We were lucky to catch up with LyNore James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, LyNore thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

As a business developer, I initially set out to support entrepreneurs on their growth journey. However, I soon encountered a challenge that struck a personal chord with me as a Black woman entrepreneur.

I noticed significant obstacles Black entrepreneurs faced when trying to start a business and the barriers hindering the growth of Black business owners, almost like an invisible ceiling many couldn’t break through.

As my business gained momentum, I started receiving inquiries from entrepreneurs seeking assistance with funding and resources beyond development, which were areas outside my expertise at the time.
I related to these struggles personally, having experienced similar challenges, which led me to conduct extensive research on the barriers and challenges specific to Black business owners.

Unfortunately, my findings revealed a long history of systemic equity and equality issues that persist today. However, they inspired me to take action.
That is why I created The Black Business Exchange with a mission to address the systemic issues that stunt growth and silence the voices of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.

I have created a platform to address the challenges faced by Black business owners and entrepreneurs. This platform serves as a resource hub that caters to their unique needs. It also features a comprehensive directory that spotlights Black-owned businesses and connects socially conscious individuals with them.

Through this initiative, I aim to build a community of like-minded individuals passionate about driving change and promoting social equity. I am committed to finding solutions daily and bridging the equity and equality gap for Black business owners, even though there is still a long way to go. I have turned an unexpected challenge into an opportunity to create a positive impact.

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.

Hello, I’m Lynore Lj James, and my journey into business development began in 2010. In 2012, I took the entrepreneurial leap and started my first business, Empire Influence. My mission was clear: to assist existing business owners in their growth journeys and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to life.

Over the years, I’ve worked with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique dreams and aspirations. Witnessing the success of many of them has been a fulfilling experience. However, amidst these successes, I couldn’t ignore the distinct challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, particularly Black-owned businesses, and obstacles beyond my capabilities to address, particularly with funding and resources.

Being a Black woman and a business owner, I’ve personally faced some of these challenges, which drove me to dig deeper into the systemic issues and inequalities that have plagued Black businesses for generations.

For some time, I worked in the background, doing my best to assist my clients in obtaining the necessary resources. However, I eventually realized that I needed to do more and couldn’t do it alone. As a result, in 2022, I chose to step forward and create The Black Business Exchange.

Now, my daily work revolves around building connections with other socially conscious individuals and businesses. Together, we aim to bridge the equity and equality gap. My primary goal is to provide resources and support to Black business owners that aren’t easily accessible. This, in turn, contributes to creating stronger communities, opening up more job opportunities, tearing down barriers, and reducing the economic disparities faced by minority communities.

My mission has always been to assist business owners in achieving their full potential by identifying obstacles and opportunities for growth. This is why I am passionate about empowering Black business owners to break through barriers and achieve the success they work so hard for and deserve. Although my journey began with a sole focus on business development, it has evolved to encompass a broader purpose of promoting equality, inclusivity, and positive transformations in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that our career path doesn’t have to be a rigid, straight line. I started with a clear plan: build a thriving business development firm and become a leader in business innovation. It seemed like the perfect path to follow.

But life had its own ideas, and I soon discovered that my purpose was much broader than I initially thought. Being a Black woman, entrepreneur, and business owner, I gained firsthand insights into the unique challenges faced by minority and Black business owners. This realization lit a fire in me for social activism and advocacy.

So, I shifted my focus from pursuing personal success in a narrowly defined career track to working towards a larger cause—a cause bigger than my own ambitions. I had to unlearn the idea that success meant sticking to one fixed path. Instead, I embraced the importance of staying open to various possibilities and being adaptable in the face of change.

This newfound flexibility allowed me to evolve beyond a purely business-focused journey. Now, I’m on a path that includes social advocacy and working towards a more equitable and diverse business landscape. Teaching me the value of an open mind and seizing opportunities that align with a greater sense of purpose.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A turning point in my journey came when I founded The Black Business Exchange. I saw a significant gap in both the business and social landscape, and this resonated with my personal values. I had a strong desire to promote economic empowerment and uplift marginalized communities, particularly those of Black-owned businesses. This passion drove me to create the initiative with a clear mission to support the growth and visibility of these businesses, ultimately making a positive impact in their communities and society as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lynore.com
• Instagram: lynorejames
• Facebook: LyNore James
• Linkedin: lynorejames
• Other: EmpireInfluence.com TheBBX.COM