01 Sep Safésha Chosen for NFL Super Bowl LII Business Connect program

Data shows that black women make up the fastest segment of new entrepreneurs, and are opening businesses at exploding rates. Local entrepreneur Sylvia Andrews is one of the trailblazing women who are changing the business scene in Minnesota.

Although a relatively new business, Safésha was recently selected to participate in the NFL Super Bowl LII Business Connect program. Over a thousand applications were received, but only 450 local, diverse businesses were accepted. Safésha will be featured in the Super Bowl LII Business Connect Resource Guide and will have the opportunity to network and connect with Super Bowl contractors and event producers, sponsors and the NFL, to fulfill their event needs.

Andrews launched her business Safésha ­in 2014. Safésha, meaning “to cleanse” or “to wash” in Swahili, is a revolutionary hand sanitizer made with essential oils and olive oil. The line includes lavender, sweet orange, and a fragrance-free sanitizer.

As a woman-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprise, Safésha has made incredible strides in the marketplace.

After four years of intensive product research and development, Andrews launched her product using just her local contacts and intensive networking. In 2016, she partnered with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, MEDA, Neighborhood Development Corporation and Women Venture to get the lending and technical assistance she needed to take Safésha to the next level. Safésha is now offered in more than 100 locations, including Lunds & Byerlys, Hy-Vee, Kowalski’s, Jerry’s Foods, local co-ops, and 33 national Bed Bath & Beyond locations.