(ThyBlackMan.com) Lacking the support for our black businesses and developments within the community…
Speaking from an entrepreneur perspective of three businesses, I was once naïve to the intricate approaches of how business developments and growth became successful. Initially, I founded my businesses for the purpose of my community. I for one knew the empowerment of developing businesses within the community i.e. engage local networks, economic growth, employment opportunities and cultivating social justice and equality. But more so, my wanting to build establishments was fueled by the sights of other cultures savvy approach to our communities. The responses received by the black residents have created a domino effect for other cultures to bring beauty supply stores, gas stations, and privately owned banks to every corner of our community.
Let me make it clear, I am not “hating” on anyone putting forth the effort to initiate and develop a business; as it is what it is, a stressful investment that involves meticulous technique and has a high potential to bring monetary gain. And anyone with a business mind will jump to the opportunity of putting their business where growth will succeed if given the chance. However, I am “throwing shade” a little because the community seems to relish in supporting “others” versus supporting and uplifting our own people. The bad part is “they” are aware of this nonsense among our community. This has become such a significant trend that it has surprisingly become a standard norm in black communities. People do not question why black businesses fail in the community, they simply ignore the facts.
Personal Experience
One business of mine was mastering the art of the perfect eyelashes and eyebrows. This was a hot trend in the state of Texas, so I took up training, spent big money on products and became licensed. After researching the areas market, I realized that many residents traveled far to look fabulous. That bit of information prompted me to move forward with my business ideas. I took to twitter and Facebook to introduce my techniques and advertise the business. I was just thrilled to be providing my community with a product of quality and competitive prices from their “own”. And with all the excitement coming from family and friends for my business venture, it appeared I was doing them a favor by bringing a product that was wanted in the community. After all, we have all heard the stereotypes about black businesses: “It always drama”, “they are never on time”, “it is so ghetto”, or “they don’t know how to treat their customers.” Believe me I have heard it all. So I grounded my business to deflect those “labels” and to prove that professionals can derive from the black community.
Business opened with a grand opening with 25% off all products. More than enough people showed out for the event; I was ecstatic. However, a week goes by, three weeks, and then a month and business wasn’t picking up as the numbers suggested. So I formulated a survey to the surrounding residents and gathered the conclusion that my business was a demand and the products and services were exceptional. So my question was, “why were there no customers coming to my business?” With further observation, I noticed the stares, the whispering and the slander coming my way on my accomplishments. Friends, family, and external associates at the pre-opening of the business now were retracting their “talk” about supporting my business. Why?
Analysis
It is a known fact that most people do not react to other people’s success genuinely due to envy, jealousy and/or bitterness towards that person. It has nothing to do with the business-oriented person per se, but the envy stems from their ability to succeed above the rest. Some people do not ration change very intelligently; meaning if someone from the “clique” or community starts moving in another direction from normal protocol, then the others begin to feel neglected or may feel left behind, or that the success of the person will make them better than the rest. But statistically, the reason for people’s reaction to ignoring a black owned business is they do not want to witness another person achieving or reaching for higher goals. Although this analogy seems far-fetched, the truth of the matter is that black community studies show innumerable facts on this particular subject.
We need to wake up and realize that when we come together as a community, we succeed as a culture. For some reason, it appears that we neglect to see how other cultures accept and support their brothers and sisters accomplishments. The reality is we begin to see new developments from other cultures appear rapidly in our communities because of our naïve ways and lack of black on black support. Have we gone brainwashed to seriously believe that we cannot prosper in our own accomplishments? Are we blind to the methods of how successful cultures and communities grow and flourish? Do we have such low standards for our culture, that we would rather see others rise while we struggle to climb the equality chambers? These are serious questions I ask myself every day.
I have not given up on my people. We cannot succeed together, if we continue to leave each other behind without the proper knowledge on how progress is obtained. Truth be told, I relocated my business for growth purposes only; however, my observations have not been absent. I continue to speak on the matter because the issues we bring among ourselves have to be noticed at some point; now rather than later. I am a firm believer in supporting all entrepreneurs; and I will guess my personal experiences have determined that. If it were not for me being very business minded and equally focused on my originating goals, I would have enabled others to influence my fate.
On Another Note
I would encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs and the “3 year breakthrough” entrepreneurs to continue to push efforts and break down barriers. It is hard enough to have to tolerate external disillusions concerning our intelligence and abilities as a Black or African American; but we are also at a disadvantage when our own kinds are “Debbie Downers” to our community’s exertions. I suggest that we continue the awareness of how a collective abandonment to black developments and businesses in the communities are actually hindering our developing welfare.
Harsh Reality
When it comes to business we should listen to the superiors in business developments, but also put forth our own efforts in research. We should not rely on family and friends as initial supporters, but make a conscious decision to eliminate those close encounters, by replacing them with the people who will find our products and services a necessity. As well, we should not disclose our business ideas first-hand to the circle of “kinfolk”, but rather put it off until our success has been implemented and confronted by the real consumers.
We do not want to leave family and friends out of the equation; however, we do not want other obstacles (drama, envy, non-supporters, and discouragers) to get in the way of a real success. From a business mind, most people are systematic cohorts: therefore, one must realize that followers will follow suite when leaders front other leaders up for bait; as home is not where the support is. #HarshReality
Staff Writer; Tameshia Holleman
This talented sister can also be found over at; ButterFly Writes 4TheState.
