Randy Williams founded his watch company, Talley & Twine, with a singular goal in mind: represent the spirit of a community, creating a company that makes people feel seen. Williams, who majored in marketing at Albany State University, describes his HBCU experience as “transformational and essential”; it was there that he met his current business partner and created lifelong connections that led to the formation of his business. Talley & Twine is set to launch several exclusive collaborations this year, and is looking forward to the release of its first-ever Swiss-made automatic watch. But despite his professional success, he still remembers how he felt on graduation day: exhilarated, scared, and uncertain. His advice to the Class of 2022? Don’t expect overnight success; allow yourself to learn, and embrace the consistency and discipline it takes to make something great.

“My HBCU experience meant everything to my personal and professional growth. It’s a badge of honor that creates a sense of community as you encounter other HBCU grads from around the country. HBCUs are essential to the preparation of the next generation of Black professionals and community leaders.”

How do you know a business owner believes in their products? They’re the target market. Cornell C. Conaway, an avid weightlifter, founded Gainz Sportsgear after becoming dissatisfied with existing workout grips. He developed the Load N Lock Grip, which became his company’s first product. The brand has now expanded its product lines to include more gear, and is the only Black-owned company on the approved vendor list for the United States Powerlifting Association. His HBCU experience figures prominently in his business; the brand has the trademark for the HBCU ATHLETE Collection, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Al Harper Foundation to help HBCU students in need. Pieces from the collection have even been worn by major athletes from Deion Sanders to Ed Reed. His advice for the Class of 2022 is to know that they have a supportive network of HBCU alumni behind them that want to see them succeed—at every stage of their journeys.

“My HBCU experience meant everything to me. The impact that I want to leave is the ability to give back and be able to uplift future HBCU students.”

Ashley Jones was struck by the need for HBCU-focused clothing while she was a student at Norfolk State University, where she felt like none of the current offerings represented her or her peers. She launched Tones of Melanin, a streetwear brand designed to represent all HBCU students in 2017. Her goal? Help keep HBCUs running, successful, and marketing themselves in style. And she’s killing it: Tones of Melanin became the first Black-owned brand in Belk, Dicks Sporting Goods, Fanatics.com and over 20 HBCU bookstores. But she wants the HBCU Classes of 2022 to know that not everything has to fall into place immediately; her advice is to enjoy the current moment, and let tomorrow worry about tomorrow. And if you need a hand? She says to remember that you now have the networking power of graduates of over 100+ schools—including herself.

“My HBCU experience is something that I cherish; I made lifelong friends and connections while I attended. Being an HBCU graduate feels like I belong to one of the most prestigious groups in the world.”

After a year of corporate work, Keshauntae Brown was restless. She’d always been a dreamer with a love for cooking, so she put her mind to creating just the right culinary idea—and has found success with ChickN Waffle, which delights chicken lovers at birthday parties, festivals, through an online shop, and with its very own food truck (first in Atlanta, and now in Detroit). Brown made her dream job a reality—a lesson she says she learned at CAU, where she was taught to either find a way or make one. Brown is expecting the business to expand with the upcoming move to Detroit, and would love some HBCU grads on her team.

“I received more than just a degree; I use the connections I made with people [at my HBCU] to open up more opportunities for me and my business. It means a lot to be a part of an HBCU community. No matter what school you’ve attended, we all know how to come together and be one.”

Michael James graduated from not one, but two HBCUs; he attended undergrad at Morehouse, and received an MBA at Clark Atlanta University. He says he enrolled at Morehouse because he’d finally found a place that understood him as a young Black man, and one that was filled with peers that had lived similar experiences. He’s since founded Fredrick Benjamin Grooming, which is a natural grooming line for men of color—and a company, James says, designed to create joy. He still remembers his own commencement; as he faced the crowd, he was awash in admiration for his peers and Morehouse pride he still feels to this day. That’s why his advice for the Class of 2022 is to embrace the possibilities. After all, he says, the world is theirs for the taking—with a little help from the graduates that came before them.

“My HBCU experience helped a lot in growing my business…hurdling those obstacles early on taught me that if there is a will there's a way. Graduates, call on your brothers and sisters from HBCUs across the nation. We’re all we got!”

After his sophomore year at Howard University, Tahir Murray founded Legacy History Pride with the goal of designing and developing apparel that spoke to the richness and uniqueness rooted in Black culture and HBCU communities. The company creates everything from cardigans to varsity jackets, but Murray says the common thread is heritage; a portion of proceeds directly benefits the College or University, and LHP partners with students and alumni for collaborations and scholarship opportunities. Murray decided to enroll at Howard after visiting his older sister Taylor there, which he says was an eye-opening experience and an invitation to feel the energy of a historic place “like no other.” As an HBCU graduate, Murray feels like he’s forever dedicated and committed to something bigger than himself; he’s a representation of a culture with a long-lasting history of excellence and legacy of pride.

“Being able to add to my family’s legacy at one of the best universities was an honor and dream come true already. Commencement embodied a culmination of all the dedication and hard work it took to follow on the path of my present journey and the satisfaction of knowing that Howard has been instrumental in paving my way.”

Don’t love what’s on the market? Create your own. That’s the ethos of Amechi Ugwu, who founded Torch Sportswear while he was a student at Southern University. The company, which started as vintage-inspired tees and sweatshirts the team sold on campus, is now a thriving business that seeks to pay homage to the storied history of HBCUs. As an HBCU legacy—his parents even met at one—Ugwu credits Southern University with creating the building blocks of his life and business. Torch Sportswear is currently working on expanding its list of licensed schools, making Ugwu’s dream of carrying on HBCU legacies come true.

“My HBCU experience taught me a lot about how to move and make my way in the world. Along with my own self-determination, I was able to achieve things I was never even able to dream of. I owe that early training to SU.”

Kitiya King’s luxury, eco-conscious cosmetics company is on all the right lists: features in Vogue, Essence, Elle, Forbes, and Harper’s Bazaar; Allure Magazine’s “Best in Beauty”; Cosmopolitan Magazine’s “Holy Grail Beauty Award”; and even “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” It all began at Spelman College, which King says was the best choice for her as a young Black woman with plans to major in chemistry. Mischo Beauty lives in the intersection of chic and healthy, which King says is essential for women who want to avoid the side effects of traditional nail polish without sacrificing quality. It wasn’t an easy task, but King says her HBCU experience taught her that all things are possible—and she wants the next generation of HBCU graduates to believe it too.

“Having been blessed with the amazing gift of being able to attend Spelman College and graduate with honors now means that I must continue to pass this beloved gift on to the next young Black woman.”

DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE HBCU CLASSES OF 2022? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS, AND WE MIGHT SURPRISE YOU.