DC small business owner struggling to get PPP funds during COVID crisis

The last two months have been some of the most difficult of Rahama Wright’s career. For 15 years, Wright has run Shea Yeleen, a beauty brand located in Washington, D.C. Birthed out of a passion to empower women in sub-Saharan Africa, her staff of five helps distribute shea butter products. In turn, they provide jobs for 800 women in Ghana. Since the pandemic started, she’s had to make drastic changes. “Now I’m trying figure out how to continue to run the businesses with about 80% of my revenue being slashed,” Wright said. Most of her business comes through sales from her stores – one on H Street and a kiosk at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. She also generated considerable revenue from a partnership with a resort. She’s since had to furlough all five of her staff and close her main storefront. She also applied for federal help.