We recently connected with Arriel Biggs and have shared our conversation below.

Arriel, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

We at Young Biz Kidz serve an underserved community of young African American entrepreneurs at the heart of what we do. Let me tell you a story that sheds light on the challenges they face, why it’s crucial to support them, and how our brand endeavors to make a difference.

Meet Mikey. he’s a bright, driven 16-year-old African American boy with a good understanding of how to make money and a dream of starting his own vending machine company. Despite his talent and determination, Mikey encounters numerous barriers on his entrepreneurial journey. His school lacks resources for entrepreneurial education, and there are few mentors or role models who look like him in the vending industry. Access to capital is also a significant hurdle, as traditional funding sources often overlook young entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds.

Mikey’s story is not unique. Across the country, countless African American youth face similar obstacles. Yet, their success is not only essential for their fulfillment but also for the broader economy and society. By supporting these young entrepreneurs, we can foster innovation, create jobs, and promote diversity and inclusion in the business world.

When we created Young Biz Kidz, we recognized the untapped potential of African American youth entrepreneurs like Mikey. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. We offer mentorship programs, workshops, and networking events specifically tailored to their needs. Additionally, we partner with organizations that provide access to funding and educational resources, helping bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity.

Through our efforts, we aim to empower all youth with a focus on African American youth to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. By investing in these young innovators, we not only enrich their lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and vibrant economy.

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

As the proud mother of two remarkable young entrepreneurs, Mikey and AJ, I embody the resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in possibility that characterize the essence of entrepreneurship. My journey has been marked by challenges, from navigating single motherhood in the projects to overcoming bankruptcy and battling cancer twice. Yet, each obstacle I faced only served to fortify my faith and fuel my purpose.

Mikey, at just 16 years old, has already made waves in the business world with his book “Mikey Learns About Business,” inspiring young aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Meanwhile, AJ, at the tender age of 9, is breaking barriers with his book “Pink Cupcakes For A Cause,” proving that age is no barrier to making a positive impact.

Through my groundbreaking program, “The Young Influencer Blueprint TM.,” I provide mothers with the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to empower their children to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. With my refreshingly relatable advice and proven strategies, I serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for mothers everywhere.

My impact extends beyond my own family. Through my nationally acclaimed nonprofit, Young Biz Kidz Day, I am empowering youth in my community to break socioeconomic barriers and realize their potential as future leaders and innovators. By instilling the values of entrepreneurship and financial literacy in young minds, I am shaping a new generation of innovative thinkers and creators.

I am not just a visionary; I am a catalyst for change. My unwavering passion for building a legacy through entrepreneurship is fueling a movement to empower mothers to step into their power, unleash their faith, and own their genius. By teaching my children to dream fearlessly and limitlessly, I am planting the seeds for a powerful legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

In the world of business, there is nothing quite like the invincible spirit of a mother. I embody this spirit in its purest form, inspiring mothers and children alike to dream big, defy the odds, and create a future filled with endless possibilities.

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

During the pandemic, I experienced a devastating loss when my stepfather succumbed to COVID-19. His passing hit me hard, especially since I had anticipated his return home from the hospital and a full recovery. He was a healthy middle-aged man and a dedicated STL firefighter, but unfortunately, that was not to be.

Amidst this personal tragedy, I found myself facing professional challenges as well. In April 2021, I had made the decision to expand Young Biz Kidz Day nationwide, with plans to establish chapters in six other states by July 15th. We had garnered support from mayors and elected officials, and preparations were well underway. However, in May 2021, my stepfather was hospitalized, and his condition deteriorated rapidly.

As I juggled the responsibilities of coordinating, planning, and training a group of moms from six different states to run a YBK Marketplace, I watched my stepfather fight for his life. Tragically, on June 15th, 2021, he passed away, and we laid him to rest on June 28th, 2021. The grief was overwhelming, and I contemplated halting the launch of Young Biz Kidz Day.

However, the incredible team of moms I had assembled refused to let me give up. They rallied around me, insisting that we proceed with the launch and carry on the legacy of service that my stepfather had instilled in me. Their unwavering support gave me the strength to push through the pain and continue with our plans.

Despite the emotional turmoil, we launched Young Biz Kidz Day successfully, and our efforts garnered attention from Nickelodeon, who decided to feature our work on a national level. I am forever grateful to the team of moms who stood by my side and refused to let me quit.

In the midst of adversity, it’s important to remember the value of self-care and healing. No matter how resilient we may be, taking time to grieve, rest, and prioritize our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being is crucial. As parents, our children rely on us to show up as our best selves, and nurturing our own health ensures that we can continue to support them effectively on their journey.

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

“There’s an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ It’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Growing up, I was always told not to share my business ideas because others might steal them. So, for the first five years of my business journey, I operated under the belief that I had to do everything on my own.

But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. As I began to open up and share my ideas, I realized that people were more willing to help, offer connections, and provide valuable feedback to improve my business. It dawned on me that I needed to change my mindset.

I started seeking out opportunities to surround myself with like-minded individuals, seeking mentors, and scheduling regular meetings outside of my daily business operations. Investing in coaching was a game-changer for me. Previously, I had used the terms ‘mentor’ and ‘coach’ interchangeably, but I soon learned the significant difference. A coach listens to your goals and guides you with a system or process they’ve successfully navigated themselves.

Furthermore, I embarked on a journey of personal growth to develop as a business owner and leader. I surrounded myself with a support circle of individuals who challenged me to become the best version of myself. And as I did the necessary inner work, I began to attract mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations and businesses like Square, Urban League, Junior Achievement, Kendra Scott, and the Build-A-Bear Foundation.

These partnerships not only enhanced my brand’s credibility but also opened doors to new opportunities and expanded my reach. It’s incredible what can be achieved when we let go of the fear of going alone and embrace the power of collaboration and support.”

Contact Info:

• Website: arrielbiggs.com
• Instagram: arrielbiggs
• Facebook: arrielbiggs -The Mom Boss
• Linkedin: arrielbiggs
• Youtube: arriel biggs

Image Credits
Fam Establishment LLC Kingdom Varsity media