Who’s the BRASSY-ist? Our panel of judges selected five inspiring winners for the BRASSYs, our first-ever business awards, designed to recognize and celebrate bold and extraordinary American businesses. We received thousands of entries, spanning all 50 states and representing every kind of business. These businesses shared amazing stories of passion, perseverance, and creativity.
Our judges evaluated the 35 finalists based on vision, innovation, community involvement, and how the businesses delight their customers.
We’re thrilled to announce the BRASSYs winners, here (in alphabetical order):
Boba Guys — Two friends set out to make the best-quality bubble tea and share it with the masses. The Boba Guys’ drinks are made with organic milk, premium loose-leaf teas, and housemade syrup. Starting in 2011 as a pop-up shop inside a ramen restaurant, Boba Guys now has four stores in San Francisco and two in New York, with more to come.
Iconoclast Dad Bags — A dad created these stylish, masculine, functional, hands-free diaper bags for dads. Iconoclast’s motto is “Because childcare isn’t just a woman’s job.” Founded by a retired LAPD officer, the company donates a portion of sales to nonprofits that facilitate after-school programs in Los Angeles.
Get Started with Square Point of Sale.
Point-of-sale software designed to grow with you.
PREP Cosmetics — The first and only dermatologist-founded skincare line for girls, PREP Cosmetics’ gentle cleanser and SPF lotion were created by a dermatologist mom to educate girls about the importance of sun protection and daily skincare. Based in Texas, the company also leads weekly girls’ empowerment workshops.
Smack Dab — This Chicago bakery sells amazing pastries and locally roasted coffee in unexpected spaces and underutilized locations, specifically those under 250 square feet. In addition to partnering with local nonprofits and organizations, Smack Dab cultivates the professional success of its highly diverse staff, focusing on providing women, people of color, and transgender folks opportunities to learn and thrive in a safe environment.
The Other Side Movers — Staffed and operated by ex-felons and former addicts who have committed to changing their lives, this moving company is based in Salt Lake City. It provides outstanding customer service and offers its employees valuable real-life vocational training.
Each of the five winners will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and mentorship from our panel of judges at a one-day Seller Summit at Square’s San Francisco headquarters in January. Our judges include:
- Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code founder and CEO
- Todd Carmichael, La Colombe Coffee Roasters cofounder and CEO
- David Viniar, Former Chief Financial Officer of Goldman Sachs and Square Board Member
- Roy Choi, Chef, entrepreneur, and one of Time magazine’s 2016 “100 Most Influential People”
These grand prizes are in addition to the Business Power Pack worth $2,500 received by all our finalists, which includes products and services from Square and our partners at Twitter, Google Ads, Indeed, Magisto, Avvo, and Vistaprint.
Please join us in congratulating our amazing winners! Thank you again to all the businesses that entered the BRASSYs for sharing your vision and story with us. We wish you all the best in continuing to grow your business.
