Black Business Creators: An Ode to Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, we are elevating the voices of Black small business creators by sharing their journey of being a small business owner and the strategies they utilize to promote their business on social media.

Many small businesses are founded on the urge to break free of the restraints of a typical 9-5 job. Incredible journeys of founders and CEOs stand behind the forefront of a brand. Today, we are bringing their back stories into the light. Bruno PR & Social is where it is today from the inspiration of only a few words by our founder Nicole Bruno:

“A close friend of mine reached out to remind me that I am the “Creator” of my own life and that I was made to be a female entrepreneur and business owner. Everything I thought I needed, I already possessed.”

For our Founder, it was a matter of getting out of her own way and believing in and accepting herself for who she is that made all the difference. 

Below is a collection of Black female entrepreneurs who also took the leap of faith to become the “Creators” of their own life. We hope these stories act as a vessel of hope, inspiration, and proof that you can bring your dreams to life!

Alecia Dawn Young

@yogamotif

1. Tell us about your experience as a Black business owner.

My experience as a small business has been similar to most start-ups. There are good days and challenging days. Days of doing great work and days of remaining curious about new ways to support our community. 

As a Black business owner, my experience is more reflective. I remain clear of the sacrifices that paved the way for me to even own a business as a Black woman. History reminds me of the policies that made the pursuit of wealth an act of courage for my grandparents generation. And I'm aware of the sanctioned intimidation that my predecessors faced as I try to honor my calling to this work.

Working in the wellness industry in particular - with Black and brown faces less present in yoga - there is an added layer of holding space, taking up space, and representation that I am mindful of. Although there are more Black yoga teachers today than when I first began my practice almost 20 years ago, I try to honor this growth by holding space for Black bodies in ways that celebrate our humanity. 

2. What is your mission?

To experience the body as magic and invite creativity as a daily, healing, practice.

3. What are some strategies you have used to market your business during the pandemic?

First I took a pause to acknowledge that we're all in this pandemic. I made space for myself to go slow and not feel pressured to run at the same pace as before.

The next steps were very organic - I reconnected with my audience by being transparent about what was happening behind the scenes. I shared when classes were paused, when classes might begin again, and what wellness practices people might invite during this great time of transition. My strategy was to be honest.

4. What is your approach to social media? How do you stand out within your niche?

My approach to social media is to be myself. I don't have a huge social media team at the helm so I don't pretend to be a social media maven. I try to post content that inspires me, keeps me grounded, and might do the same for others.

5. Any closing remarks?

Know that your body is the boss. Speak to it. Listen to it. Let it lead you.

To stay connected with us in the comfort of your own home visit YOGAMOTIF.com for on demand and livestream hatha, prenatal, and pelvic floor yoga classes. 

Kyley Coleman

@blackowned.pgh

1. Tell us about your experience as a Black business owner.

My experience as a Black Business owner has been rewarding. It's fulfilling and powerful that I get to connect and collaborate with so many great black-business owners. I started Black Owned PGH as a social media page, and recently it is now my first, official business. Black Owned PGH is special not only to the community, but to me. It has challenged, motivated and pushed my inner boundaries. I feel like since BOPGH, I have actively gotten better everyday and prioritizing a world I want to live in. It's helped me discover my true passion is also my mission and goal.

2. What is your mission?

My mission is to continue to highlight Black-owned businesses in order to reach economic equity in Pittsburgh. My mission has expanded to organize a way to market Black-owned businesses globally as well (I can't wait to come out with my new project when it's finalized!). Additionally, 2020 has shown me how powerful the Youth is. I'd like to integrate workshops, lessons or even after-school programs where minorities can learn the basics of business and activism. Integrating useful information early could further the greatness of our next generation! In all, I want economic equality. But to reach equality, we need equity first. 

3. What are some strategies you have used to market your business during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, marketing came very easy. I found my audience, posted content they would enjoy and kept it fun by placing a few giveaways in between. I noticed a spike in our page's interactions when I post more interpersonal content. For example, I reposted a local Pittsburgher's review of Dana's Bakery along with a photo. People seemed to love to know Pittsburgh faces a little more and find a hidden gem. I try to keep my audience engaged through Instagram polls and I offer question and concern boxes also. I think my marketing has been so successful because people know it's a collaborative page. Yes, BOPGH is in my name, but we all come up with ideas. We have people volunteer to support, we work towards our missions,  share connections, cycle support and so much more. 

4. What is your approach to social media? How do you stand out within your niche?

I don't think we necessarily "stand out" in our niche. Instead, I think we are now associated with major organizations such as 1HOOD, Cocoaprenuer, BlackYoundEdu and more. So, to work up to the point where we are now, with the help of these experienced people has benefited us greatly for making our mark. People can sometimes be too focused on standing out, whereas for my niche, it works better to stand together. My approach to social media is always transparent, professional and fun! People should know our mission, receive updates on new projects, know where donations have been used to and be a part of the work we are doing. I'm professional and make sure I get out at least 2-3 posts a week along with stories everyday, but at the same time it's fun to add some humor to our comment section or Instagram caption. It makes it feel like a community, not an office. 

