We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Arrington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I firmly believe that when we prioritize making a positive impact, success and abundance naturally follow. As the saying goes, ‘If you build it, the people will come.’

From a young age, I witnessed the incredible impact my parents had on our community. My father, as a small-town mayor, nurtured and uplifted the lives of our fellow citizens. My mother, an educator, dedicated herself to transforming the lives of her students through education. Their example instilled in me a deep sense of obligation to give back and make a difference. For me, it was never optional.

Throughout my journey in business and in life, I have always centered my efforts on philanthropy and creating meaningful change in the lives of others, particularly young women of color. I firmly believe that the more I embrace my purpose and step into it, the more doors open, and the more resources flow in.

The seeds of my mission were planted and nurtured, leading me to embark on various projects throughout my life and career. My coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work have amassed over 100,000 hours of service. This includes my role as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founding the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founding The Miss Black USA Pageant.

While my work has taken on different forms over the years, my ultimate goal remains unchanged: to empower black women to claim their power, redefine their destinies, and defy expectations. I am dedicated to creating a world where black women can thrive, where their voices are heard, and where they are celebrated for their unique contributions.

Through my coaching, mentoring, and philanthropy, I strive to uplift and support black women in their journey towards success and self-discovery. I am committed to breaking down barriers, challenging societal norms, and creating opportunities for black women to shine.

Together, we can create a future where black women not only survive but thrive, where they are the architects of their own destinies, and where they inspire generations to come. This is my mission, and I am honored to be on this transformative journey.

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.

I am incredibly proud of the impact I have made over the past 20 years, mentoring over 1,000 women and helping them forge powerful careers in media, business, medicine, and law. These women have transcended hardship, abuse, and financial limitations, transforming not only their own lives but also their communities.

My dedication to coaching, mentoring, and philanthropy has led me to serve over 100,000 hours, making a difference in various ways. As a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, I have had the privilege of representing and uplifting communities in need. Co-founding the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa has allowed me to raise awareness and promote health in underserved areas. And as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant, I have created a platform that celebrates the intelligence, strength, and beauty of black women while providing over $750,000 in scholarships to date.

One of my proudest achievements is the nomination and subsequent win of a 2020 NAACP Image Award for my first book, “Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity.” This book was born out of a deep understanding of the unique career challenges that black women face. While black women are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs and the most educated demographic in the U.S., mainstream advice often overlooks our specific experiences. “Your Next Level Life” fills that gap, offering a powerful guide for black women to claim their power, confidence, and opportunities. It has been incredibly fulfilling to see the book resonate with readers and fly off the shelves.

To further support individuals on their journey to their next level life, I now offer one-on-one next level breakthrough sessions. These sessions provide personalized guidance and support, helping individuals step into their power and unlock their full potential. You can book a session through my website at karenarrington.com.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

In my book, Your Next Level Life, Rule #4 “Magnetize Money”, I share how to create all the money you need through grants, sponsors, scholarships, and entrepreneurial gold.

One of my first business funding sources was through a small business empowerment grant. Not only did I receive the funding, but I also received mentorship and a fancy wardrobe. This empowerment grant opened up a whole new world of opportunities. There’s never been a greater time in history for women to become fabulously wealthy. Do we live in a perfect society? No. Is everything fair? No. However, today, more than ever before, women have more opportunities to create wealth.

Money is out there. It’s everywhere. It’s available for you to claim. Billions of dollars in scholarships, grants and entrepreneurial gold are awarded annually and can be found online. Make the Internet your bae.

Nothing is out of your reach. You can buy your dream home, pursue an advanced degree, launch your own business and travel the world—seated in business class. I’m here to tell you, you can have it all.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Losing my job turned out to be the greatest blessing in disguise. I firmly believe that true success isn’t achieved when everything goes according to plan; it’s achieved when we face adversity head-on and rise above it. And that’s exactly what I did.

I vividly remember the day when my boss walked into my chic corner office and politely informed me that I was being laid off. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Initially, I felt shattered, like any alpha female would. There were days when all I could do was gather my strength and form a one-person prayer circle. But eventually, I picked up the pieces and rebuilt my life on my own terms.

Losing my dream job became the catalyst for my transformation into a seven-figure entrepreneur. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but through the hardships, I have learned how to turn obstacles into opportunities. Each setback has become a stepping stone towards my ultimate success.

Today, when faced with challenges, I don’t shy away. Instead, I embrace them with open arms and a determined spirit. I have learned to say, ‘Bring it on!’ because I know that within every obstacle lies the potential for growth and greatness.

Losing my job forced me to pivot, to reinvent myself, and to discover my true potential. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of self-belief. I am now living a life that I never could have imagined if I had stayed within the confines of my comfort zone.

So, I am grateful for that pivotal moment in my career. It propelled me towards a path of empowerment, success, and fulfillment. It taught me that setbacks are not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities.

I am excited to continue embracing challenges, pivoting when necessary, and creating my own path to success. Because I know that with each pivot, I am one step closer to achieving my dreams and making a lasting impact in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: karenarrington.com
• Instagram: @karen_arrington
• Facebook: @karenarringtonempowers