Black Businesses Get the Chance to Bloom
Once called the ‘Harlem of the South’, Richmond’s own Jackson Ward was an epicenter for black music, culture and prosperity. By the 1920’s and into the 1940’s, Jackson Ward was a prime example of black excellence, an economically stable and fully functioning city built by and for the liberated.
Like a true boss babe, Maggie L. Walker established the first bank owned by a woman in the heart of Jackson Ward, joining dozens of other black owned businesses such as restaurants, florists, barbershops and medical facilities.
It’s no wonder that I felt inspired by Richmond’s black entrepreneurship and the growing possibilities and opportunity for businesses, but I needed something more to get me going. That’s when I learned about Traffic Sales & Profit (TSP).
I was on Facebook one day and scrolled past a post from Charis Jones (CEO and owner of Sassy Jones) revealing that she would be speaking at something called TSP that year. I had never heard of TSP, but it wasn’t long before I knew I needed to be there.
Founded by Lamar and Ronnie Taylor, TSP is a black owned organization that creates a community for black entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses. Held bi-anually, TSP offers one event in January and one in June. Through events and mentorship programs like Propel and Mastermind, you have the opportunity to receive support and coaching that can take your business to the next level, all while surrounded by other black entrepreneurs (some millionaires, even billionaires) who share your same growth mindset.
Before I arrived at my first conference in Atlanta, I wasn’t expecting anything but your average conference; you sit there, you get some information, and that’s about it. When I walked into that room my mind was blown. The energy and the support was something I had never felt before. We all wanted the same thing, to get our businesses to the top, and we were all here, together taking the steps to get there.
It’s hard to tell small minded people big dreams, and at TSP there are no small minded people. The status quo doesn’t cut it for these folks. They’re not satisfied with simply finding a job, getting married, buying a house, having a few kids and then retiring off their 401k or social security. They wanted more.
Going into a room with 600 or so other black people who were ready to support me and my business was life changing. I’ve noticed so far in my experience as a black entrepreneur that many of us have been convinced there isn’t enough room at the top for us all, pitting ourselves against each other when we should really be standing together. That's what TSP is all about: resisting the urge to look for a ‘handout’ and looking to each other for a ‘hand up’.
The conference lasts for three days with three sessions each day. You’re excited, you’re ready, you’re hype, but there’s so much information and the days are so long: you’re exhausted by the end of it all. On the plane ride home, I couldn’t stop thinking of how to implement all the information I had absorbed into my business. Some of the advice I learned from TSP will stick with me forever:
Start. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away, but you have to get going.
Don’t give up. Even though you see people making it, they have hiccups, they have failures. You’re going to fail, but you have to get up. If you keep going, all those failures will amount to success.
Not everyone who makes millions is a millionaire. This one hurt me to the core, because a part of me wanted to believe it was that simple. You can have millions in profit, but at the end of the day you might not have millions in the bank. That reality check made me look at everyone differently, leaving me more driven than ever.
Everyone hypes up their story, but I like it when people keep it real and tell the truth. It's not easy at all to be an entrepreneur, let alone a black female entrepreneur; but it is possible. Confidence without faith is dead.
There is no better way to celebrate black excellence than by supporting black businesses. In the past few years it seems like the world is waking up to the truth we face everyday. As more people become aware of the injustice and inequality facing black people, the more they want to help, for whatever reason that may be. As black entrepreneurs, this is our time to capitalize on a moment of change. As society shifts and support spills over, the opportunity for black businesses to bloom is as present as ever. Here are a few in Richmond worth checking out this Black History Month.
The Te Spot
A passionate provider of healthy teas, the Te Spot is all about teaching the world about the health benefits and healing powers that can come from teas, herbs, tonics, soaps and herbal bath scrubs and soaks.
Brewer’s Cafe | 1012 Hull St.
With locally Virginia sourced coffee beans, Brewer’s Cafe is a business setting down solid roots in the Commonwealth. Offering sandwiches, fresh roasted coffee and cold pressed juice, Brewer’s is a go-to destination for a morning in Richmond, and the night life is lit, too. Go check them out in their new space in the heart of Blackwell, where they’re featuring new menu items, a full bar and a performance stage.
Pop of Confetti | 3422 W Cary St.
Pop of Confetti offers a curated selection of one of a kind and artisan crafted gifts for the positive people in your life. Featuring 15+ brands and businesses from other women, Pop of Confetti is a great destination for supporting multiple small businesses at once. Pop in and see them between Burger Bach and McDonald’s next time you find yourself in Carytown.
Flowers at Play
Established by two young, hungry, black female entrepreneurs, Flowers at Play provides youthful and unique pieces for the part of you that needs to bloom. From necklaces to tote bags, the collections featured on Flowers at Play’s website and Instagram are sure to make you smile.
KIPM.org
Kingdom Investments Prayer Ministry’s primary focus is Intercessory prayer, with a mission and passion for the good word of the gospel, but they also run a black owned business whose proceeds in part go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From T-shirts, to candles, to prayer calendars, KIPM.org has got you covered in good grace.
Wishing you confidence, happiness, and love.
Xo,
