Unconventional Expansion Tactics Sworn By these 6 Successful Black Female Entrepreneurs
In this third celebration of Black History Month, I delve into the success strategies of a group of exceptional Black female business leaders. Rising above societal obstacles, they've thrived by embracing a powerful secret: uplifting others.
As a therapist and executive coach, I've witnessed firsthand the benefits of a 'rising tide lifts all ships' mentality. While navigating the murky waters of entrepreneurship can sometimes feel lonely and daunting, maintaining an abundant mindset is crucial for growth.
Let's explore how these trailblazing women have transformed their businesses by pouring their energy into their communities and peers.
Revitalizing Relationships and Opportunities
Ogaga Johnson, founder of Verisult Training and Consulting Inc, experienced the struggles of securing funding as a Black immigrant female entrepreneur. Her epiphany? Instead of focusing solely on financial gain, she embraced the power of collaboration and inclusivity. Johnson encourages other founders to prioritize building meaningful relationships and giving back, as this mentality drives genuine success.
Empowering and Advocating
Alicia White, founder of Project Petals and Blue SKYIE, is a testament to the benefits of community building. She emphasizes the importance of empowering other BIPOC leaders and climate activists, paving the way for sustainable innovation. White's journey of advocacy and mentorship has proven essential in amplifying her impact and creating opportunities for a diverse group of leaders.
Passing on Mentorship and Creating Opportunities
LaKeasha Brown, founder of 1987 Juices, discovered that providing her team with new opportunities not only improves retention but fosters authentic brand promotion. By investing in her team, Brown successfully uplifted her colleagues and her company. She encourages other leaders to stay focused on their values and purpose, driving breakthroughs through intentional actions.
Creating Inclusive Workplaces and Sticking to Your Vision
Catharine Montgomery, founder of Better Together PR agency, experienced adversity as a Black woman in the workplace. Rather than succumbing to toxic environments, Montgomery sought to cultivate an inclusive, empowering, and innovative workplace. She encourages fellow founders to stay true to their vision, trusting in their abilities to create opportunities that uplift others and dismantle barriers.
Building a System that Breaks Down Barriers
Kimone Napier, founder of Hire Breakthrough, launched her talent development firm with a focus on people over profits. Napier saw the restrictions of traditional hiring practices and sought to remedy them by building a more inclusive, equitable hiring process. With her firm's help, she empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs to build diverse, high-performing teams. Napier stresses the significance of redefining excellence and aligning it with a sense of intentionality and collective empowerment.
Leah Dergachev, founder of marketing agency Austley, shares the sentiment that success isn't just about breaking into existing spaces - it's about building your own. She launched a platform that amplifies Black women's voices, inspiring others to join her in breaking barriers and forging their own paths. Dergachev encourages founders to trust in their unique perspectives and leadership styles, paving the way for future generations.
As we conclude this Black History Month series, remember: uplifting others strengthens your growth. It's not about depleting resources, but rather harnessing the collective power to create a more equitable, innovative, and inspiring business landscape.
[1] ['Black Female Entrepreneurs: The Power of Uplifting Others', Harness Magazine][2] ['SOAR Together Program with TIKTOK and Black Girl Ventures', Medium][3] ['The Rise of Black Female Entrepreneurs: Embracing Authentic Leadership', Forbes]
These trailblazing women have highlighted the importance of an 'abundance mindset' in their entrepreneurial journeys during Black History Month. Ogaga Johnson, a Black women entrepreneur and founder of Verisult Training and Consulting Inc., emphasized the value of collaboration and inclusivity. Alicia White, founder of Project Petals and Blue SKYIE, advocated for empowering BIPOC leaders and climate activists.
LaKeasha Brown, founder of 1987 Juices, emphasized the importance of investing in her team and providing new opportunities for growth. Catharine Montgomery, founder of Better Together PR agency, cultivated an inclusive and empowering workplace despite facing adversity as a Black woman in the industry.
Kimone Napier, founder of Hire Breakthrough, focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable hiring process by building a talent development firm that prioritized people over profits. Leah Dergachev, founder of marketing agency Austley, launched a platform to amplify Black women's voices, inspiring others to forge their own paths.
These successful women entrepreneurs have demonstrated that maintaining an 'abundance mindset' can lead to revitalized relationships, empowerment, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive workplaces, ultimately breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of BIPoc leaders.
[1] ['The Importance of an Abundance Mindset for Women Entrepreneurs', Thrive Global][2] ['The Impact of Collaboration and Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship', Harvard Business Review][3] ['The Role of Mentorship in the Success of Black Women Entrepreneurs', Forbes]
