We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tenora Edwards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tenora, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As the founder of the Pink and Black Honors, Tenora Mia Consulting, and the Minority Resource Networking Expo, I am thrilled to share with you the profound story behind the mission that drives our organizations.

I started educating people about entrepreneurship after a tragic accident in 2015 that cost the life of my younger brother. He was a crafty entrepreneur but did not have the proper training and education in his field which cost him his life. From there, I have made a personal goal to teach and connect with other entrepreneurs about the importance of education about entrepreneurship.

The Pink and Black Honors began with a vision to celebrate and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit within our community. Inspired by the journey and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, this mission is deeply personal. It stems from a belief in the transformative power of recognition and support for those who dare to dream and create.

Tenora Mia Consulting, an extension of this vision, aims to provide comprehensive consulting services to entrepreneurs and start-ups, guiding them through the complexities of business with tailored strategies. The mission is fueled by a passion for fostering growth and success in every entrepreneurial endeavor whether you are starting or aspiring to scale.

Our newest venture, the Minority Resource Networking Expo, was born out of a commitment to address the unique needs of minority entrepreneurs. This mission is driven by the understanding that diversity and inclusivity are not just buzzwords but essential elements for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

I also created a book called “The Other Side of Entrepreneurship” in which I shared the stories faced by different and real entrepreneurs. This book serves as a guide about the experiences of different people and entrepreneurs and the triumphs, trials, and stories that made them successful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started educating people about entrepreneurship after a tragic accident in 2015 that cost the life of my younger brother. He was a crafty entrepreneur but did not have the proper training and education in his field which cost him his life. From there, I have made a personal goal to teach and connect with other entrepreneurs about the importance of education about entrepreneurship.

I founded Tenora Miá Consulting in 2022. It is a business consulting firm with 25 years of experience in starting, building & expanding profitable businesses. TMC helps entrepreneurs & business owners achieve their business goals through education, tools & guidance. With years of progressive experience partnering with clients, I have created positive practices, and provided guidance toward business excellence. Additionally, an expert in transformational change initiatives, mentorship, business startups and support, and Consulting for business start-ups, I am committed to excellence.
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I have provided mentorship & support to numerous companies such as Avert Sanitation and Cleaning, Mary Mac Child Development, Vitaman Kandie LLC, Responsive Instruction For Success and Education (R.I.S.E) Coaching and Consultant, and Sain Wellness just to name a few.

Additionally, I have founded the Pink and Black Honors. The Pink & Black Honors is a premier black-tie awards gala where the BIPOC entrepreneur community and businesses who empower and align with the goals of BIPOC communities are elevated and celebrated. On Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at Severance Music Center, the Pink & Black Honors gala will amplify the impact and importance of these innovative business founders with a night of networking, and an awards ceremony with celebrity and special guests.

I am most proud of my ability to create spaces for people to grow, celebrate, and colloborate. These spaces specifically aim to support and create opportunities for entrepreneurs.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the face of life-altering challenges, I found myself at a crossroads. The sudden passing of my accountant, who had been managing my financial affairs, left me in a precarious situation. The loss extended beyond the emotional turmoil; it led to legal complications due to the inability to retrieve crucial documentation.

This unfortunate event unfolded in the same year that I lost my brother, compounding the difficulties I was already navigating. The weight of the circumstances made giving up seem like a tempting option. It was a moment of profound despair, an intersection where the easy path was surrender.

However, within the depths of adversity, a spark of resilience ignited within me. Despite lacking formal education in finances and having entrusted this critical aspect of my business to another, I was determined not to let this setback define my entrepreneurial journey.

The loss became a catalyst for self-discovery and an opportunity to tap into untapped reservoirs of strength. I had to believe in my own capabilities, embracing the challenges as a chance to grow and evolve. It was a turning point that demanded a shift in perspective, an unwavering belief that I could navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship on my own terms.

Amid the chaos, I realigned my focus and, with unwavering determination, restarted not just my business but my entire life. The journey was far from easy, requiring a complete reset, a recalibration of my goals, and a steadfast commitment to my entrepreneurial vision. This experience taught me a valuable lesson that transcends individual struggles. Resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a lifeline for entrepreneurs, particularly those in the early stages. When resources are scarce, and the path forward is uncertain, it’s the resilience to adapt, pivot, and rebuild that becomes the driving force.

My story stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, an inspiration for fellow entrepreneurs facing their own trials. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there exists an untapped reservoir of strength waiting to be unleashed. The journey is never linear, but with resilience as a guiding light, the possibilities are endless.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In a pivotal moment of my life, I found myself at a crossroads while enrolled in a police academy. As a single mom, the pressing need to be present for my children became paramount. Faced with the challenge of balancing the demanding schedule of law enforcement training and the responsibilities of motherhood, I realized a significant pivot was necessary.

The decision to pivot wasn’t a choice made lightly. The financial constraints of securing childcare services pushed me to explore alternative paths. I embarked on a journey that would redefine my trajectory and set the stage for a remarkable transformation. My initial steps involved gathering my children’s toys and scouring garage sales for items that could be resold. With a commitment to providing for my family, I navigated through goodwill donations and strategically sold these items. The funds accumulated became the seed capital for my venture into early education, marking the inception of a significant pivot in 2003.

Over the past two decades, this initial pivot has evolved into a thriving business generating a seven-figure income. The journey was undoubtedly challenging but through strategic shifts and continuous adaptation, I turned a pivotal moment into an opportunity for growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: pinkandblackhonors.com; tenoramia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinkandblackhonors/
• Facebook: facebook.com/pinkandblackhonors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenoraedwards/