This week, we highlight the journeys of three inspiring black women entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights into their experiences as business owners. From their motivations for starting their businesses to their fears and support systems, these entrepreneurs share their stories and provide a glimpse into the world of Black women in entrepreneurship.
Recha Bullock, Founder/Owner at YOLO Health and Wellness, LLC | Columbia, Maryland
When did you realize that you wanted to become an entrepreneur, Recha?
Recha: I organically became an entrepreneur during the pandemic when I could not find cleaning products and body care products easily.
Patricia Bogard, Head of Sound + Scene | Chicago, Illinois
Patricia, how about you?
Patricia: I've always known. Growing up, my grandmother was an entrepreneur and I admired her so much. I however only really started taking it seriously during college. I started my first venture a year before graduating college.
Heather Coleman-Cox, Owner/Operator at BlkChic Productions, LLC | Portland, Oregon
What's your story, Heather?
Heather: It happened for me 20 years ago
The ability to recognize and seize opportunities is a key trait of successful entrepreneurs. It requires being open-minded and a willingness to take risks, but it can also lead to great rewards! By identifying a need in different situations and finding a way to meet it, entrepreneurs like Recha and Patricia have been able to create successful businesses that not only provide for themselves but also make a positive impact on their communities.
Diving deeper into their stories.
YOLO Health and Wellness, LLC - making a difference with plant-based cleaning products
"We are promoters of health equity! We create plant-based products that are not only better for your home and your skin, but better for your health and the environment," said Recha Bullock
YOLO Health and Wellness, LLC is on a mission to make a difference by ensuring that our customers can flourish and clean consciously, without being exposed to harmful and dangerous chemicals in their personal care and cleaning products. We sell plant-based granite cleaners, multi-purpose cleaners, organic botanical body butters, foot butter bars, soaking salts, baby butter, and plant-based room sprays.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Recha: I work full-time during the day in public health and then work on my small business when my business day ends. I sell my products via e-commerce on my website and at local trade shows as a vendor.
Did you have any fears about venturing into entrepreneurship?
Recha: My greatest fear as an entrepreneur is definitely failure!
What does your support system look like as an entrepreneur?
Recha: At this time, I am a solopreneur. I do employ help from family and friends for trade shows.
Visit YOLO Health and Wellness, LLC website
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Recha, we honor you for persevering and building your business while still working a 9-5 job! And we absolutely love that you are not afraid to ask for help from your family when you need it. It is important to remember that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. It is through failures and mistakes that we learn and grow. Keep pushing, sis, you've got this!
Sound + Scene - delivering curated sound experiences for brands and businesses
"Our mission is to create and curate experiences that center pleasure, joy & connection, celebrate art & creativity - and as a Black woman in a male dominated industry, work to change the narrative," said Patricia Bogard.
Patricia's Story: About four years ago, after losing my partner to gun violence, I picked up DJing as a way to process my grief and depression. I didn't plan on doing much with it or sharing it with the world.
However, one day, a friend of mine asked me to DJ her event. I was reluctant and told her that I would DJ a kid's party first and if the kids said that I was "good enough", then I would come DJ her event (because we all know one thing kids will do is tell the truth!).
Thankfully those kids loved me because now I own my own DJ company where I work with my team to deliver curated sound experiences as well as help to create noteworthy events for brands and businesses.
Sound + Scene creates and curates events and sound experiences for brands and businesses.
What does a typical day look like for you as an entrepreneur?
Patricia: A typical day in my life involves me waking up and trying to get a workout in if I haven't already pulled out my computer to scroll through my emails for the day and social media updates (bad habit!).
In the afternoon, if I didn't get the chance to workout in the morning, I like to take an hour to do that, meditate, and decompress. These activities help me stimulate my creativity.
Later in the day, I usually take some time to test new mixing techniques and attend industry events.
What were your greatest fears stepping into entrepreneurship?
Patricia: I think my biggest fear with entrepreneurship is that I will give it my all and still fail. Lately, I've been coping with these thoughts by allowing myself the space to try small things in my everyday life and allowing myself to fail hard so that I can get comfortable with the feeling.
What does your support system look like today?
Patricia: My support system includes my mother, who has been my cheerleader since Day 1 and a close group of friends who pour into me daily.
Your approach to coping with failure is so spiritual and beautiful, Patricia! Failing at times is an inevitable experience for us as entrepreneurs, so the earlier we get comfortable with it, the better. And yesssss to self-care! That's really the key to staying creative and inspired on this journey called life. You are on the right track, girl! Continue killin' it!
BlkChic Productions, LLC - Elegant Outdoor Event Space
"I created my business to give my community an elegant outdoor space for celebrating that can hold up to 90 people. All who have been served are pleased," said Heather Coleman-Cox
BlkChic Productions, LLC is an outdoor event space that holds up to 90 people at a time. We have a VIP section and first-booking promotions. Street parking is readily available and we have several different colors to choose from for decor.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
Heather: As the space owner, I basically ensure that the space is set up per the client's contract and I am always on-site or nearby for any emergencies.
What does your support system look like?
Heather: It's me, my husband a few best girlfriends, and the creator.
What was your greatest fear before stepping into entrepreneurship?
Heather: Not having a customer base was my greatest fear. I combatted that by throwing free events so that the community could enjoy the space and then follow up with bookings. That has worked, but not to the level I desire.
Visit BlkChic Productions, LLC's website
Prioritizing customer support is a key component to brand equity and customer loyalty! We love that you have made that a priority in your business, Heather! While you may not be where you would love to be in this moment, please remember to enjoy every stage of your journey and celebrate your smallest wins! It's only a matter of time before you see the results you are seeking. We're cheering you on.
Recha, Patricia and Heather - thank you for sharing insights into your unique entrepreneurial journeys! It is illuminating to so many others. We believe your stories will serve as important inspirations and lessons for other Black women who are looking to delve into entrepreneurship (or are already on the path). We wish you lots of success and growth as you continue to push forward.
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