As Black Business Month is recognized each August, Kunaya is highlighting how culture, wellness and entrepreneurship can come together to create a product with both economic and social impact.

Founded by Faridat Ilupeju, Kunaya is a Black woman-owned plant-based beverage company introducing tiger nut milk to consumers in the United States. The company offers a nutritious alternative to traditional dairy and other plant-based milks while promoting sustainable sourcing and supporting farming communities.

Despite their name, tiger nuts are not nuts. They are root tubers that have been consumed for generations in West Africa, the Mediterranean and other parts of the world. Because tiger nuts are tubers, Kunaya’s beverage is naturally nut-free, dairy-free and lactose-free, making it an allergen-friendly option for consumers with a range of dietary needs.

Tiger nuts are also a nutrient-rich superfood. They are high in fiber, contain healthy fats that may provide sustained energy and are a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium and iron. Tiger nuts are naturally sweet, allowing Kunaya to offer a flavorful beverage that is low in sugar without sacrificing taste.

The idea for Kunaya began after DAC discovered tiger nut milk while participating in an African language program. She recognized the product’s potential as a nutritious, sustainable and culturally significant alternative within the growing plant-based beverage market.

Through Kunaya, Ilupeju hopes to make plant-based nutrition more accessible while introducing more consumers to an ingredient deeply connected to African food traditions.

Kunaya operates as a social enterprise committed to supporting both personal wellness and planetary health. By partnering with local and international farmers, Ilupeju aims to strengthen farmer economies, promote responsible sourcing and contribute to more sustainable food systems.

Her professional and academic background has helped shape the company’s approach. Ilupeju has experience in public health, product design and business administration. She began developing Kunaya while completing the Design Leadership dual-degree program offered through the Maryland Institute College of Art and the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

The program allowed her to combine human-centered design, creative problem-solving and business strategy. Ilupeju said she wanted an educational experience that would help her create products that respond to people’s needs while remaining operationally sustainable and scalable.

“I didn’t want to just do a business program, because I felt like it’s lacking in the area of the arts and of appealing to people,” Ilupeju told Technical.ly. “Business can be very analytical, and I wanted to have a more creative approach to building my product.”

Ilupeju further developed Kunaya through MICA’s UP/Start Venture Competition. The competition provided entrepreneurs with mentorship, business planning assistance, financial projection support and guidance in developing effective pitches and presentation materials.

Kunaya received $10,000 through the competition. Ilupeju plans to use the funding to finalize the company’s recipes, secure sustainable packaging, cover initial production expenses and support marketing and pop-up activations.

The company has also received recognition within Baltimore’s small-business community. In spring 2026, Kunaya earned fifth place in the Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Pitch Competition. The competition provided emerging entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their businesses, gain exposure and compete for funding and business-development support.

Kunaya’s participation in both competitions reflects the company’s growing momentum as it prepares to enter the market, build brand awareness and collect feedback from customers.

As a Black woman-owned business, Kunaya also represents the creativity and innovation Black women entrepreneurs bring to the food and beverage industry. Access to funding, mentorship and supportive entrepreneurial networks will remain important as the company moves from product development toward broader production and distribution.

Each bottle of Kunaya reflects Ilupeju’s larger vision: offering high-quality plant-based nutrition while strengthening communities, supporting farmers and building a healthier, more sustainable future.