Two Brooklyn ladies are using their brand to celebrate and support diverse local businesses.

Lauren Riley and Merlyn Oliver created Brooklyn Mavens, a unique platform to shine a spotlight on the borough.

“We wanted to support all businesses in all aspects of what Brooklyn has to offer,” Riley said.

Riley and Oliver believe supporting black-owned businesses is necessary, especially given the changes the area has undergone over the years.

“Many companies need support. And if they don’t have anyone to support them, who else will?” says Oliver.

The Brooklyn Mavens have focused on promoting black-owned businesses, a decision spurred by the rapid changes Brooklyn has undergone in recent years.

Riley stressed the need for such support.

“They’ve introduced Deia to their fans, which helps us since we live a little off the beaten track here, so working with them really helps us a lot,” says Junn Joly, the owner of Deia, a lounge that opened in February.

Joly says they knew exactly what was missing.

“When I saw this neighborhood gentrifying, I thought we need a place to call our own,” Joly explained. “I just felt like we needed to establish ourselves in this community.”

Riley and Oliver say their mission goes beyond promoting businesses. They say it’s about reflecting the district’s diverse culture and preserving its unique character by showcasing all the cultures and businesses that form the foundation of the community.