Fostering Community And Connectivity With Cricket Wireless

Tai Beauchamp

A publishing industry veteran, Tai Beauchamp has experience as an editor at top publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Seventeen—where she made history as the magazine's youngest and first African-American beauty and fitness director. In 2006, she launched her media company, Tai Life Media, LLC to holistically connect style and empowerment, and has since worked with consumer brands including P&G, Walmart, Estée Lauder, Christian Dior Cosmetics, and Time Inc.

Tai, on staying connected to her community:

“It’s Black History Month, so I’ve been (reflecting) about what it took for me to get here—but I’m also celebrating where I’m at today… This is our time! I get excited knowing I have amazing women in my corner—especially my two co-founders. Shout out to my partner Malaika who is on speed dial and (who) I speak to at least 8 times a day. We motivate each other, inspire each other, we’ve shared tears, laughs, and smiles, but most importantly we share in the desire to build businesses that mirror our purpose and passion.”

Abena Boamah

Abena Boamah is the Founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean, Black-owned skincare, beauty, and wellness brand. Her work has been recognized by Beyoncé and Vogue. She is driven by curating learning experiences focused on holistic wellness and showcasing stories of Black women globally through visual content creation. Abena has presented and partnered with brands/schools like Harvard University, Instagram, Nike, Apple, Glossier, and more.

Abena, on the importance of building online community:

“When I think about my journey of entrepreneurship, honestly, I’ve always been inspired by Black entrepreneurs from the beginning ‘til now. These creators (and) innovators… continue to inspire me to grow. At the end of the day, it's always (about) creating your own community and supporting the people within. Every entrepreneur should have a group chat or a person they feel comfortable sharing their wins, struggles, and reasons to smile.”

Andrea Lewis

Toronto-born Andrea Lewis has acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Diahann Carroll, Wesley Snipes, and Dr. Maya Angelou. Lewis spent six seasons as “Hazel” on the hit show Degrassi: The Next Generation, which ranked No. 1 in Canada and the U.S. The role in Degrassi landed her in the pages of Teen People, the New York Times, and Entertainment Weekly. Lewis started Jungle Wild Productions, where she created the hit web series, Black Actressand the fan-favorite relationship drama, Beyond Complicated. Both seasons can be watched at youtube.com/AndreaLewisChannel.

Andrea, on getting advice and inspiration:

“I get to make content, tell positive Black stories and connect with audiences for a living. I’m so fortunate for the community of like-minded artists and entrepreneurs that I have around me who answer my texts at 2 a.m., bounce ideas around with me, and give me the advice I need to help grow my business, support my community and continue to create.”

Whether it be receiving a text from a mentor to “keep going” or a brainstorming thread with one’s closest creative confidantes, it’s these interactions—revealing moments of joy, support, and deep connection—that are small yet powerful reminders that sometimes a simple smile goes a long way.

Cricket’s commitment to fostering connectivity allows Black pioneers and change-makers to not only make meaningful connections—but also impactful decisions—for their businesses now and in the future. These pivotal experiences, by way of our screens, will continue to ensure we elevate their stories, amplify their voices, and continue our legacy during Black History Month and beyond.