Meet Shyne, the Baltimore Founder Behind Noir’s Community-First Tech Movement

Baltimore, MD — Robin “Shyne” Edwards is building more than a brand; she’s cultivating a community rooted in access, visibility, and empowerment. As the founder of Noir, Edwards is reshaping how technology, entrepreneurship, and community intersect in Baltimore, using lived experience as the foundation for innovation and impact.

Shyne’s journey to entrepreneurship was not linear. Growing up in Baltimore and experiencing incarceration forced her to develop resilience, adaptability, and an ability to navigate systems that were not designed with people like her in mind. Rather than allowing her past to define her limits, she reframed it as a source of qualification—fueling her desire to build tools that help others gain access, visibility, and confidence. Noir became her way of turning lived experience into empowerment, offering entrepreneurs practical tools that help them show up for themselves every day.

At its core, Noir is a community-first tech brand—one where the relationship doesn’t end at the point of sale. Customers who invest in Noir become part of an ongoing ecosystem of support, collaboration, and visibility. The brand actively highlights its community members, amplifies their businesses, and encourages shared storytelling and partnership. By maintaining consistent engagement beyond the product, Noir creates an environment where entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and confident long after their initial purchase.

While digital business cards and smart tools exist across the tech landscape, Noir stands apart through intention and design rooted in real-world entrepreneurship. Created by a founder who is actively building, Noir’s products reflect the realities of networking, self-promotion, and growing a business from the ground up. Its digital business cards allow users to instantly share links, websites, and portfolios with a simple tap to the back of a smartphone, turning everyday interactions into meaningful opportunities and reinforcing a sense of professional belonging.

Shyne’s approach to innovation was shaped by her first business, Get Nailed On The Go, a mobile beauty service that prioritized accessibility and convenience. Through that venture, she experienced firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face, including limited time, visibility, and resources. In 2019, she introduced a smart nail sticker that functioned as a digital business card, allowing users to share information by tapping their finger on a phone. Customer feedback—specifically the desire for a longer-lasting solution—sparked the evolution of that idea into Noir, transforming a successful concept into a scalable, durable tech product.

Community impact is not an add-on for Noir—it is embedded into the business model. The brand supports feeding programs, hygiene kit distributions for people experiencing homelessness, and back-to-school initiatives providing free nail services and essential supplies to families. Noir has also partnered with the Mayor’s Office, YouthWorks, Elevate8, The Greater Baltimore Urban League, and Belmont Elementary, extending its reach across youth, working professionals, and emerging entrepreneurs. These partnerships help connect individuals to tools, mentorship, and exposure that might otherwise be out of reach.

Today, Noir remains a founder-led, growing brand focused on intentional and sustainable expansion. The company currently offers digital business cards, smart keychains, and networking tools, with additional smart products—including smart metal cards—in development. Alongside its product offerings, Noir’s Ambassador Program creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and creators to grow together, emphasizing authenticity, collaboration, and real-world impact over follower counts.

Through Noir, Robin “Shyne” Edwards is building more than innovative tech—she is cultivating a culture of ownership, visibility, and community investment. Her work reflects a broader vision for Baltimore’s creative economy, one where entrepreneurs support one another, share resources, and grow collectively. In doing so, Shyne continues to demonstrate that resilience, purpose, and community-first leadership can create lasting pathways to opportunity.

Learn more about Noir.