In the past 4 years, I’ve cut my teeth strategizing & writing award-worthy, revenue-increasing, results-snatching copy. And what really lights my fire is writing for woman-owned and BIPOC-led brands. I’m talkin’ the first day after a braiding appointment type of excited! Energizing them to go big with their bold ideas so that when launch time happens, the world thinks “OMG FINALLY, I’ve been waiting for something like this.” And giving them the tools to diversify the market.
Running your own business can get lonely. Doing it all yourself until you make enough to hire people for a small team. Trying to figure things out as you go along, while the anxious little voice in your head whispers “What if this fails?” over and over again. That’s why having an online community is so important.
There’s too much isolation in entrepreneurship hustle culture — it’s all GO GO GO, get that bread, and do what ever you can to make it happen. But genuine relationships that lift you up as you go along aren’t built that way.
We need an inner circle of like-minded people that are in the same boat, that share our values, and that we can connect with authentically. Sure, you can make acquaintances with business owners — but the soul-deep relationships with fellow small business owners is where it’s AT.
Being a business owner can get really hard. Months can go by where you don’t make any money, get any inquiries, or sell any products. And that can really affect your self-esteem and wellbeing. But having a support system of people that share the same challenges is so transformational. You can give each other emotional support, share resources and wise lessons that could make a huge difference!
Being a business owner isn’t all hunky dory, nor does it look one type of way. You need to find your people who share the same experiences, understand you on a cultural level, and affirm that you deserve to be here. You don’t know how quickly you’ll tell yourself you’re a fraud until you start trying to make your small business a thing and don’t see anyone who looks like you doing it. Representation matters, and makes a world of difference.
“Eat your wheaties to grow big and strong.” Well, the same goes for your business — except in this case, the “wheaties” are a strong, strategic, and growing network. Expanding your network, collaborating with business owners on products, and having a network of referrals that bring you clients and/or customers is a vital part of a growing business! Plus, you’ll be able to learn new things and tap into opportunities that you wouldn’t have gotten without that network.
You can build an online community on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook, industry-specific groups, in-person and virtual industry events, and professional networking events! Personally, most of my online community comes from Instagram and referrals — with a bit more coming from Threads — and that works for me!
No one ever liked a spam DM that started with “hello” and ended with “for just $300, I can…”. It’s sceevy and inauthentic. You want to build an authentic online community with:
Speaking as one, it’s DAMN HARD trying to build a successful business while navigating predominantly white spaces. Pair that with the corporate to entrepreneurship transition — something many of us small business owners end up backtracking on because corporate has more stability and consistent income than running your own business.
And no matter how you do business — corporate or on your own — DEI challenges come up. Because, again, these are predominantly white spaces, and it’ll stay that way until we create more representation in the industry, and opportunities for the next generation to enjoy.
You know those business conversations that happen behind closed doors? The ones where real strategies, lessons, and experiences get shared—the things you don’t always hear about on social media?
I’m excited to say that I’ll be speaking at They’re The Best, an event all about bringing those conversations front and center.
Ashleigh Keith from Standard Operations and I are getting into:
🙆🏾♀️ The unique challenges of being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces
💼 Practical insights on going from corporate to running your own business full-time
🎨 DEI programs getting axed across the nation, and more
No boring presentations, no VIP upsells, no gatekeeping—just real talk with some of the most brilliant entrepreneurs I know.
Early bird pricing is only $97 right now, and you’ll have lifetime access to every conversation.