Meet the Black Women Who Are Leading the Charge on Plant-Based Foods

"I have to be excellent to be average. There's no room for error."

Samantha Edwards: New Breed Meats

Samantha Edwards was also inspired to start a business due to her upbringing. “There was heavy Caribbean influence in the inner cities of Brooklyn,” says the native New Yorker. “I saw a lack of education [regarding] a healthier lifestyle.”  Co-founded by Samantha Edwards and Rochelle Mekowulu in 2018, New Breed Meats offers plant-based products, including spicy sausage, savory burgers, and ground meat. In 2022, Edwards pitched the brand to Black entrepreneurs on Bet on Black, a Shark Tank-like series on REVOLT TV, emerging with $220,000 and the motivation to continue to support healthy eating that’s accessible to everyone. 

Being familiar with ingredients is very important, especially for those struggling with chronic health problems. Many African-American women suffer from serious health problems including diabetes and high blood pressure. In the United States, 4 out of 5 Black women are obese. Black female business owners aren’t just making tasty products—they are encouraging more Black women and people to lead a healthier lifestyle.