Open to W2 & 1099 ConsultingRemote · Atlanta, GA
Community Archive · Stonecrest, GA · Generational Resource
125,000 sq ft of African American commerce. 330+ acres (total Allen holdings) · 13 acres (market campus) in Stonecrest, GA. Founded by Bill Lester Allen in 2021 with one mission: increase the amount of successful minority entrepreneurs internationally.
This page preserves everything — the vision, the sacrifice, the heartbreak, the technology, the music, the vendors, the events, and the relentlessness of two people who gave everything they had for a community that needed them. Sleepless nights, no pay, no praise, no appreciation. This is not marketing copy. This is real history, preserved for the families that were part of this, so that when there is a 3rd New Black Wall Street, they can take the lessons learned.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Hero photo: NBWSM exterior, main entrance, 8109 Mall Parkway
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
The Facility
The Human Cost
Before you read about the technology, the music, the vendors, and the vision — understand what it cost the people who built this. The ambition was infinite. The resources were two people.
$130,000 Gone in 30 Days
Before NBWSM, Thomas had a penthouse off Peachtree Road in Atlanta, three cars — one of them a Tesla — and $130,000 cash. With no guidance, no mentorship, and no financial literacy, that money was gone in less than 30 days. "Nobody taught me what to do with it. Nobody pulled me aside. I blew it." That experience became fuel. It is why Thomas poured every lesson learned into helping the vendors at NBWSM avoid the same fate.
Sleepless Nights, No Pay, No Praise
Thomas and Teron were at the market every day — often after hours, often overnight. Programming 40 events a month, shooting ads, sending emails to 40,000 people, running the podcast studio, training vendors on technology, building out store fronts, facilitating facility maintenance, designing marketing campaigns. Zero salary. Zero equity. Zero recognition. They did it because the community needed them.
Teron Wallace — Underpaid and Discarded
Teron Wallace was the facilities manager, community organizer, music artist, and producer. He built physical stores inside that old Super Target with his own hands. He managed vendor relations, organized events, handled logistics. He was paid less than a fraction of what the role demanded, and when things changed, he was thrown to the wayside — as if none of it happened. This page ensures it is remembered.
Entrepreneurs Who Became Homeless
Some of the entrepreneurs at NBWSM did not make it. The daily struggle to pay booth rent and store rent was real. Some vendors lost everything trying to keep their businesses alive. There were days when rent was due and there was simply no money. Some of these entrepreneurs — people who came to the market with dreams and products and families — ended up homeless. That is the part of the story nobody tells.
Appreciation — The Few Who Helped
Not everyone turned their back. A handful of vendors, community members, and supporters genuinely cared and showed up when it mattered. They know who they are. Their support, however small, was the only thing that kept the operation moving on some days. This page is written with gratitude for those people.
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Photo collage: Thomas and Teron at the market after hours, working late, building stores
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
In His Own Words
March 19, 2024. A few months before he passed, Mr. Allen addressed the NBWSM team in what would be one of his last meetings. These words are preserved exactly as spoken.
On critical thinking
“Napoleon Hill wrote a book: Think and Grow Rich. The keywords — you got to think, people, and critically analyze. What am I doing now? Is this a short-term thing, or am I creating both short-term and long-term?”
On real economics
“We're in the wealthiest country in the world, and we as Black folk own none of it. We have a right to own more of that if we understand how this system works.”
On persistence
“Those of you who still got some fight in you — let's just get back and start fighting.”
On the tax abatement
“The $750 million tax abatement, 22 years... I'm trying to get you all to see the bigger picture and stop doing this little stuff. See the bigger opportunity.”
On building real businesses
“If you keep doing the same thing the same way, you can't expect different results. A business, if you get it operating right, has residual income — income that continues to flow and grow.”
On his legacy
“Nobody puts this kind of money into an idea of trying to increase the number and size of minority-owned businesses. Nobody does that. So they haven't figured out your game yet, but we know you running game on us.”
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Mr. Allen's address to the NBWSM team (if recorded)
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
The People
Three teams across two continents worked to keep the market running: AEI leadership, the Stonecrest ground team, and a media team based in Nigeria (Obra.company).
AEI Leadership
NBWSM Stonecrest
Nigeria Media Team
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Group photo: Full NBWSM team together
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
The Partnership
Thomas and Teron were up day and night, often without sleep, vacations, or appreciation — facilitating the market, entrepreneurs, events, podcast, music studio, and outreach.
