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

Lynisha, appreciate you joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

One day I was sitting in my office on campus when the entire building shook. My first thought was an earthquake. Before I could even piece together what was happening, one of my staff ran up to me, wide-eyed, and said, “The roof just collapsed.”

I froze for a moment. Surely they couldn’t mean our building? The building I had prayed over for 1.5 years? The one where I envisioned breaking barriers for entrepreneurs like me? I rushed outside and walked to the second building, my heart pounding. When I saw it, my worst fears were realized: the roof had caved in. It was sitting in the middle of the floor, leaving nothing but the open sky above.

I stood there, staring at the wreckage, feeling a mixture of fear, disbelief, and overwhelming anxiety. What would I do next? How could I recover from this? My thoughts raced: Was anyone hurt? Could someone be trapped under the rubble? Thankfully, we soon confirmed that no one had been inside. But the questions didn’t stop. I had fought so hard to secure this building, and now it felt like everything was falling apart—literally.

The cause? A clogged roof drain. Of all things, a bird had nested in the drain, blocking it completely. When it rained, water pooled on the roof, and the weight eventually became too much for the structure to bear. A small, seemingly insignificant problem had turned into a massive disaster.

Fixing this would require a completely different level of perseverance. Estimates to retrofit the building ranged from $500,000 to $1 million—money I didn’t have. I didn’t have credit. I couldn’t get a bank loan. And I didn’t have a wealthy friend to bail me out. For seven years, I bootstrapped every step of the way, scraping together resources and refusing to let go of the vision I had for that space.

After seven years of hard work, not only did I raise enough capital to restore the building, but I also raised $2 million to pay it off entirely. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, but it taught me the true meaning of perseverance. I had to rely on sheer determination, community support, and an unshakable belief in the dream I had for that building. It wasn’t just about a roof—it was about creating a place where entrepreneurs like me could break through the barriers that hold so many of us back.

Now, when I look back, I see that moment as a defining point in my journey. Yes, it was devastating. Yes, it felt insurmountable at times. But it also shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today—resilient, resourceful, and relentless in pursuit of a vision. And now, standing in a fully restored, fully owned building, I can truly say the struggle was worth it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Lynisha Senegal, and I am a passionate entrepreneur, consultant, and advocate for economic empowerment and community development. My journey into this work has been deeply personal, driven by my desire to create opportunities for individuals and businesses that often face systemic barriers. With over 20 years of experience in accounting, business management, and organizational leadership, I’ve built a career focused on creating pathways for success, particularly for underserved communities.

I first entered my industry as a problem-solver. I noticed that many small businesses and nonprofits struggled with compliance, strategic planning, and access to funding—issues that often stifled their growth. I wanted to be the bridge that connects these organizations to the resources and strategies they need to thrive. My work spans consulting for business formation, compliance services, and policy advocacy to leading innovative projects that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen communities.

My brand is rooted in empowering others to succeed. Whether it’s helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting a business, assisting nonprofits in aligning with regulatory standards, or advocating for policies that promote equity, my goal is always to remove barriers and foster sustainability. My unique approach combines technical expertise with an emphasis on relationship-building and community engagement. I believe that success is not just about achieving financial goals but also about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

I’m most proud of the acquisition of Vision View, a 33,000 sq ft business center, which I transformed into the largest small business incubator in the Central Valley. This space has been a catalyst for change, supporting the launch of over 160 businesses and providing technical assistance to help countless others scale up. It embodies my vision of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is more than just a business—it’s a mission. I’m committed to creating innovative solutions tailored to the needs of my clients, whether it’s scaling a business, navigating regulatory hurdles, or creating impactful community initiatives. What sets me apart is my ability to combine technical know-how with a deep understanding of the human side of business. I approach every project with empathy, creativity, and a relentless drive to see others succeed.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my work is about transformation—helping businesses and individuals turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or a community advocate, my team and I are here to support you in achieving your goals and creating lasting impact.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Before the pandemic, I realized something profound about myself: I would freeze up when I had to present or speak in public. It wasn’t just stage fright—it was deeper than that. I felt an internal conflict every time I saw my name written out, especially in professional settings like Zoom calls. My name, spelled Laneesha, carried layers of insecurity for me. I’d been conditioned to believe that my name—and by extension, my identity—didn’t belong in spaces where leadership and influence were celebrated.

On Zoom calls, when I muted the screen or hid my name, something shifted. I felt empowered. Without the visual reminder of my name, I found my voice. I was articulate, confident, and capable of commanding attention. It became clear to me that years of hearing people mispronounce or make assumptions about my name had left a mark. Growing up, people told me my name was “too black” or “too ugly,” and those words chipped away at my confidence.

Then I decided to take back control. I changed the spelling of my name to “Lynisha.” It wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was symbolic of the woman I was becoming, the leader within me. For the first time, seeing my name in this new light inspired me to speak up, to contribute, and to own the space I was in. This shift was monumental. It felt like I was shedding years of conditioning, the layers of doubt placed on me by others.

One of the most transformative moments in this journey came when I participated in a leadership course with Paul Swearingen. That course helped me unravel the conditioning I’d grown up with—the beliefs that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t belong, and that my voice didn’t matter. It was through this process of unlearning that I discovered my resilience and my worth. I learned that my name, whether spelled one way or another, didn’t define my ability to lead or succeed. What defined me was the strength and determination I had cultivated over the years.

Earlier this year, I was inducted into the State Center Community College District Wall of Honors. Standing there, receiving that recognition, I realized something powerful: it wasn’t my name that earned me that spot—it was the resilient woman I had become. Changing the spelling of my name was a step in reclaiming my identity, but the honor came from my perseverance, my growth, and my ability to overcome.

Today, I embrace my journey and celebrate the leader I am. My story isn’t just about a name—it’s about transformation, resilience, and becoming the woman I was always meant to be.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

One of the most stressful and defining moments in my journey as a business owner came when I had to find over $11,000 in just a few hours to keep the power on at the building I had worked so hard to maintain. Managing a 33,000 sq ft business center isn’t just about providing space for entrepreneurs—it’s also about the day-to-day realities of running such a massive operation, which includes paying enormous utility bills.

At one point, I received a shutoff notice from PG&E. They were about to cut the power, and I was staring at an $11,000 bill that needed to be paid immediately. The pressure was crushing. Without power, everything would come to a standstill—the businesses relying on the building, the entrepreneurs working to build their dreams, and the vision I’d poured so much into. It wasn’t just a bill—it was the livelihood of everyone connected to that space. I managed to get it paid right on time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.visionviewca.com
• Facebook: Lynisha Senegal
• Linkedin: Laneesha “Lynisha” Senegal