Rooted in Resilience – Meet Grant Winner Dr. Monica Riley
For Dr. Monica Riley, founder of Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty, LLC, winning the Flourish Media Small Business Grant in 2025 was more than just a financial win—it was a powerful affirmation of her legacy and purpose.
“I feel seen,” Dr. Monica shares.“This grant means more than funding. It is a vote of confidence for my vision and affirms 100 years of healing traditions rooted in my Afro-Indigenous legacy.”
Her business is grounded in empowering women 40+ to prioritize self-care and redefine beauty on their own terms. With this support, she’s not just growing her brand, she’s expanding her impact.
Showing Up in Safe Spaces
When asked why she decided to apply, Dr. Monica pointed to the value of community and education.
"I like the safe space to learn about funding and capital that Flourish Media curates," she explains.
She’s been in business for 10 years, and while the funding landscape has shifted, the right community still makes all the difference.
“As my Nana used to say: 'You’ve got to commence to gettin’ or get got!’ For me, the latter is not an option.”
Finding Confidence in the Process
Though she rated the application difficulty a 4 out of 5, Dr. Monica stuck with it.
And the results?
Worth it.
"Winning the Flourish Media Small Business Grant has inspired my confidence!" she says.
She felt seen not just for her business model, but for her compassion and commitment to serving her community.
“I lead with heart, and that was recognized.”
Scaling With Intention
Dr. Monica has big goals ahead, and the growth is already happening.
Her next milestone?
“Expanding my team,” she says proudly.
With a 62% increase in her customer base over Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, she’s preparing to hire both a social media manager and a customer care specialist to help serve her growing tribe.
Making Global Moves
This year, her mantra is “I’m gonna thrive in 2025!” And she’s living it.
Dr. Monica is on the verge of her first global partnership with SHEIN’s US Marketplace.
“I’ve had features with Macy’s and Nordstrom, but this is my first global step,” she shares.
“It’s thrilling and a little scary—but I’m a risk taker. I leap, and figure it out on the way down. LOL!”
Empowering Women of Melanated Beauty
At the core of her mission is a passion to serve women of color with clean beauty solutions rooted in tradition and science.
She’s also one of the few melanated doctors in integrative medicine using her voice to speak on health, wellness, and longevity.
Leveraging the Power of Community
Dr. Monica is an active member of the Flourish Media Facebook Group.
In fact, her consistent presence and contributions in the group played a big role in receiving the grant.
“I share wellness tips, I connect with other women founders, and I pour back into the community. That’s what this space is for,” she explains.
Encouraging Other Women to Say Yes
Her advice to other women considering applying?
“Do it. This grant provides financial support and connection. Once you’re in the tribe, you’re not alone.”
If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to step into purpose, power, and possibility, just like Dr. Monica, the Flourish Media Small Business Grant might be your moment to shine.
📢 Apply now and give yourself permission to be seen.
Apply Here
Good luck! 🎉
