, Orlando,Fl.

**No 1 Flowers, Orlando.Fl.

**Botanical  Moments,Jax. Fl.

**Got Flowers Jax, Jax. Fl.

**Seiromen Flowers  & Design,Jax.Fl.

Best Boss Food Truck 

**Rich Taste,Jax. Fl.

**Chenile’s Kitchen,Jax Fl.

**Hook em Up Seafood,Jax.Fl.

**Nu Flavors, Jax. Fl.

**Jax Hot Chicken,Jax. Fl.

**The Gumbo Man,Jax.Fl.

**Island Dream Food Truck,Jax.Fl. 

**Two Grandmas Soul Food,Tampa,Fl.

**Chicken Fire,Orlando,Fl.

**Junkie Fries,Ocala,Fl.

**Verdell Cooking  & Catering,St.Augustine

Best Boss Funeral  Home

** Peoples Funeral Home,Mariana,Fl.

**D.Williams Mortuary, Gainesville.Fl.

**Phillip & Sons Funeral Home,Melrose,Fl.

**Pasco Gainer Funeral Home,Panama City,Fl.

**Wright & Young Funeral, Miami,Fl.

**Sarah Carter Funeral Home, Jax.Fl.

**Q L Douglas Funeral Home, Jax.Fl.

**McKinney Family Funeral Home,Jax Fl.

**TSWarden Funeral Home,Jax. Fl.

Best Boss Hair Salon

**Vanessa H.Beauty Studio,Jax.Fl.

**Glam Hair Studio, Jax. Fl.

**VXX Hair-Vanessa Cobb,Jax.Fl.

**Salon PK,Jax.Fl.

Best Boss Ice Cream and Desserts

**Island Dream, Jax. Fl.

**Springfield  Scoops,Jax.,Fl.

**Malachi's  Ice Cream Bar,Jax, Fl.

**Tough Guys Cookies,Jax. Fl.

**Smile Ice Cream,Orlando, Fl.

**Localicious Caribbean  Ice Cream,Ft. Lauderdale 

GROUP 3

Best Boss Balloon Decor Designer 

**Christine's Allure & Events,Jax. Fl.

**Jax Balloon Decor & More,Jax.Fl. 

**Events by Car'Lisa, Jax.Fl.

**3M Majestic Events,Jax. Fl.

**Beautiful Balloons by Bria, Jax.Fl.

**Sharp Designs & Events, Jax. Fl.

**Blaque Balloon Design,Miami,Fl.

Best Boss BBQ

** My Seasons Chicken & Ribs,Jax. Fl.

**Smoke in the City, Jax. Fl.

**Jerome Brown BBQ,Jax.Fl.

**Bobs Famous BBQ,Yulee,Fl.

**Brothers n Arms BBQ,Orlando.Fl 

**Bruh Man's BBQ, Tampa,Fl.

**Big Johns Alabama,Tampa,Fl.

**Reds BBQ, St.Petersburg,Fl.

Best Boss Loctician and Braids 

**Dreadloc Divas Loc Studio,Jax.Fl.

**Locs by GiGi,Jax.Fl.

**Quality Styles and Cuts, Jax. Fl. 

**BB African Hair Braiding Studio, Jax. Fl.

**Herlocks Studios, Jax. Fl.

**LocNation Jax, Jax.,Fl.

**Loc Luster Naturals,Winter Park,Fl.

**Shaggy Locs,Orlando,Fl.

**A Nu Twist,Gainesville.Fl 

Best Boss Youth Non-profit 

**904 Blitz Jr. Leadership Program, Jax.Fl.

**Subliminal Dreams,Jax.Fl.

**Teen Leaders of America, Jax. Fl.

**Tamika's School of Epicure, Jax.Fl.

**Upward and Onward,Jax. Fl.

**Jewels of the Future,Jax. Fl.

**Dare to Dream Young Girls,Tallahassee,Fl.

**8 Cents in a Jar,Orlando,Fl.

**Crowning our Daughters for Success, Ft.Myers Fl.

Best Boss Non-Profit

**Women on The Rise,Orlando,Fl.

**Black Orlando Tech,Orlando.Fl.

**AAWHMP, Orlando.Fl.

**Agape Health & Wellness Center, Jax. Fl.

**Liam Lives  Foundation,Jax. Fl.

**Jiles Jewels,Jax. Fl.

**9th BridgeJax, Jax. Fl.

Best Boss Photographer 

**RTW Photography,Orlando.Fl 

**Nativ Lens,Orlando.Fl. 

**The Portrait Boutique,Jax.Fl.

**Javaughn Johnson, Jax. Fl.

**Bracy Photos, Jax. Fl.

**D2R  Photography,Jax.Fl. 

**Amoya Photography, Jax. Fl.

**G5 Photography,Ocala,Fla.

**A Money Photography, Tallahassee,Fl.

Best Boss Realtor

**LaFrance Louis,Miami,Fl.

**Shirley Chisholm,Orlando.Fl.

**Renita Jackson,Daytona,Fl.

**Alesia Ross, Jax.Fl.

**Chantal Thomas, Jax., Fl.

**Jaclyn Walker, Jax. Fl.

**Derrick Richardson,Jax. Fl.

"After attending the Best Boss gala my clientele doubled in less than 3 months.  I am so thankful. Thank you for honoring us."

K. Mitchell

"I never knew so many black owned businesses existed in Jacksonville. I will definitely start supporting these businesses."

S. Johnson

Q. Can I nominate a person in more than one category?

A. Yes

Q.  Can I nominate a person for a category not listed?

A.  Unfortunately, only the categories listed. Please email bestbossgroupusa@gmail.com and we will review your request.