Today we’d like to introduce you to Brioné Lathrop

Hi Brioné, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Before I embarked on my journey of traveling and living abroad, I ran three companies across distinctly different industries: record production, video production, and wellness and beauty. My life revolved around 60 to 80-hour work weeks, where I was an owner-operator, trading my time for money. While I couldn’t articulate it at the time, I reached a critical moment when I realized that if I didn’t start checking off the goals on my bucket list, I risked getting stuck in a cycle that would prevent me from pursuing my dreams.

That realization ignited my passion for travel and living abroad. Since making that decision, I have lived in six countries across four continents, immersing myself in diverse cultures and experiences. However, during my time overseas, I entered what I now refer to as a “red zone”—a period that forced me to confront my financial stability as I approached retirement. It was sobering to acknowledge that, like 40% of Americans, I faced a retirement savings deficit. This issue is even more pronounced among African Americans, with over 60% affected by similar financial challenges. Understanding this reality sparked an urgent desire to change my trajectory and seek new ways to secure my future.

Recognizing that my salary as an educator wouldn’t provide the financial security I needed for retirement prompted a significant career shift. I turned my focus to real estate, which set me on an exciting path toward financial independence and entrepreneurship. As I immersed myself in the real estate world, I was fortunate to connect with incredible mentors through the Fund Your Freedom Challenge. Their guidance opened doors to business opportunities that aligned with my goals and aspirations.

Inspired by the support I received, I discovered my true calling: empowering others on their entrepreneurial journeys, particularly those who look like me and face similar challenges in navigating financial resources as small business owners. This passion led to the founding of Rhodium Business Solutions, LLC.

However, my entrepreneurial journey began years earlier when I opened my first brick-and-mortar business, the Body Solutions Day Spa in Seattle, Washington. This experience was eye-opening; I encountered systemic barriers firsthand when my landlord, compelled by my race and gender, demanded six months’ rent in advance, despite advertising the space for two months. This disparity struck me deeply, as I knew many African American entrepreneurs faced similar challenges.

With this realization, I felt compelled to create a platform that not only highlighted these inequities but also provided tangible solutions. Rhodium Business Solutions is dedicated to helping female Black entrepreneurs and African American business owners thrive. We offer innovative financial and marketing solutions, guiding them in growing and scaling their businesses, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to succeed.

My journey has taught me that resilience and community support are essential for overcoming obstacles. I am passionate about lifting others up and ensuring that future generations of entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, have access to the opportunities they need to realize their dreams.

As I reflect on my experiences, I am filled with hope for the future. Together, we can break down the barriers that hold us back and create a community of empowered entrepreneurs ready to make a difference. Let’s embrace our journeys, support one another, and pave the way to financial freedom and success.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

One of my biggest obstacles—and one that I am still navigating—is developing a strong presence on social media. Coming from a generation that didn’t share personal lives online, my social media presence was negligible at best before establishing Rhodium. However, I’ve come to understand that a robust social media presence is essential for serious business prospects in today’s digital landscape. As an entrepreneur, I’m continuously working to master this medium, recognizing it as a powerful tool for connection and engagement.

Another challenge many entrepreneurs, including myself, face is generating qualified leads. To address this, I founded Rhodium Leads Solutions, a platform that drives organic traffic and sales for my site and others. This venture reflects my commitment to overcoming obstacles and highlights the opportunities that arise when we confront our challenges head-on. By embracing these experiences, I’m learning to leverage social media and lead generation to propel my business forward, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones for success.

As you know, we’re big fans of Rhodium Business Solutions, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

In a challenging economic landscape where the U.S. dollar has lost 25% of its value since 2020, Black-owned businesses face significant barriers in gaining access to funding compared to their white counterparts. Studies indicate that Black applicants are only about 43% as likely to receive the capital they seek, and those who are funded typically receive 50% less than their white counterparts. According to the 2020 Stanford study, Black-owned businesses received an average of $53,000 in loans, while white-owned businesses received around $110,000. Many talented entrepreneurs are stymied by the very systems designed to support them. At Rhodium Business Solutions, LLC, we are committed to bridging this gap. Our taiored solutions and extensive network of Relation Managers across numerous banks provides our clients with great funding opportunities at higher limits than ordinarly seen by the typical black owned business credit profile. Our comprehensive suite of services includes Rhodium Credit Solutions, a free AI-powered tool that helps enhance credit profiles, making capital more accessible for those who need it most.

Additionally, our innovative Financial GPS model utilizes Velocity Banking strategies to empower clients to pay off debt and reclaim control over their financial futures, moving away from outdated 401(k) models in favor of infinite banking, which offers greater financial flexibility and growth potential. Recognizing that even the best products or services need visibility, we also provide Rhodium Lead Solutions, which leverages organic traffic strategies to promote your business. Our blueprint is designed to help you attract qualified customers without heavy marketing costs, ensuring your enterprise not only survives but thrives. With Rhodium, you have a partner dedicated to overcoming funding disparities and equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in today’s economy. Join us in transforming barriers into opportunities and unlocking your business’s full potential.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

As a single female traveler, I’ve ventured to many parts of the world, fueled by the realization that waiting for friends or family to join me would mean I might never leave the U.S. I even shaved my head, shedding a physical representation of societal expectations and embracing the unknown. This journey has led me to celebrate birthdays in extraordinary ways—jumping out of airplanes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, and learning Muay Thai boxing in Thailand. Each experience has reinforced my belief that we are here to grow and challenge ourselves, and you can’t do that while remaining in your comfort zone.

These adventures serve as powerful reminders of the milestones I’ve achieved and the importance of pushing the envelope. As entrepreneurs, we often face similar challenges that require us to step beyond our comfort zones. The entrepreneurial journey is inherently risky, filled with uncertainties and obstacles that can feel daunting. However, just like my travels, it’s in these moments of discomfort that we discover our true potential.

Embracing risk in entrepreneurship allows us to innovate, adapt, and rise to challenges that may initially seem insurmountable. Each setback can become a stepping stone toward growth, much like the lessons learned from my adventures abroad. When we confront our fears—whether it’s launching a new product, entering a competitive market, or seeking funding—we cultivate resilience and creativity.

In the same way that I remind myself of my travel milestones, we must celebrate our entrepreneurial victories, no matter how small. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to learn and evolve, shaping us into stronger leaders and more resourceful problem solvers.

So, let’s embrace the discomfort that comes with entrepreneurship. Let’s push our boundaries, take calculated risks, and rise to the challenges before us. By doing so, we not only foster our own growth but also inspire others in our communities to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Together, we can create a culture of resilience and empowerment, where stepping outside our comfort zones becomes the norm, leading to extraordinary achievements.

Pricing:

• Business Funding is 10% of funds received. Customers only pay after they have been awarded funds.
• Free AI Credit Restoration
• Rhodium Lead Solutions $7
• Rhodium Lead Solutins $197

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rhodiumbiz.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brione.lathrop