Dacia Petrie, a UI and web designer from Jamaica, has emerged as a pivotal figure in empowering Black-owned businesses through her innovative app, Black Nile.
Designed to address systemic economic disparities and the rollback of DEI initiatives by companies like Walmart and Target, Black Nile connects users with over 3,000 Black-owned brands across 40+ categories, from skincare to luxury wear and hospitality, as per Afro tech.
Also, it offers hotels and villas, restaurants, grocery stores, luxury wear, handbags, weddings, home and kitchen goods, baby and kids, swimwear, lingerie, plus-size clothing, and more.
What is more, the app integrates Google Maps for locating nearby businesses without a direct address, and allows user reviews. The entrepreneur credits her education at Spelman and her diverse skills in design and marketing for the vision behind her drive.
“I created this with the intention to make shopping with Black-owned businesses as easy as possible,” she expressed, as per Afro Tech. “I am a UI designer and web designer, and I noticed that there are a lot of Black-owned directories, but many of them aren’t as user-friendly or optimized for our mobile devices. I saw someone in the comments saying that they were looking for something that’s a little bit more techy and something a little bit more user-friendly, and this is perfect.”
Petrie’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2018 with an Instagram blog highlighting Black entrepreneurs, which evolved into Black Nile after she completed a web design course at Spelman College in 2021.
Her mission was to combat racial wealth gaps and amplify the African Diaspora’s economic power. “At just 17 years old, I was a radical dreamer who fervently believed God gave me the power to make a difference in reshaping the future of the oppressed—and I have never wavered in that conviction. Today, that dream has blossomed into reality, where I strive to elevate deserving black-owned businesses within the global marketplace and invest in entrepreneurs that exemplify kingdom excellence,” she said on her website.
She said the name “Nile” is “a deliberate response to the lack of representation of Black-owned businesses within major platforms like Amazon.”
“Just as the Amazon River is the largest in the world, the Nile River is the longest, flowing through the heart of Africa. By invoking the Nile, we assert our intent to create a platform that not only represents us but originates from us, reclaiming our power to unearth, support and elevate Black owned businesses in the marketplace!” her site states.
Meanwhile, Petrie aims to expand Black Nile’s global reach while maintaining its community-driven philosophy. Potential businesses can join the directory via the platform’s dedicated portal, ensuring continuous growth.