5. Any closing remarks?

In all, running a business has been challenging, time consuming and stressful. But, when you love what you're doing it all becomes worth it in the end. I never fully understood "trust the process" until BOPGH; it has brought me so far and I know it will take me and surrounding communities farther as well. I see racism as a reason to succeed, not to fail. I plan to continue to show my greatness!

Alycia Washington

@paint_no_stress

1. Tell us about your experience as a Black business owner. 

This is all very new to me. I have so much to learn and so much to do so things are slow. I noticed that when the world was at the height of BLM, that's when sales increased and I was noticed on social media. As much as that is great, it is unfortunate that it can't be a steady momentum for the brand and not just when a Black representative is needed. Even with all of the setbacks, I enjoy bringing warmth and acceptance to others.

2. What is your mission?

My mission is to ensure that people feel a sense of belonging, help others find their community and to make sure others are aware of creative outlets for therapy.

3. What are some strategies you have used to market your business during the pandemic?

I am not sure if this is a strategy but to continue being me/being real. I am one of many people who are going through depression and anxiety. There are times I can't always show up how I want. I lose followers because of it but those who are truly there for me and my brand remain. 

4. What is your approach to social media? How do you stand out within your niche?

I think this goes along with the previous question. I am always myself. I try my best to be very raw and real with all that I go through in hopes that someone else can relate. Along with my art work, I like to incorporate how the pieces make me feel or what they mean. Most, if not all relate to the state of my mental health at the time. I also have a pop up segment called pAint and Chat where I go on live on Instagram to share what I am working on and what I am thinking about at the time. It is a way for me to interact with my little community in real time.

5. Any closing remarks?

My pAint No Stress community has enhanced my spirits, especially last year. They made me realize the importance of grace and patience. If you do not feel like yourself, please do what I learned and even take it a step further to join spaces such as pAint No Stress or obtain a traditional therapist. What you go through is normal even when the world makes you feel otherwise. 

Maiya x Maya

@maiyaxmaya

1. Tell us about your experience as a Black business owner.

We began Maiya x Maya inspired by the need to create, innovate, and engineer solutions for the girl who always had to "make it work". As Black Women, we often have to create solutions on the fly to challenging issues. This creative problem solving is something we leverage as business owners. 

As a small black-owned business, we feel the responsibility of uplifting others as we rise. We are grateful to have MXM and create a business that can also be a vehicle for change through sharing our time, talents, and resources. We understand that having a platform and influence also comes with the responsibility to steward it well. Since our launch, we have had the privilege to live out our company’s values, creating 2 initiatives focused on COVD-19 relief and STEM education for people of color, donating $370 dollars, volunteering 35 hours, and sewing 65 masks, all in year 1. While this is a modest beginning, we are committed to serving our community. 

2. What is your mission?

Our company's mission: To provide intentionally engineered, quality products that solve everyday challenges for women of color. To serve as active supporters of our community through creative initiatives, donating time and resources.

3. What are some strategies you have used to market your business during the pandemic?

We took bold steps as a company to begin selling our products despite the pandemic. We decided to focus on using this time when our customers are at home and bored to invite them to co-create with us. Co-creation is a "collaborative new product development activity in which customers actively contribute and/or select the content of a new product offering." Through this we are able to fine tune our product offerings and focus our marketing efforts to the product that our customers are gravitating to.

4. What is your approach to social media? How do you stand out within your niche?

We seek to use our platform to focus on building a community and creating content that inspires cultural confidence, amplifies the issues that our customers face, and shares our process. 

MXM is passionate about seeking to further uplift women of color and empower them to be culturally confident. “Cultural confidence:” is a term we created to empower our customers to feel pride in who they are and where you come from. We do this by infusing the authenticity of our culture into everything we produce and highlighting the beauty of underrepresented minorities.

As a Black women-owned small business, we live the challenges faced by our community and are committed to change. Along with developing products that satisfy our customers needs, we use our voices and our services to support the community. Through our initiatives, we seek to bring attention to the concerns of our customers, using our social media platforms to lead and amplify conversations in our community.  We are doing more than just profiting from our customers. We are committed to not only respecting their money, but also respecting the people and their daily needs and concerns. 

We demonstrate our value of transparency, through the use of our platform, Mai Ya Business, as a way to share our journey as small business owners, provide tips to other businesses, and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take a leap of faith. So often we only celebrate the final product of our successes, we wanted to show the authentic journey of entrepreneurship. 

5. Any closing remarks?

Women, especially women of color, know certain environments can seek to minimize our talents and abilities; however, do not be discouraged. Continue to share your brilliance with the world. There is room and space for you and your gifts—this journey of entrepreneurship forces you to bet on yourself. So trust yourself to execute your unique vision and make it work with the resources you have. Don't underestimate the power of personality and be confident in your culture and unique story. Your personality may be the exact thing that creates strong customer connections. Womanhood can be one of your greatest strengths; it is never a weakness. 

We hope that these stories of strong, and independent women with Black owned business act as the catalyst of inspiration for you! We encourage you to find the strength and willpower to tune out all the noise, naysayers and non-believers. Everything you think you need to manifest your dreams, already exists within you. It’s truly a matter of believing in yourself and being ready and willing to put in the work to create the life you envision. If you’re in a toxic 9-5, LEAVE! Never allow fear to lead the way. They say, “The Universe rewards courage,” and Bruno PR & Social likes to believe that we are living proof of that and you can be too.