Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gwen Chambers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gwen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Hello, I’m Gwendolyn Chambers, the Executive Director of BlacQuity. When I left my hometown of North Myrtle Beach, SC, in 2008 for Bluffton, I instantly fell in love with the beauty, character, and charm of this vibrant Lowcountry community. To me, community means everything, and that’s why I’m deeply committed to BlacQuity initiatives and driven by a vision for future programming that creates positive change here and now. BlacQuity is a nonprofit organization that strives to empower Black entrepreneurs with resources and access.
The heart of a small business drives our community. In the community of the Lowcountry, we noticed there was no adequate representation of the Black community in small businesses. There could be several reasons why this may be, but we sought solutions to close the gap and provide sufficient resources and opportunities. Some individuals in the community face limited access to quality resources, business connections, training, networking, and coaching, or even their connection to access to capital. Recognizing this disparity, BlacQuity decided to step in and make a difference.
One of our most impactful initiatives is the Black Equity University, a transformative 12-week program focusing on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. To date, we’ve proudly seen 15 Black entrepreneurs successfully complete this program. Witnessing their growth has been truly heartening, as they’ve not only expanded their businesses but also increased their personal income, paving the way for generational wealth and becoming inspiring figures within their communities.
We partnered with community and business leaders to establish BlacQuity and curate the BEU program. Through this collaboration, we provided workshops and courses on entrepreneurship and personal development. The response from the community was overwhelming, with individuals eager to learn and improve their prospects.
One particular young woman named Jamillah caught our attention. Jamillah had always dreamt of starting her own business, but she lacked the necessary resources and access to capital to turn her dream into reality. Through the BEU program, she enrolled in an entrepreneurship course and received coaching from successful entrepreneurs who understood her unique challenges.
With the knowledge and mentorship she gained, Jamillah established her own apothecary business, specializing in organic herbal remedies. Her commitment to quality and sustainability led her to obtain USDA approval for her products, solidifying her reputation for producing high-quality and ethically sourced herbal remedies.
As her business grew, Jamillah expanded her product lines to include a range of teas and elixir products, all created with natural ingredients and crafted with care. Her products resonated with the local community, providing holistic wellness options and education.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to share her products with a broader audience, Jamillah sought opportunities to sell her tinctures and products in other outlets. Through BlacQuity’s network and connections, she secured partnerships with local wellness centers, allowing her products to reach a broader customer base.
With the skills and support she gained, Jamillah was able to elevate her business specializing in holistic healthcare education and products. Her success transformed her life and inspired other aspiring entrepreneurs in the community.
This story exemplifies why serving underserved communities matters. By addressing the lack of resources and opportunities, we enable individuals like Jamillah to fulfill their potential, create sustainable businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities. Our brand, BlacQuity, is dedicated to empowering the underserved Black community, providing them with the tools and knowledge to break down barriers and achieve success.
Gwen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At BlacQuity, we aim to create a supportive and equitable economic ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned small businesses. Our passion lies in elevating, empowering, and promoting these businesses, taking the lead in spearheading crucial conversations and actions to support them within our community.
To address this pressing need, BlacQuity was founded with a clear focus on providing solutions. We recognized that access to capital and resources was a significant challenge for black-owned businesses, so we devised a multifaceted approach to offer the support they deserve. Our flagship initiative, Black Equity University, is a comprehensive 12-week accelerator program designed to equip black entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills, and support to take their businesses to new heights.
As businesses join our ecosystem, they can join our Black Business Directory to showcase and promote their companies, giving them greater visibility and connecting them with potential customers. This directory has become a valuable resource for consumers seeking to support local black-owned businesses and contribute to the community’s economic empowerment.
Another initiative we’re proud of is Motivation Monday, a monthly networking and workshop event. This platform provides a space for local businesses to come together, fostering connections and enabling skill development. We believe that by empowering entrepreneurs to learn from one another, we create a robust network of support within the community.
Furthermore, we established an advisory council that offers coaching and business plan development for black entrepreneurs. This personalized guidance is vital in helping these entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, ultimately ensuring their success and sustainability.
Through these initiatives, BlacQuity is at the forefront of driving change and making a difference in the lives of black entrepreneurs. We are passionate about promoting economic empowerment and providing the necessary resources for these businesses to flourish. By taking decisive action and creating a supportive environment, we are making strides toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Beyond our educational programs for businesses, we are committed to our community involvement through the Roots & Rivers Festival. This event celebrates entrepreneurism, small businesses, and the contributions of the Black community. It provides a platform for local Black food trucks, artisans, artists, and other craftsmen to showcase their talents and engage with the broader community.
To learn more or support the mission of BlacQuity, you can go to https://www.blacquitysc.org, and to participate in The Roots and Rivers Festival, you can visit https://www.rootsandriversfestival.com/.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Early in my career, as I ventured into the realm of social entrepreneurship, I faced numerous challenges, microaggressions, and setbacks. I encountered skepticism from some who doubted the viability of our initiatives and questioned our ability to create meaningful change. Additionally, I experienced funding constraints and bureaucratic hurdles that felt impossible to overcome.
However, these obstacles only fueled my determination to make a difference. I realized that resilience was not just a personal attribute but a mindset that could be cultivated. I surrounded myself with a supportive network of individuals who shared the vision and were committed to the cause.
Together, my support system and I weathered the storms, adapting our strategies and seeking alternative avenues for support. We remained relentless in our pursuit of empowering the Black community and never lost sight of our mission. This journey taught me the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s purpose, even in the face of adversity. It reinforced my belief that resilience is not simply bouncing back from failure; it is about harnessing the strength and determination to continue pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
My journey mirrors the reason why BlacQuity exists. We aim to support underrepresented entrepreneurs within the Black and Brown communities that need access to education and resources to make their dreams come true.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In terms of lessons unlearned, I had to let go of the notion that success is solely an individual achievement.
Early in my career, I was deeply ingrained with the idea that success resulted from individual brilliance and effort. I believed that my personal achievements defined my worth and the value I brought to the table. However, this perspective changed when I realized the power of collaboration and collective impact. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb
Through my work at BlacQuity, I witnessed firsthand the incredible strength and potential of a community united toward a common goal. We work to meticulously have superior supportive partnerships. It was the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and supporters that fueled our impact and allowed us to make meaningful change. I recognized that success was not about individual accolades but about creating a platform for others to rise, thrive and repeat!
Fostering an environment of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared success. It reaffirmed the importance of empowering others and working together to uplift.
As the BlacQuity Executive Director, I am most proud of our positive impact on the lives of individuals like Jamillah and the broader Black community. We have seen countless success stories from our three cohorts demonstrating the transformative power of education, coaching, and economic empowerment. Our commitment to breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities remains unwavering.
BlacQuity is not just a brand or an organization but a movement. We are dedicated to creating lasting change by equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed. Through the BEU program and initiatives like the Roots & Rivers Festival, we foster a sense of community, celebrate Black excellence, and empower, promote, and elevate!
Our work extends beyond education and entrepreneurship. We are committed to addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice, and creating a more inclusive society for all. We invite individuals to join us on this journey of transformation, where we can collectively shape a better future for the Black community and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blacquitysc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacquity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlacquitySC/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacquity-sc-92984122a