Deliverables
Tools & Platforms Used
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Thomas at the Content Corner workstation
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Teron managing facility operations, building out a vendor store
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Joint Venture
An integrated suite of applications designed to empower individuals and businesses in the creative and technological sectors — the way Google and Microsoft Office365 provide comprehensive tools for productivity, Complementary Intelligence provides a comprehensive ecosystem for creative and technical services.
Thomas D. Smith II — Steve Wozniak — innovation, development, technical superiority. Teron A. Wallace — Steve Jobs — strategic direction, marketing, vision. Together, they formed Complementary Intelligence as an entrepreneur joint venture to service the community with their corporate skills. Total revenue earned: $1,000 (2 customers at $500 each from talent showcases).
The 9-App Suite
Audio Production
Professional audio production from recording to mastering. Thomas still has the original app files and may bring it back now that AI is significantly better.
Video Production
Creating impactful video content for all platforms — commercials, tutorials, music videos, podcasts, event coverage.
Software Engineering
Custom software solutions — cross-platform web apps, APIs, database management, system design, UI/UX, and technical roadmaps.
Graphic Design
Bespoke graphic design — flyers, branding, logo design, merch, print media, digital and web design.
CAD Drafting
Precision CAD services for architectural, mechanical, and electrical design — 3D modeling and visualization.
Educational Services
Training, workshops, tutorials, and knowledge transfer for the community.
Data Analysis & Consulting
Business consulting, data analysis, and strategic advisory for minority-owned businesses.
Event Management
Planning, coordinating, and executing community events — from talent showcases to town halls.
Vendor Relations
Building and maintaining relationships with vendors, market research, payment processing (Square).
PS5-Like Dynamic Theming System
Each app within the Complementary Intelligence suite functions like a different game on a PlayStation 5. When you select "Rhyme Engine," the entire UI shifts — colors, fonts, messaging, layout — to immerse the user in audio production. Select "DraftScape" and you are in a CAD environment. The underlying system is consistent, but each app provides its own branded, immersive experience.
Data Management Architecture
Thomas designed a comprehensive data management architecture integrating Firebase, SQL, Google Drive, YouTube, SoundCloud, Giphy, Genius, GitHub, Canva, Fusion 360, and more. This architecture separates data that does not require a software release (Firebase/external APIs) from data that does (SQLite/embedded resources).
Dynamic (No Release Required)
Service Extensions
The Portal — Built But Never Launched
Thomas developed a full TypeScript web application for Complementary Intelligence — a portal where users could browse the 9-app suite, book services, purchase merchandise, manage memberships, and engage with the community. The app featured dynamic theming per service, integrated Calendly booking, Shopify checkout, and membership tiers. It was fully functional. It was never launched because there was zero funding to host, market, or operate it.
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Screenshots: Complementary Intelligence portal UI, app suite interface, dynamic theming examples
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Self-Taught
Thomas taught himself every technology used in Complementary Intelligence and at NBWSM. Then he trained Teron and the vendors. There was no outside help. No bootcamp. No university program. No mentors. Pure self-directed learning through documentation, experimentation, and relentless iteration.
Technologies Mastered
Knowledge Transfer
Documentation Process
Thomas constantly documented his process for refinement and improvement. Every decision, every technical choice, every pricing model, every marketing strategy was written down. Developer guides, Trello boards, data architecture diagrams, elevator pitches per service, App Store descriptions, demo scripts — all of it was created to ensure that if anyone else ever joined the team, they could hit the ground running.
Roadmap
The roadmap was designed for a funded team with dedicated developers, designers, QA engineers, and marketing staff. Instead, it was one developer (Thomas) doing everything — planning, design, frontend, backend, testing, deployment, marketing, and support — with Teron handling business development and community relations. The backlog was infinite. The resources were two people and raw talent.
Month 1-2
Project charter, market research report, technology selection
Month 2-3
Wireframes, UI mockups, interactive prototypes
Month 3-6
Fully functional beta (front-end + back-end)
Month 6-7
QA, UAT, bug fixes, optimization
Month 7-8
Deployment, marketing, launch event
Month 8+
Monitoring, updates, feature enhancements
Music Label
Our ultimate goal is to create music that will instill positive influence and happiness in artists and listeners for many generations to come. Joint venture between RhymeMachine (Thomas D. Smith II) and Billianos (Teron A. Wallace). The brilliant move is in sequence.
Producers
Artists / Songwriters
How Music Brought the Community Together
Thomas and Teron used the power of music to bring the NBWSM community together. The Content Corner and music studio were not just services — they were gathering places. Artists, vendors, and community members would come in to record, collaborate, and create. The talent showcases, open mics, and performances at Pink Lion, Big Mama's Porch, and the Greenwood Stage created shared experiences that transcended retail. Music was the thread that connected the entrepreneurs, the artists, and the families who called NBWSM home.
