3 Successful Boss Women Share Advice On Starting Your Own Business, Timing, & Expansion
Historically, men have held the power in the business world, but women are changing the game up - especially minority women. Starting your own business and being an entrepreneur is not easy. Most businesses fail within the first few years and some fail within the first few months.
According to a U.S. Census Bureau from 2015, women are starting businesses at one-and-a-half times the national average. More specifically, women are starting nearly 1,300 businesses a day — almost double the average from the prior year.
I recently caught up with three successful female entrepreneurs and they gave me the scoop on how they started their own business plus more much needed advice. Here are their major keys for entrepreneurial success.
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Shante Bacon, Founder & CEO, 135th Street Agency
When it's time to move on, you will know. Trust your gut.
In my past life, I worked in the music business at Def Jam for 8 years and resigned to build my current firm. I come from a really long line of entrepreneurs - my mom and grandmother both owned their own businesses. I knew it was in my blood to own my own business. Not to mention while at Def Jam I felt like after a while my genius wasn't being properly used at the label. I started having that Sunday night anxiety when I knew Sunday night was coming up and Monday wasn't too far behind. I knew I didn't want to continue working at a job that I felt that way about so I talked to my mentor about it and my mentor told me that maybe my job had run its course. She told me in life, some things just run their course.
Before I decided to officially leave Def Jam, I started my current business as a side hustle. At that same time, I was working on Kanye's album The College Dropout. I didn't do much work on my business until I left Def Jam.
Years later, my firm is 11 years old as of January 5th. My business, 135th Street Agency, is a strategic communications and experiential firm. We handle everything that is communications and PR driven. From media coaching to custom message and outreach, press releases, engagements, and ambassador recruitment just to name a few are covered under my company. Over the past 11 years, some of my clients have included Disney, Paramount, The Oprah Winfrey Network, WE tv, BET, and VH1.
If I could do it all over again, the one thing I would do differently is approach entrepreneurship more like the general market. I didn't learn this until I started raising venture capital money, taking classes, and taking professional development courses. I would also wait 1-2 yrs to build my resource plan so that I can start my business with the money that I would need to expand it when ready. One thing that I learned is that hiring is very expensive so when starting business you have to think ahead and think about what you will do if your business expands before you are ready.
For a new entrepreneur, I think that once you can, you should have the following on your team: a really organized administrative person, a really quality HR person that has your back, an attorney, a social media person that understands the science behind engagement with other people, a publicist, and a marketing person.
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Tracy Nguyen, Founder & Managing Partner at Industry Public Relations
It's never too late to start a business.
While studying fashion design in 2000 at the Fashion Institute of Technology I worked at Vivienne Westwood's flagship store at the time in SOHO. Their in-house PR office was downstairs in the same building on Greene Street so it would be frequented by celebrities, press, and stylists. I was one credit shy of completing my associate's degree when I was approached with an opportunity for an assistant position at People's Revolution. Not understanding in that moment what a publicist job was, I accepted the job offer thinking that it would only be temporary and a great way for me to learn a different side of the fashion business that I could apply towards launching my own line one day.
I ended up working at People's Revolution for 2 years where I moved up from assistant to account executive. I learned from my boss at that time that no job should ever be too small. I also learned the importance of being incredibly detailed and that clients appreciate when you over-communicate with them - and that I also needed thick skin in order to make it in this industry.
Later, after joining 5WPR where I eventually became a Senior Vice President, I was responsible for managing a team within my group, clients, and signing new businesses. A few years after that, my PR firm Industry Public Relations was created.
I have learned the importance of leading by example, always following through and that there is a difference between working hard and working smart.
15 years later still in the business, I look back and think that one of the most valuable lessons learned is the importance of having integrity in your work and being honest when you can't do something.
I also learned it's never too early to start working towards your goal of owning your own business, but make sure that while you're working for others that you are learning and absorbing as much as you can, especially from their mistakes. Last but not least, when I started my own company, I didn't have any funding. When starting a PR agency, really all that you need is a computer and a phone. There is no need to spend money on massive overhead costs such as furnishing and maintaining an expensive office. I worked from home for the first few years and as my business grew and a need for an office space and hiring of employees became necessary, I adjusted accordingly.
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Tiffany Hardin, Founder of Gild Creative Group, She Knows Now, & Social ARMM
Self-love and confidence are the keys to success.
I worked under Mona Scott Young as her assistant, and then later worked for an advertising agency under Steven Stout called Translation. I was 27 when I was at that agency and decided I would make the switch and become an entrepreneur. I felt like I was young so I should go and just fail now and fail early. If it doesn't work, I felt like I could always go back to a job. I didn't really have that much fear around it. It was more like I should do this entrepreneur thing now while I don't have life's responsibilities. I didn't have a mortgage, kid, a husband - those type of things.
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I was very loyal to the agency that I was at.
For me it was a situation where I needed to decide who I was going to be loyal to - me or the company.
I started my company in 2011 and I was still working at my agency. I left the agency in the last quarter of 2012 to start Gild Creative Group (GCG). In addition to GCG, I have She Knows Now which is my women's interest organization, and my upcoming tech startup called Social ARMM ( Social Asset Research and Media Management).
With Social ARMM, it's an idea that's been in my head since 2006. I was in college at that time and really it wasn't the best timing for Social ARMM. I think that's what a lot of people have to realize - you will have inspired thoughts all the time but it may not be right time to activate those inspired thoughts.
In regards to She Knows Now, I'm really involved and I'm really grateful for my managing editor - she keeps my mind right, keeps me accountable. She also is just as passionate about the work that we are doing. The work that we are doing is so important because I believe that you can be self-conscious but still confident. You can be sort of this bad ass woman, super fly, but still not have confidence. Confidence is something that you have to truly dig deep for and it takes a lot of work to do that. You cannot fake confidence. It is or it isn't there.
I think for a lot of women, we do a good job at faking it. But at the end of the day, we need to continue to work on it. For example in work when I get anxiety, it's because I'm not confident. It means I wasn't prepared. Even when we as women go into conversations about work and salary and feel less confident, it's because we are not prepared. So having the confidence to speak about what you do well is about finding inner strength and resting on that because it's the foundation.
Self-love and confidence is the foundation and every other experience that you have is built upon that - whether that is work, love, or just knowing your worth. How can you know your worth without being confident? How? How Sway?
One of the things that I learned is that you have to write the story to your own life. You have to change your perspective. Also you have to manage your time. If your spirit is stuck on this business you want to start, then just do it. If you have a 9-5 then best believe from 6-9 and then 5-9 you should be working on that business. What are you willing to do? What is the time you are willing to give?
If you are a current entrepreneur, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs on starting out? Share your insights below!
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty