Being "Cool" isn't Enough - An inside guide to Black Owned Business + 5 Easy Considerations

This week on a Zoom call, something really struck a nerve. The topic was culture, and what company culture means from the outside in. I'm currently in transition at The Nappy Bohemian from just taking design projects to building a full lifestyle brand I can get behind. I'm seriously building ("trying to build" is no longer in my vocabulary) something that supports the livelihood of clients, community, and family. Growing a business sometimes feels... clueless? Even if you are clear on WHAT you envision, it's not the same as knowing HOW to make that happen in the long term. When you are figuring your business out as a woman, the world is less forgiving. For a Black Woman, let's be real, there is NO ROOM to make mistakes in building your business (even though that's impossible). The hustle has to be real. I can go on and list from here how fucked up that is, but i'll save it. For now, i'll just dabble in what I have the most control over right now, and what i've learned so far. I'm building a brand worth the mentions. Not just as a Black Owned Business, but as a business period. It's also worth it to say that the hinderance isn't because you are Black. The hinderance is White supremacy, but I digress (chill Tiff, chill).

What does that mean though? Have you ever had a great idea, started it, but there just wasn't enough heart pulling you to continue? Shit got hard, and something else felt easier?How do you grow? How do you attract clients, be genuine, post on social media, be motivated, drink water, take care of personal responsibilities etc for the long run. My new tagline for the Nappy Bohemian, "Designing a Life Worth Twerking About", is a lifestyle goal defining my whole strategy. For you and for me. I'll explain.

You know that moment when you hit a small win, and you stick your tongue out a bit and hit a lil move? THAT is my business and life goal for the both of us. When you walk into a space that I designed for you, I'd want you to hit that lil' move for yourself. Have a moment of self care indulging in my Shea Butter body oil candles? Feel good and hit that lil' move. How can I continue to create those small moments over and over again so that I can have something sustainable in the long term. I always think about how can I enhance my client experience. How can I make my branding better. How can I respond faster. How I can also embrace the culture of us all.

As Kanye would say, "You don't have the answers Sway". News flash, I don't either. What I do have is experience, and a mission I can be completely transparent about. Here are 5 ideas that I have thought about, that is currently preparing me for continued growth.

I can only share this with you because I value transparency. I hope you found this helpful, and i'm excited to hear all about it. Until next time, chat soon. Make sure to subscribe for more, and be on the lookout for more content like this.

Thank you!! :)