Recording & Production Workflow
Distribution
PROs
Platform Vision
Artist Spotlight: GVOSmith
10 unreleased EPs
Visual Identity: Open Iron Man type mask · Purple & Black · Futuristic
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Studio recording session with artists
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: GVOSmith performance or music video footage
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Creators Corner
A one-stop shop for audio recording, video production, photography, content showcasing, and distribution. Located directly across from NBWSM Radio. Thomas and Teron ran the Content Corner and music studio as services — free recordings and media production for community entrepreneurs who could not afford it.
Studio Equipment
Free Services Provided to the Community
Audio Packages (10)
Video Packages (8)
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Content Corner studio interior, equipment setup
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Recording session in progress — artist in booth
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Green screen wall setup for video production
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Marketing
Thomas was a one-man marketing department — shooting ads, publishing on every platform, emailing 40,000 people, programming 40 events a month, and guerrilla marketing at Stonecrest Mall. All while running the podcast, the studio, the technology consulting, and training vendors on AI.
Daily Responsibilities
Self-Taught Skills
Guerrilla Marketing Kit
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Photos: Guerrilla marketing at Stonecrest Mall, flyers, QR codes, branded booth
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
The Blacker The Market Podcast
Tech like AI and Web 3, minority merchants and shoppers with a balance of perspectives without bias. Bridging the gap between the youth and elders with a thread of extending the NBWS legacy.
PODCAST COMING SOON
Episodes are already recorded. The original files were preserved. The Blacker The Market Podcast is coming back.
Production Credits
Thank You To Everyone Who Participated
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Podcast episode clips, behind the scenes footage from recording sessions
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Video Archive
Published YouTube content and hundreds of unreleased videos documenting the market's operations, events, and community impact. More content will be added as it is organized and uploaded.
1:30
Watch on YouTube ↗
4:00
Watch on YouTube ↗
5:00
Watch on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTube ↗
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Paint & Sip event filming — timelapse, crowd shots, paintings
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Talent showcase performances at Greenwood Stage
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Market walkthrough — vendor stores, food court, amenities
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Black Business Bash with Khaotic305 and Lil Scrappy
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Kuba Kingdom Fashion Show with Icon Modeling Agency
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Guerrilla marketing run at Stonecrest Mall
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Vendor Directory
Every vendor who built a presence at the New Black Wall Street Market. Their work, their products, their story. Image placeholders are labeled for each business — photos with website and social media info will be added.
All-natural essential oil blends with antibacterial properties, paired with ultrasonic diffusers. Founded 2020 by Antoine and Toby Davenport. Storefront in Lithonia, GA.
DEV NOTE: Insert Aromex Air storefront photo / product images
Hand-poured soy wax candles, bath bombs, body butters, and gift packaging. Inspired by founder Bonnie's daughter Jewel. "We all have a Crown Jewel within us."
DEV NOTE: Insert Crown Jewel Scentiments Co. storefront photo / product images
Making sustainability sexy. Aromatherapy sprays, ceramic diffusers, body wash bars, lip balms, and refillable glass pods. Concept studio at NBWSM.
DEV NOTE: Insert eLo Vegan Lifestyle storefront photo / product images
Personal chef Tiffinee McGilberry offers meal prep, dinner parties, baby/bridal showers, and event catering. Full menu from appetizers to desserts.
DEV NOTE: Insert Especially Yours Cuisine storefront photo / product images
Food vendor at NBWSM.
DEV NOTE: Insert Ginger Yums storefront photo / product images
Italian ices made with real fruit. 20+ flavors including Mango-licious, Pineapple Paradise, and Phantom Fudge. Dairy-free, vegan-friendly. Serving Stonecrest, Atlanta, College Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Douglasville.
DEV NOTE: Insert It's All Good And Then Some storefront photo / product images
Gift shop offering curated items at NBWSM. Ms. Bonnie — original member.
DEV NOTE: Insert Jay's Gift Shop storefront photo / product images
African-sourced fabric and fashions for every occasion. Personalized services, wholesale fabric, embroidery, wedding cultural clothing. Made the most money among NBWSM vendors.
DEV NOTE: Insert Kuba Kingdom storefront photo / product images
Indigenous Caribbean plant-based cuisine. Soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic herbs and produce. Owned by Conroy Gooden and Ashley Martin. Opened on Juneteenth 2021.
DEV NOTE: Insert Lively Up I Cells storefront photo / product images
Premium organic shea butter from African shea nuts. Rich in vitamins A, E, F. Ethically sourced, chemical-free. Also offers handmade natural soaps and inspired fragrances.
