We were lucky to catch up with Ernisha Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ernisha, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The Spark of an Idea
The journey began with a simple yet powerful idea in 2019: to create a platform to empower and connect Black-owned businesses across Virginia. This vision was born out of a deep-seated need to support economic growth and provide a unified voice for Black entrepreneurs in the region. On January 28, 2020, we legally registered the VA Black Business Directory as a business.

From Vision to Action
Once the idea took root, the next step was to transform it into reality. The initial phase involved “just doing it”; there was no extensive research but rather the drive to take action on behalf of the Black Business Community. We knew some of the challenges they faced and the resources they needed to thrive based on conversations through our previous marketing company.

Building the Foundation
Once we decided to create an online directory, the focus shifted to building the infrastructure, which included a website, mobile app, and printed directory. This involved setting up a small but mighty team of three women passionate about the mission. We worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive directory that would serve as a central hub for Black businesses in Virginia, not forgetting about DC and Maryland; the Directory was opened to all small businesses within the DMV.

Overcoming Challenges
The journey was not without its hurdles. Securing funding was a significant challenge, but through persistent efforts and community support, we gathered the necessary resources through membership dues, sponsorships, grants, and event profits. We also had to navigate legal and administrative processes to establish the directory as a recognized entity, which later evolved into trademarking the VA Black Business Directory and, eventually, in 2023 and 2024, transitioning the organization into the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation and adding the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

Launching and Growing
The launch of a chamber was pivotal, announced at our Annual Virginia Black Business Expo event that brought together business owners, supporters, and partners. The response was overwhelmingly positive, validating the hard work and dedication that went into the organization’s development. Post-launch, the focus shifted to expanding the chamber’s reach and impact, continuously seeking feedback to improve and adapt to the community’s needs.

Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience. It was about more than just creating a directory; it was about building a community and fostering an environment where small businesses could flourish. This experience shaped the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and reinforced the importance of perseverance and vision in driving meaningful change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ernisha M. Hall, and I am the Visionary, Founder, President, and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC). My story is one of passion, persistence, and a commitment to empowering Black-owned businesses. From the start, my mission was clear—to address the challenges faced by our community, provide the resources needed for success, and bring people together to create lasting opportunities.

I hold a BA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as well as a Master of Business and a Master of Social Work. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Business with a specialization in Entrepreneurship at Walden University, which allows me to deepen my understanding of innovation and effective strategies for economic empowerment. My education has been foundational, giving me the tools to excel in business and the drive to create systemic change.

The Virginia Black Chamber Foundation was born from my realization that Black-owned businesses often lack visibility and access to critical networks. I started this movement with my wife, Tracey J. Hall, as a way to fill that gap. Initially, we created the VABlack Business Directory (VABBD) to connect business owners and consumers across the state. Over time, it grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, evolving into the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation and later the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. Today, we proudly serve over a thousand members and growing.

Our Chamber is about more than just building an organization—it’s about fostering a community where entrepreneurs have the tools, visibility, and support they need to succeed. Through initiatives like The Statewide Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference, we’ve created a platform where Black entrepreneurs can connect, showcase their businesses, and forge partnerships. The Annual GovCon Conference focuses on helping small business owners break into the government contracting space, which is essential for expanding their reach. Additionally, our business accelerator program provides mentorship, education, and funding opportunities tailored to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses sustainably.

I take great pride in crafting these initiatives to be responsive to the unique needs of our community. For me, what sets the Chamber apart is our focus on listening—each program, event, or service is designed through collaboration and feedback from the entrepreneurs we serve. This approach enables us to solve real problems, whether it’s lack of funding, limited networking opportunities, or barriers to breaking into larger markets.

Our work has been recognized on multiple fronts, which is both humbling and energizing. We’ve received accolades such as the Unsung Hero Award, as well as multiple resolutions from the Virginia General Assembly in support of our mission. Beyond that, seeing the tangible results—businesses launched, contracts secured, and dreams achieved—is what drives me most. Watching entrepreneurs take their visions and turn them into thriving operations is a deeply rewarding experience.

Beyond my role in the Chamber, I serve on the Virginia African American Advisory Board to the Governor of Virginia and serve on the Board of the Fredericksburg Area Health Support Services (FAHASS). My service reflects my belief in comprehensive community growth—an empowered economy supports every aspect of life, from health and well-being to generational wealth creation.

