"Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and never underestimate the impact you can make on the world through entrepreneurship."
What does being a Black Female Entrepreneur mean to you?
Being a Black female entrepreneur means embodying resilience, creativity, and empowerment. It means embracing my heritage and using it as a source of strength to overcome challenges and achieve success. It means defying stereotypes and societal expectations, while also inspiring others who may face similar barriers.
As a Black woman entrepreneur, I see myself as a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations and proving that with determination and vision, anything is possible. It’s about seizing opportunities, owning my narrative, and contributing to the broader landscape of entrepreneurship with my unique perspective and experiences. Ultimately, being a Black female entrepreneur is not just about building businesses; it’s about building legacies and making a lasting impact on the world.
When the atmosphere becomes challenging, what drives you to keep going?
When the atmosphere becomes challenging, several factors drive me to keep going. First, my passion and dedication to my goals serve as a constant source of motivation. I remind myself of the reasons why I started on this entrepreneurial journey, and the vision I have for the future. Second, my resilience kicks in—After 25 years in business, I draw strength from past experiences where I’ve overcome obstacles, knowing that I have the ability to navigate through tough times.
Additionally, the support network around me, including friends, family, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, provides encouragement and perspective, reminding me that I’m not alone in facing challenges. Lastly, I focus on the growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than setbacks. This mindset shift helps me stay adaptable and innovative, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards my goals.
What advice do you have for Black Women who may be considering entrepreneurship?
My advice for Black women considering entrepreneurship is to embrace your unique perspective, strengths, and experiences. Serving as a mentor for WENYC and serving on the Board of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), my commitment is to entrepreneurship. Here are some key points to consider:
- Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Your unique perspective and experiences can be valuable assets in the business world.
- Find Your Passion: Pursue entrepreneurship in a field that you’re passionate about. When you’re passionate about your business, you’ll be more motivated to overcome challenges and stay committed to your goals.
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about entrepreneurship, business strategies, and the industry you’re interested in. Knowledge is power, and continuous learning will help you make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement along your entrepreneurial journey. Networking with other Black women entrepreneurs can also provide valuable insights and connections.