DEV NOTE: Insert Mother's Gold storefront photo / product images
Unapologetically Feminine. Edge, style, class, and simplicity. Dresses, jumpsuits, sets, bottoms, tops, outerwear, accessories, and plus size.
DEV NOTE: Insert Motique storefront photo / product images
Urban Lifestyle Brand specializing in vibrant men's and women's styles and accessories. Known for Bruno Capelo hat collections.
DEV NOTE: Insert Q Vibes Style Essentials storefront photo / product images
Atlanta's only rage room. Smash, bash, and destroy items in a safe environment. Mobile rage room available. 100% recycled. Located at NBWSM.
DEV NOTE: Insert GoHam Rage Rooms storefront photo / product images
Tax and credit services for NBWSM community members.
DEV NOTE: Insert S and B Tax storefront photo / product images
Apparel vendor at NBWSM.
DEV NOTE: Insert Sirrapwear storefront photo / product images
Fashion collection vendor at NBWSM. Trinity from St. Louis had her first physical store with Trinity Organics at the market.
DEV NOTE: Insert St. Louis Collection storefront photo / product images
High-quality organic loose leaf teas. Health and wellness mission with donations to local food banks. Compostable and recyclable packaging. Founded on taste, love, and enjoyment.
DEV NOTE: Insert Tea Amour storefront photo / product images
All-natural carrot-based hot sauce. Plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, low sodium. 6 flavors. Proceeds support the Abundant Favors Foundation — scholarships, medical costs, laptops for foster kids.
DEV NOTE: Insert Toni's Spicy Mama Hot Sauce storefront photo / product images
Walnut-based meat replacements. Created by Deborah Fleming from WOW Factor weight management classes at Wonderland Gardens. Mission: fighting obesity through plant-based alternatives.
DEV NOTE: Insert WalnutLife storefront photo / product images
Health-focused juice bar. Smoothies, acai bowls, kale wraps, salads, wellness juices. Owner Alisha Williams transitioned to alkaline vegan diet after postpartum depression — now empowering her community.
DEV NOTE: Insert Y.O.L Juice Market storefront photo / product images
Hair care products and services at NBWSM.
DEV NOTE: Insert Hairreau storefront photo / product images
Beauty products and services.
DEV NOTE: Insert Crystal Knows Beauty storefront photo / product images
Star Status retail store. Jeff managed 10-15 people.
DEV NOTE: Insert Star Status storefront photo / product images
Content Strategy
Theme: "Come, See, Shop" — 24 events/month × 3 months × 3 publish points × 5 media types = 1,080
come
see
shop
Business Strategy
Comprehensive pricing guides were created for every service category — audio, video, graphic design, software engineering, and CAD drafting — with hourly rates, per-output rates, and quarterly adjustment percentages.
$0
Basic resources, 1 free consultation/month
Service discount: 5% · Merch: 5%
$29.99/mo
Unlimited consultations, exclusive tutorials, priority booking
Service discount: 10% · Merch: 10%
$59.99/mo
Personalized project assistance, premium tools, private networking
Service discount: 20% · Merch: 20%
Government Contracting
Weekly opportunity searches on SAM.gov and Georgia Procurement Registry. Attend city council meetings for upcoming project intel. Network with Stonecrest City Hall for local contracting opportunities.
NAICS Codes
Registrations & Resources
Autodesk
Built out stores for vendors inside the old Super Target building. Sold space to pop-up shops and permanent members. Managed a food court (Aaron's Market Feast).
Daily Autodesk Usage
Sponsorship Request — No Response
Thomas and Teron sought an Autodesk software donation/sponsorship for Complementary Intelligence. The application detailed how they would use Media & Entertainment Collection, ReCap Pro, MotionBuilder, the AEC Collection, and the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection to empower the community, develop educational content, design sustainable infrastructure, and build renewable energy solutions. The application fell on deaf ears — no response — despite two young minorities being responsible for maintaining a 125,000 sq ft facility, often there every day after hours.
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Photos: Store buildout floor plans (AutoCAD), facility maintenance drawings, vendor space layouts in Revit
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Funding
Some investor meetings devolved into shouting matches. The vision was clear, the technology was built, the community impact was undeniable — but minority entrepreneurs seeking capital face a different reality. Doors that should have opened stayed shut. Meetings that should have led to checks led to arguments. The funding never came.
$50,000 — $100,000
Early access, website recognition, quarterly updates from founders
$101,000 — $500,000
All Seed benefits, annual strategy roundtable, direct product involvement
$501,000+
All Growth benefits, advisory board seat, first option on future rounds
Pitch Competitions — Never Launched
Quarterly pitch competitions for minority entrepreneurs. Finalists would present to local business leaders, investors, and industry experts. Winners would receive grant money, in-kind services (legal, accounting, marketing), mentorship, and free workspace.
The pitch competitions and incubator programs were planned, documented, and ready to execute. They never gained traction — surrounded by city leaders, yet nothing moved. Typical politics as usual.
Incubator Program — Never Funded
Duration: 6-12 months
Like the pitch competitions, the incubator program was fully designed but never funded or launched.
What Was Lost
The hardest parts of this story — what was destroyed, what was never funded, and what is being sold off today.
The Podcast and YouTube Deletion
Teron Wallace deleted the shared email account and removed the podcast from YouTube. Months of content production, community building, and contact cultivation — gone. All the guest contacts, subscriber data, and hard work evaporated overnight. But Thomas held on to the original files. The recordings still exist. The Blacker The Market Podcast is not dead — it is coming back.
Revenue Reality
Total revenue from all operations: $1,000. Two customers acquired at talent showcases — $500 each. That was it. Everything else was free. The podcast was free. The studio sessions were free. The marketing was free. The technology consulting was free. Two people ran a 125,000 sq ft operation with $1,000 in total revenue.
The Market Being Sold Off
Today, NBWSM is being sold off. The facility, the vendor spaces, the amenities, the named streets — all of it. This is why preservation matters. When the buildings change hands, the story of what happened inside them must survive.
Celebrity Connections
Despite the challenges, some notable figures came through and contributed to the energy and visibility of NBWSM.
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Photos: Celebrity appearances at NBWSM events — Khaotic305, Lil Scrappy, Lucky Johnson
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Digital Presence
Social media and digital platform strategy developed for NBWSM across multiple channels.
Engagement-driven content, event promotion, live broadcasting
Visual storytelling, influencer partnerships, hashtag campaigns
Trend participation, educational content, user interaction
Professional networking, corporate partnerships, recruitment
Vendor spotlights, testimonials, workshop previews, podcast
Theme nights, cross-promotion with market vendors
Events Hosted
Events that brought the community together at NBWSM. Paint & sip nights, fashion shows, talent showcases, town halls, and more. Many more events were planned but never gained traction — surrounded by city leaders and politicians, yet nothing moved.
IMAGE GALLERY PLACEHOLDER
Photos: Event fliers — Paint & Sip, Black Business Bash, Harvest Festival, Youth Camp
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
VIDEO PLACEHOLDER
Video: Event highlights reel — crowd shots, performances, vendor interactions
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
The Campus
Inside the 125,000 sq ft campus: retail stores, a food court (Aaron's Market Feast), pop-up shop spaces, the Content Corner studio, Pink Lion Jazz Club, Big Mama's Porch, the Greenwood Stage, and more.
$300
2-hour recording session focused on bass-heavy tracks, optimized for EDM, hip hop, and other bass-centric genres. Equipment: Studio Monitors, Mackie Thump 15 Loudspeakers, Keyboards. Sound-isolated corner with bass traps and sound conditioning.
$200
2-hour live radio recording or broadcasting session, post-recording edits, and ready-to-air files. Equipment: Dynamic Mics, Universal Audio Twin X, Yamaha HS7. Direct line connectivity across from NBWSM Radio.
$180
1-hour professional photo shoot session optimized for personal branding or headshots. Equipment: Backdrops (white, black, green), 4 Umbrella Lights, 1 Large Ring Light.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Pink Lion Jazz Club interior
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Big Mama's Porch + Yard event space
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Photo: Food court — Aaron's Market Feast vendors and setup
DEV NOTE: Content ready for upload
Preserved History · Generational Resource
Thomas D. Smith II and Teron Wallace poured their time, skill, and energy into this market — sleepless nights, no pay, no praise, no appreciation. They ran the Creators Corner podcast and music studio as free services for the community. They trained vendors on AI, built their websites, shot their ads, sent their emails, and organized 40 events a month. They formed Complementary Intelligence to formalize that service. They built The Debutant Ball to use music as a bridge. They designed a 9-app technology platform, wrote pricing guides for every service, pursued government contracts, sought Autodesk sponsorship, pitched to investors, and documented everything — for constant refinement and improvement. Every vendor listed here is a real minority-owned business. Every event happened. Every word from Mr. Allen is exactly as spoken. This page exists so that families, community members, and future entrepreneurs can know what took place at the New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest, Georgia.
For when there is a 3rd New Black Wall Street — take the lessons learned.