If there is one thing I want potential clients, collaborators, and supporters to know about the Virginia Black Chamber, it is this—our work is about legacy. We are here to pave the way for today and for generations of Black entrepreneurs. Our mission is to ensure that access to opportunity isn’t an exception but the rule. We believe in innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and we’re committed to creating an ecosystem where every business owner in Virginia feels connected and empowered.

This is not just my career—it’s my calling. I love this work because it changes lives. We’re building stronger businesses and a stronger community together. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level or want to support the incredible talent within Virginia’s Black business community, the Chamber is here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building our audience on social media was a journey of authenticity, engagement, and strategic planning. When we first started, our goal was to create a space where Black entrepreneurs could connect, share their stories, and access valuable resources. We focused on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where we could reach a diverse audience and foster a sense of community.

One of the key strategies was to consistently share content that resonated with our audience. We highlighted success stories, shared educational resources, and provided updates on our initiatives. This not only kept our followers informed but also inspired them to engage with our content. We made it a point to respond to comments and messages, creating a two-way conversation that made our audience feel valued and heard.

Collaborations played a significant role in expanding our reach. By partnering with other organizations and influencers who shared our mission, we were able to tap into new networks and introduce our platform to a broader audience. These partnerships were mutually beneficial, allowing us to amplify each other’s messages and create a larger impact.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay authentic and consistent. Know your audience and tailor your content to meet their needs and interests. Engage with your followers genuinely and make them feel like a part of your journey. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content to see what resonates best. And most importantly, be patient. Building a strong social media presence takes time, but with dedication and the right strategies, it can become a powerful tool for connection and growth.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I think about resilience, one moment in my journey stands out. It was during the early days of building what would become the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. At the time, my wife Tracey and I had just launched the VA Black Business Directory. We had a vision to create something greater, a platform that would empower and connect Black business owners across the state. But transforming this idea into a reality was far from easy.

There was one particular challenge that tested my resolve—funding. We knew we needed resources to scale our efforts and provide meaningful support to Black entrepreneurs, but securing financial backing proved to be an uphill battle. Time and time again, I heard the word “no”, I even had a bank executive ask me “what qualified you to start this organization?”. It felt like every door we knocked on shut before we could finish explaining our vision. The rejection was disheartening, not just because of what it meant for the organization but because I knew how deeply our community needed this support.

Still, I refused to give up. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about finding creative solutions when those challenges arise. I dug deep into my network, calling on friends, allies, and anyone who understood the value of what we were building. I immersed myself in every workshop, conference, and program on nonprofit funding and grant applications. I lost count of the number of funding proposals and pitches I wrote, rewriting them each time to better convey the impact we could make.

At one point, I realized we needed to approach the problem from a fresh perspective. Instead of waiting for large-scale contributions, I focused on grassroots support. We hosted local events, built partnerships with community businesses, and relied on the very network of Black entrepreneurs we sought to empower. Slowly but surely, the tide began to turn. Little by little, we gathered the resources to launch key initiatives, and each small win gave me the energy to push for the next.

One breakthrough came when we received our first significant grant of $98,000 late 2023, and then in 2024, we were awarded a grant in the amount of $300,000. Both grants were funded by GoVirginia Region 6 —it felt like we had reached the summit of a mountain after a long climb. That funding allowed us to launch programs like The Statewide Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference and our Business accelerator initiative. Looking back now, those early challenges taught me the power of perseverance, creativity, and faith in the vision.

Through it all, I kept my focus on the bigger picture. I reminded myself daily that this work wasn’t about me—it was about lifting up the community, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs who, like me, faced resistance and rejection simply because the doors weren’t built for them to walk through.

The experience helped me grow not just as a leader but as a person. I learned that resilience isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about refusing to quit when the answers aren’t immediately clear. Today, when I stand at one of our Expo events or hear stories from business owners who’ve benefited from our programs, I know every setback was worth it. Resilience gave me the strength to turn challenge into triumph, and it still fuels my work every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vablackchamberofcommerce.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vablackchamber
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vablackchamberofcommerce
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-black-chamber-of-commerce/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vablackchamberofcommerce
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/vablackbusinessdirectory/