CareNu’s Post

#BlackHistoryMonth The stories of Black entrepreneurs overcoming challenges to pursue a vision are incredibly inspiring. From humble beginnings to global success stories, Black men and women have shown that resilience and determination are key ingredients for success. Let's celebrate the trailblazers who never took "no" for an answer.  #BlackEntrepreneurs #Resilience #SuccessStories https://lnkd.in/gu8y3Vp7

I always make it a point to congratulate women-owned, black-owned, or any small businesses. I don't harbor jealousy towards the success of others. However, I take issue with aggressive marketers who boast about "my seven-figure business" or claim "earn $2000 per day." BEWARE: Please be cautious of scams! Successful individuals typically do not flaunt their earnings. In fact, income is a private matter, and unless there's a feature on a company's success in reputable publications, it's wise not to fall for such claims. I've encountered numerous instances in so-called "business" groups and have chosen to exit them because I strive for an organic, authentic, and professional approach at all times. My business advice and mentoring are always offered free of charge, unlike the contents of my bank account. That is all, as we were.

🥲🥹I applied to the really really great program for black women business owners by a very prestigious company and I didn’t get accepted. I’m pretty upset because I know the fact that I’m a business that also believes in CBD/Cannabis consumption is the main reason I didn’t get accepted. Although I create products that cater to women suffering from bad menstrual cramps, Shea butters and soaps for pain and inflammation. Gourmet Vegan & Gluten free desserts , CBD & Cannabis is still seen as federally illegal and I constantly ask myself do I need to walk away from the industry completely . No matter how many people I influence, heal , encourage, large companies will steer very clear of these businesses. In my interview process I asked , could this effect your decision to male me ONE of 300 women accepted into this program?Grants, mentorship, advocacy is becoming non existent UNTIL they can make money off of it …. BUT GOD , regardless of the frustration, hurt, feeling of setback , I’m a strong believer in Gods timing. I may not understand this rejection but I know the next time the opportunity presents itself I’ll be ready. Nobody realizes the many setbacks financially, spiritually, and emotionally that business owners face just trying to keep going and fighting because they believe in themselves. I’ve still had so many wins this week, that L”S (Losses turned into lessons) remind me of the many blessings God is still aligning. It’s not all figured out yet but in the midst I’ll keep my faith strong knowing it’s gonna work out . In due time everything is making me a better business owner . It’s not all wins in the land of business, I feel we don’t show the downside enough . We tend to make this shit look easy .

Nicola Wealth exec Selena Woo, CFP, CPA, CMA talks about moving the dial on representation and diversity. Read our interview to learn more about her views on work, life and creating a better future for the next generation.

What do you get when you do business with HJI? It’s not just providing extraordinary customer experiences through innovation, performance and value. Being a customer of HJI provides intentional impact and investment in our most vulnerable communities and intentionality to hitting our bold goal of 30% spend with other mbe’s, wbe’s and disadvantaged enterprises. The ecosystem of people, community and customers to be ambassadors and fulfill purpose. 🫶🏽💪🏽👏🏽👏🏽

🚀 Calling All Visionary Entrepreneurs: Women Lift Project's Next Grant Cycle Begins in August! 🚀 As summer heats up, so does the opportunity to propel your business forward! We are kicking off our next round of applications for our transformative Liftee grants. Each grant, valued at $2,500, is designed to enhance the financial, educational, and opportunity landscape for Black women entrepreneurs in Michigan. Applications Open August 1st, 2024 | 5️⃣ Grants Awarded in September Are You Eligible? 🖤 Ownership: Your business must be at least 51% owned by Black women or individuals identifying as women. 🖤 Location and Duration: Your business must be registered and operational in Michigan for at least one year. 🖤 Mentorship: Attendance at a mentorship meeting in May or September is required. 🖤 Financial Transparency: You must have a business bank account with at least 3 months of bank statements. 🖤 Application Requirement: Submit a 3-minute video detailing who you are, your business, and how you plan to use the grant. Ready to Elevate Your Business? 👉 Prepare your application and video presentation to share your vision with us. This is more than a grant; it’s a gateway to new opportunities and growth for your business and community. 🌟 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your enterprise and make a lasting impact! 🌟 🌐 https://lnkd.in/g2P5qBJT #WomenLiftProject #Empowerment #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #MichiganBusiness #BusinessGrant

