Check Out Some Of The Top New Minority-Owned Apps - Page 6

Here’s Our List Of Practical & Effective Apps Made By People Of Color

Although it was once a space dominated by white men, more and more minority tech whizzes are getting into the app space. We evaluated the latest apps from minority owners and operators and came up with a list of apps from people of color that you need now. Whether it’s getting news, getting around or keeping loved ones safe, this new crop of apps will do the trick.

Hit the flip to check out our picks.

Courtesy of Hugo Sanchez

Moti
Hugo Sanchez’s app Moti – a video platform that allows users to record face to face chats and send money – all started with a dream that he had about making an app.

The entrepreneur, who served 10 years to life for drug dealing and never got his GED, was so spurred by his dream, that he sold his successful line of dry cleaning businesses and put the money into what became Moti.

Part PayPal and part Skype, the free six-month-old app allows users to make and record video calls in HD and send and receive money. For example, a lawyer, therapist or consultant could see their client and receive payments through Moti. Users can record their calls with end-to-end encryption, and the app won’t keep your data.

Entrepreneur Hugo Sanchez

“I didn’t reinvent the wheel. I took a chance on something different,” Sanchez told us.

The app also partnered with “One Breath” executive coaching, and users can get one on one mentoring from trained “transformational coaches” on everything from sports and nutrition to marriage and spirituality.

“What Moti does, is that it allows for me to be there,” Coach Ted Gustus said. “They can ask me questions, we can go back and forth, just like a class.”

Courtesy of Hugo Sanchez

The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native said he wants to use the app to create jobs and spur changes in underserved communities – like his old East New York stomping grounds.

“The real benefit that it could have in the community could be great,” Sanchez said. “I wanna inspire that kid in the projects looking out the window. People have great ideas, they just need someone to support them.”

Courtesy of Jabari Sills

Youii
This app is an Uber-type of service for college students. Starting at a $1, a customer can get a ride anywhere around campus and the surrounding area, co-founder Jabari Sills, 26, said. Now in its beta phase, the app serves students at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and Sills said he got the idea for the app to keep college kids safe out on late nights.

Courtesy of Jabari Sills

“A lot of students died from drinking and driving this year, so we wanted to create a service that not only the students liked, but that their parents would want them to have. You would want your daughter to have ‘Youii.’”

Courtesy of Jabari Sills

Sills said the app has created job opportunities for young people, and the majority of “Youii” drivers are also college students too and are heavily vetted before they get behind the wheel.

Myavana
The “Myavana” app is a virtual hair salon of sorts where users can connect over black hair care, get inspiration for different hairstyles and learn about the specific products that were used to create the look.

For a monthly fee, “The Myavana Hair Journey” app also gives users a customized “hair care plan” that uses scientific hair analysis to recommend the best care regimen for your tresses.

Courtesy of the Ravanel Agency

Black Santa Video Call
Get your kids some face to face time with Black Santa through the “Black Santa Video Call App.” The $2.99 app will play a personalized message from Black Santa to encourage children to be good and behave themselves. App creator Amber Ravanel said she decided to create “Black Santa Video Call” when her niece told her that she couldn’t believe Santa looked like her.

Courtesy of the Ravanel Agency

“When I grew up there was only one type of Santa, and no matter where I went they always looked the same,” Ravanel said. “Not one looked like me or anyone in my family. As our society becomes more and more diverse, I think it’s crucial that there is diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, the tech tools we use and that should include Santa Claus as well.”

Courtesy of pop.u.lace

Pop.u.lace
The death of autistic New York tween Avonte Oquendo, who walked out of his middle school in 2014, highlighted the sometimes deadly problem of nonverbal youth wandering away from where they are supposed to be.

That’s why former Wall Streeter Debbie Stone created “Pop.u.lace,” shoelaces with a GPS tracker on them that once connected to the app, will show you where your loved one is.

If the shoelace wearer isn’t where they are supposed to be, the app will “wake up” and alert up to five users via text message.

“It’s an incognito way to keep an eye out and give parents peace of mind,” she said.

Debbie Stone and Son

Stone, who has a son on the autism spectrum, said she wanted to give other parents with autistic children peace of mind with Pop.u.lace, which will track a user’s whereabouts through their shoelaces. Although there are other tracking devices on the market, Stone pointed out that Pop.u.lace (priced at $59.99) can’t be easily removed and isn’t difficult to wear.

But the app – which will be up by summer 2018 – is also a boon to fitness enthusiasts, people suffering with dementia or alzheimers, or even a spouse who may be concerned about a partner’s fidelity.

“This not only helps people with autism,” Stone said. “It also helps joggers, runners, hikers – all of these different worlds that can come under this one place.”