Black Entrepreneurs at Baruch Marketplace Bring Business, Culture, and Community to Campus

March 3, 2026

When Realle Simon ('26) could not find skincare products that honored her skin, she created her own. That journey - rooted in discovery and self-care - led to Mali Shea, a brand inspired by the richness of unrefined African shea butter.

This Zicklin School marketing major was among 20 students and alumni whose businesses took part in Baruch College's recent Black Entrepreneurs Marketplace, held in the Newman Vertical Campus.

For Simon, the marketplace offered more than exposure-it offered a supportive community.

"This is a free opportunity to promote my business, which started two years ago," she explained. "Baruch's events are an incredible experience-learning from other entrepreneurs, interacting with students, and sharing my story."

Sponsored by the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship, the event attracted students, faculty, and staff to shop among tables featuring handmade jewelry, branded apparel, and specialty desserts-each reflecting the ambition and creativity of Baruch's Black entrepreneurs.

Empowerment Through Enterprise

For Anosia Gyasi ('26), a political science major in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, entrepreneurship is deeply personal. She recently formed an LLC for her handcrafted jewelry brand, Gisona Pieces, which centers on empowerment and storytelling.

"As a Black entrepreneur, we belong in every room," she stated. "We need to put ourselves out there and keep going no matter how hard it becomes."

Gyasi plans to apply her legal studies at Baruch to strengthen and scale her growing business.

Commerce Meets Connection

The marketplace also spotlighted innovation in sustainability and technology.

Olaotan Agunbiade ('27), an operations management major at the Zicklin School, is developing ShowerIn, a self-cleaning robotic shower system designed to reduce contamination risks in high-traffic public facilities such as shelters, schools, and gyms.

With her eye on competing in the 2026 CUNY Clash to secure additional funding, Agunbiade noted that "the Field Center provides a space to meet people and speak to them one-on-one about this idea."

The sense of connection extended beyond current students.

Mohammed Rafeek (BBA '22) returned to campus to sell his Moh's Peppersauce, a homemade Guyanese sauce, and mentor student business founders. Now a coordinator in Baruch's Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, he sees entrepreneurship as a pathway to confidence and career growth.

"Being an entrepreneur allows people to talk about themselves and get comfortable with public speaking," Rafeek said. "That's an important trait for professional success."

'Shaping History in Real Time'

Throughout the academic year, the Field Center organizes seasonal marketplaces which have been successful for the business owners.

According to Executive Director Marlene Leekang, Ed.D., Baruch's winter, Black History Month, and Women's History Month marketplaces have collectively generated approximately $45,000 in sales.

"From the classroom to the marketplace, Black student entrepreneurs are shaping history in real time-using their Baruch education, creativity fostered through programs like the Field Center for Entrepreneurship, and the courage gained through life to build what comes next," said Leekang.

The next marketplace is March 25 supporting women entrepreneurs.

A Resource for All Students

Through a unique blend of entrepreneurship education and outreach, the Field Center cultivates creativity and delivers practical guidance to students, alumni, and local businesses with an eye toward growth and innovation.

The Field Center provides opportunities for students, staff, and faculty interested in engaging further with the entrepreneurial community to participate in co-curricular programs such as a Certificate in Creativity and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Mural Design Competition, and the CEO Pitch Competition.

Learn more about all its engaging programs and services.

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