I had a rude awakening this year: What got me here won’t get me there. Sure, my transition back into consulting was exciting and invigorating. But something differed from the last time I went solo: Business development went digital. ❌ What I know about networking in an analog world isn't going to cut it. I now needed: ✔ Content ✔ Guidance ✔ Community I found it with Leah Neaderthal and the amazing women at the Academy. This is exactly like what happens when a top performer is promoted to their first managerial role. They too often have a rude awakening when they realize that the mindset, skills, and knowledge that enabled their achievements are different from what they need to excel as a people leader. They now need: ✔ To learn how to navigate an entirely new environment ✔ Help applying their new learning to their work ✔ A safe person to practice and share their concerns and ideas with Ready to help a new manager make the leap to people leader? Send me a message and we’ll arrange a 15-minute call to explore the possibilities! ❤️ Many thanks to these amazing women – who lead the way and share their expertise and support endlessly. You are a joy to learn with and I am so grateful! Special shout out to Elizabeth Cohen Beth Saunders Beth Messich, ACC Lisa Sieverts Joanna Lovering, MA Cara Barnes Christine Preziosi Molly Reilly Emma Lewzey Rachel Fry Consulting Meagan Price Leslie Wireback  Anna Schardt Baker Meghan Goff Madlen Medina Brandy (Payne) Zimmerman Lindsey Canant, MA, MBA Megan E. Mozina, Danielle Cooley #AccelerateNewManagerSuccess #leadership #management #learning #entrepreneurship

Consultants, as we wrap up this year, I’ll leave you with what I told folks at the Virtual Holiday Party: The goals you have for this year, for your business, and yourself… To paraphrase Diana Nyad in the NYAD biopic, “You are closer to possible than impossible.” If you’ve gotten through this tough year, if you’re still at it, if you’re all in… your goals are closer to possible than impossible. Sending big love to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with, partnering with, and supporting this year: Cara Barnes , Alexandra Teixeira , Shannon Murray-Doffo , Alexandra Kreager, Christine Preziosi , Shannon Varcoe , Annie Hodges, MA-ODL , Molly Reilly , Emma Lewzey , Paula Brantner , Masha Lisak , Terri A Johnson , Gina Bollus , Kimberly Hays de Muga, GPC , Amanda Day, GPC , Rachel Fry , Lisa Sieverts , Melissa Janis , Maureen Carrig , Meagan Price , Leslie Wireback , Beth Saunders , Elizabeth Cohen, Katie Walter , Beth Messich, ACC, Laura Eigel ,Anna Schardt Baker , Pieta Blakely, PhD , Meghan Goff, Madlen Medina Julie Dye , Shannon Biss , Joanna Lovering, MA , Jennifer Stapleton , Alicia Johnson , Brandy (Payne) Zimmerman, Lindsey Smolan , Lindsey Canant, MA, MBA , Megan E. Mozina , Maureen Stroud , Katie Smith (and others I’ll mention in the comments) Deanna Zammit, Jesse Blackburn, Brittanie Clement Price, Danielle Cooley, Kate Banta-Green, Rhiannon Hendrickson, Tresha Moreland, Yvonnie Williams, Kristen Zavo, Georgia Athanasiou, Anna Marx, Shelby Chartkoff, Megan Howard, Carrie Parrish, Rebecca Goldcrump, Sarah Holdemann, Angela Marino, Annie Foley, Mira Weinstein, Amanda Moncada-Perkins, Ify Walker, Kelly Haywood, Kathryn Janicek, Sarah Jackson, Corey Jackson, Jill Tracy, Heather Inocencio, Jessica Nelson Kohel. It’s been an absolute privilege, and I can’t wait to see you succeed in the coming year. Let’s make it possible. #womenentrepreneurs #womeninbusiness #womenoflinkedin #consultants

When I accepted a Women of Excellence Award from my local Chamber of Commerce, I saw the man who’d repeatedly told me “You’ll never make it” --he was standing at the back of the room.    In an audience of 650+, we locked eyes for about 3 seconds.   And I stood even taller.   When I first started Godfrey Financial Associates, I submitted business to his firm (an agent/broker).   But he simply couldn’t accept I was a woman running a company.   So, his response was to continually put me down by telling me:   - “You don’t know what you’re doing” - “You’ll never make it in this business” - “Work for me and I’ll show you what to do”   I could have listened to him. Put my plans on hold and work for him. Or even quit entirely.   But I didn’t.   Instead, I used his words to fuel my progress.   Building a business is hard, and I needed everything I had back then. Sometimes that’s what you need to do to keep the lights on.   An entrepreneur’s journey is not a smooth ride. Frequently dealing with the lows and challenges are normal.   BUT—don’t listen to people who put your dreams down.   (It’s usually never a reflection on you, but a symptom of their own issues)   Instead, take that next step forward. And the next. And the next. And the next. And the next.   That is what an authentic entrepreneur journey looks like. 

Thank you for shining a light on the significant challenges that Black business owners face today. This article captures the essence of the hurdles we encounter in the economic landscape, and the call for more supportive measures from both the private sector and government is spot-on. At Mosaic Global Transportation, we understand the importance of solidarity and proactive support for minority entrepreneurs. Founding the Minority Limousine Operators of America was one step towards empowering our community, but as this article highlights, there is much more work to be done. I encourage all my connections to read this enlightening piece and join us in fostering an environment where Black businesses can thrive amidst these unprecedented challenges. https://lnkd.in/gNjZN5VV #BlackBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessEquality #MinorityBusinessOwners #EconomicInclusion #SupportBlackBusiness #DiversityInBusiness #Leadership #CommunitySupport #MosaicGlobalTransportation Minority Business News USA (MBN USA)