Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Barango

Hi Nina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I didn’t always want to be an entrepreneur. In fact, I was focused on building my career as a marketing professional for the longest time. However, like many others during the pandemic, I discovered my passion for supporting small businesses, especially Black-owned businesses. This passion led me to create SoPlugged, a directory that helps connect people to Black-owned businesses in Canada. In the past 3 years, SoPlugged has grown beyond an online directory and blossomed into a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs and creators. As the founder, my focus is to explore all the ways we can provide business owners with the necessary tools and resources to build successful businesses in Canada.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Every small business owner can agree that building a brand is never easy or smooth. Personally, the number one challenge I’ve faced in building SoPlugged is limited resources, and this goes beyond financial limitations. While I’m not yet at a point where I can quit my job to focus on building my business, I often find myself grappling with the continual struggle of attempting to manage my time, mental energy, and competing priorities. The lack of resources makes achieving the growth level I desire for my business significantly harder.

We’ve been impressed with SoPlugged, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

SoPlugged is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses across Canada. Our mission is to address and overcome the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face, including lack of visibility, limited access to essential tools and resources, and the need for a supportive community. At SoPlugged, we believe every Black entrepreneur deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to making that a reality.

What We Do
Comprehensive Directory:
Our journey began with creating a search-friendly directory that connects people with Black-owned businesses throughout Canada. Today, our directory features over 100 businesses, offering a diverse array of products and services to people looking to #buyblack. This directory not only enhances the visibility of Black-owned businesses but also fosters a supportive ecosystem where these enterprises can flourish.

Paid Services:
To further support Black entrepreneurs, we provide a range of paid services to increase their online presence and expand their reach. Our offerings include:

– Website Development: Crafting professional, user-friendly websites that showcase businesses effectively.
– Marketing Services: Implementing strategic marketing initiatives to drive growth and visibility.
Special Initiatives

The Business Mindset Podcast:
One of our most exciting initiatives is The Business Mindset podcast. This podcast amplifies the voices of Black entrepreneurs in Canada, sharing their inspiring stories and demystifying complex business concepts. The podcast ensures that entrepreneurship discussions are inclusive, relevant, and accessible, empowering listeners with knowledge and inspiration to build successful businesses. We’ve just launched Season 2 of the podcast and it’s available to watch on Youtube and listen on Spotify & Apple Podcast.

Events and Workshops:
We believe in the power of community and connection. To this end, we host various networking events, pop-up markets, and virtual workshops. Highlights include:

Annual Networking Events: Earlier this year (February 17), we held our 2nd annual networking event for black entrepreneurs and creators, in celebration of Black History Month, and it was a blast (if we do say so ourselves)! From speed networking to insightful discussions, the event was a hub of inspiration and collaboration. You can read the full recap on our website.

Black Market: This summer we hosted Toronto’s largest market for Black-owned businesses. We had 100 amazing Black-owned businesses showing off their products and services, the community showed up and showed out, with hundreds of people coming through to support and celebrate Black entrepreneurship and the energy was high with live music performances and authentic Naija suya that had everyone smiling and vibing. This event got a lot of popularity and we’re currently planning to bring it back in the fall! Check our Instagram to stay tuned.

Virtual Workshops: Throughout the year, we host virtual workshops designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge to help them succeed. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including taxes, financial management, branding strategy, and more. By bringing experts and experienced entrepreneurs to share their insights, we ensure that participants gain actionable advice and can implement best practices in their businesses.

At SoPlugged, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our mission. Our holistic approach—combining visibility, resources, and community support—ensures that we’re constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our community. We take immense pride in our ability to create meaningful change and empower Black entrepreneurs all around Canada.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?

As someone who discovered my purpose during the pandemic, the COVID-19 crisis imparted profound lessons that reshaped my approach to both life and entrepreneurship. Amidst the uncertainty and upheaval, I learned the importance of starting before feeling fully ready. The pandemic was a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and waiting for the perfect conditions can mean missed chances.

Navigating the challenges of launching something new during unprecedented times taught me to embrace imperfection. I had to let go of the fear of failure and accept that mistakes were inevitable and part of the journey. This acceptance allowed me to innovate and adapt rapidly, learning and growing from each setback. I realized that progress is not about flawless execution but about moving forward, however incrementally, and continuously improving.

Ultimately, the pandemic taught me to live in the present, appreciate the journey, and find strength in vulnerability. It was a confusing yet transformative time that revealed the essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur: to create, to connect, and to persevere, even when the future is uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soplugged.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sopluggd/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sopluggd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbm_pod
• Other: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-market-shop-from-over-50-black-owned-brands-in-toronto-registration-902690169597

Image Credits

Cover Photo Image Credit: Ediri Shot This
Other Images: Olu Vision Media, Ediri Shot This, Olio Studio