We were lucky to catch up with Lashae Simmons Ii recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lashae , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school
The most important lesson I learned in school came from a deep internal struggle I faced growing up. I didn’t feel like I truly fit in anywhere. At home, in my predominantly Black neighborhood, I was often told I “acted white” because I didn’t always speak or behave the way people expected. The comments made me feel like I had to prove myself, like I didn’t belong with my own people. And to try and prove myself, I acted out—sometimes through bad behavior, like getting into fights. I was lost, trying to fit into something that wasn’t really me.
But when I went to my private school, it was a different kind of struggle. Here, I was one of the few Black students, and I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough. I was surrounded by people who had different lives, different backgrounds, and I found it hard to connect with them, no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I didn’t belong in either world the one at home or the one at school.
The turning point came when I realized that I didn’t have to fit into anyone’s box. I didn’t have to be what others expected me to be, whether at home or at school. I learned that I could be myself, fully, even if that meant being different from those around me. I didn’t need to prove myself through my actions or behavior, whether it was trying to fight for respect at home or feeling inadequate at school. I just needed to be real.
This realization stuck with me because it helped me understand that my value wasn’t tied to trying to fit in. Whether in my community, my school, or later in life as a business owner and community leader, I learned that staying true to myself was the key to building genuine connections with people. I didn’t need to try and prove anything. I just needed to show up as who I was.
As a mother now, I share this lesson with my children. They don’t need to change who they are to fit in with others, and they don’t need to prove their worth to anyone. The most important thing is to be true to themselves, embrace their own identity, and understand that they can connect with others while still holding on to who they are.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m the founder of Black Wall Street Muskegon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for Black and Brown business owners in Muskegon and the surrounding areas. I started the organization in 2019, while I was actively working as a financial advisor. Through my work, I had the privilege of serving a number of Black-owned businesses, and I quickly realized that many of these entrepreneurs faced common challenges: a lack of financial literacy, limited access to equitable capital, and an inconsistent clientele base.
Seeing these struggles firsthand, I felt a strong calling to help bridge the gap. I wanted to create a space where business owners could find the resources, education, and support they needed to thrive. That’s when I founded Black Wall Street Muskegon. Our mission is to provide the tools and knowledge that entrepreneurs of color need to build sustainable and successful businesses. We focus on offering financial education, networking opportunities, and helping businesses access capital, while also creating platforms to increase their visibility and customer base.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the specific barriers that Black and Brown business owners face. We’re not just a typical nonprofit; we’re a community-driven organization with a strong focus on practical solutions. We don’t just talk about the problems—we take action to solve them. Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship, or creating new pathways for funding, we’re committed to helping our clients overcome those barriers and succeed in business.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation in the businesses we support watching them gain confidence in their financial knowledge, securing the funding they need, and building more consistent customer bases. The growth of these businesses is not just about financial success; it’s about empowering people, uplifting communities, and creating long-lasting change.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that Black Wall Street Muskegon is more than just an organization it’s a movement and lifestyle. We are passionate about leveling the playing field for Black and Brown business owners, and we’re here to provide the tools, the network, and the support to help them thrive. Whether you’re looking to start a business, grow one, or find a more inclusive community, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that just because we’re doing good, it doesn’t always mean that everyone will support us, be happy for us, or understand our vision and that’s okay. Early on, I found myself expecting everyone to get behind our work and appreciate the impact we were trying to make, especially when we believed it was for the greater good. It was hard to accept that not everyone would see things the way we did or be on board with our mission.
What I had to unlearn was to not take it personally. People don’t always have to like us, agree with us, or even understand our journey. As leaders, we’ve learned that our role isn’t to seek approval or to make everyone happy it’s to continue showing up, providing the service, and offering support to those who need it. Leadership is about serving others, even when it’s difficult or when the road isn’t as smooth as we expect. What matters most is staying true to the mission, continuing to offer value, and knowing that the right people will be drawn to the work, regardless of the noise around us.
Have you ever had to pivot?
We are currently in a pivot considering all of the administration changes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Blackwallstreet231.org
- Instagram: BWS231
- Facebook: Black Wall Street Muskegon
Image Credits
Doug Sims