Empowering Black Entrepreneurs & Safer Products: A Conversation with Dr. Kristian Edwards, Founder of BLK + GRN Faith, Frontlines, and Fortune - Episode 7

In Episode 7 of Faith, Frontlines, and Fortune, I sit down with Dr. Kristian Edwards, founder of BLK + GRN, to explore the future of Black entrepreneurship and the health risks tied to products marketed to Black Americans. We dive deep into how BLK + GRN is changing the narrative by offering non-toxic, all-natural personal care products created by Black women. Dr. Edwards shares her vision for empowering Black entrepreneurs, fostering a more productive America, and her belief in #BlackGirlMagic.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion on conscious consumerism and how we can shift our mindset for a healthier future. To hear more from Dr. Edwards and her guests, check out her YouTube channel: blkandgrn.

Creators and Guests

Guest

Dr. Kristian Edwards

Dr. Kristian Edwards, graduate of Yale and Johns-Hopkins University, a yogi, and the founder of BLK + GRN - an incubator for Black women entrepreneurs and a marketplace of all-natural personal care products from hair, to skin, to home created by Black women. Since 2018, BLK + GRN has elevated over 100 Black-owned brands and shipped over 18,500 orders of non-toxic products placed on our marketplace. In our marketplace products are curated and sold in categories like skin care, home, and bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green. Kristian’s entrepreneurial endeavor is the culmination of her belief in #BlackGirlMagic and her experiences in the public health industry. She is an unshakable optimist who is passionate about helping women cultivate a lifestyle that’s free of artificial ingredients, toxins, and harmful chemicals. She believes that doing so is the only way to foster true happiness. The fundamental hope in buying Black and living green as a non-compromising choice is what connects her journey to a community that also wants to craft and consume products consciously. BLK + GRN has been featured in Essence, Forbes, Blavity, USA Today, and The New York Times - to name a few. Kristian holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a Master’s degree from the Yale School of Public Health, and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

What is Faith, Frontlines and Fortune?

Explore inspiring journeys of business, life, faith, and military entrepreneurship with Anderson Salgado. Tune in for deep dives into the experiences of industry leaders, Christian warriors, beauty experts and veteran entrepreneurs, sharing their stories of resilience, innovation, and success.

Introduction
Anderson Salgado (00:01.533):
Welcome to another episode of Faith, Frontlines, and Fortune. My name is Anderson Salgado and today I have a special guest, Dr. Kristian Edwards. She's going to talk about health, personal care, and sustainability. This is our Glamour edition. Dr. Edwards, please introduce yourself and tell us about your company and what drives you.

Dr. Kristian Edwards (00:28.924):
Thank you so much for having me! I’m happy to be here. I’m the founder of BLK + GRN. I started my journey in public health and, through my research, I realized that products marketed to Black people often contain more toxic ingredients than others. That inspired me to create BLK + GRN, a marketplace for all-natural, non-toxic, Black women-owned personal care products. We're now an ecosystem of over 100 Black women-owned brands.

The Mission Behind BLK + GRN
Dr. Kristian Edwards (02:44.275):
Many Black women-owned brands are underfunded and don't have access to major retailers like Target or Walmart. My goal with BLK + GRN is to provide a platform for these businesses while offering healthier, all-natural alternatives for personal care. We focus on products that reduce toxicity in personal care, promoting healthier options.

Discussion on Consumer Behavior and Toxicity
Anderson Salgado (04:59.261):
Consumers today want convenience and often turn to platforms like Amazon. How do you embrace that same methodology and create a one-stop-shop for Black entrepreneurs through BLK + GRN?

Dr. Kristian Edwards (05:36.588):
That’s exactly what BLK + GRN aims to be—a marketplace for Black women entrepreneurs selling personal care products. We focus on educating our customers about avoiding toxicity, not just through our products but also through our podcast, YouTube, and blogs.

Health Impact of Products for Black Americans
Anderson Salgado (08:03.785):
There’s data that shows that products marketed to Black Americans often contain more toxins. Can you talk about that?

Dr. Kristian Edwards (08:24.066):
Yes, research shows that products marketed to Black folks have more toxins, and this is often due to manufacturers wanting to extend shelf life, which drives down cost. Unfortunately, cheaper products are often marketed as "good deals" but are packed with harmful ingredients.

The Power of Consumer Choices
Anderson Salgado (23:59.187):
The more you know about the toxins in products, the more you realize how much you're consuming. What are some things you’re doing to combat that toxicity?

Dr. Kristian Edwards (24:09.522):
There’s absolutely a light at the end of the tunnel. We all have the power to make better choices, and it starts with awareness. At BLK + GRN, we not only offer non-toxic products but also educate consumers through our content. It's all about making intentional choices.

The Importance of Mindset
Anderson Salgado (33:17.481):
In your podcast, you interview entrepreneurs who have overcome adversity. Is there a shift in mindset you're seeing in the Black community toward success and productivity?

Dr. Kristian Edwards (34:12.120):
Absolutely. It’s about moving away from the victim mentality and taking control. Many Black-owned businesses face funding challenges, but that doesn’t stop us from making an impact.

Closing Remarks
Anderson Salgado (47:35.911):
Kristian, you've been amazing. For our listeners who want to learn more about you and your mission, where can they find you?

Dr. Kristian Edwards (47:17.179):
The best place to find me is on my YouTube channel, BLK + GRN, where I have conversations with amazing women and men living healthy, authentic lives.

Anderson Salgado (48:02.895):
Thank you for your time, Dr. Edwards. It’s been a pleasure.