Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makisha Boothe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Makisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s take a stroll on memory lane, back to when you were an apprentice or intern. What’s a memorable story from that time that you can share with us?

When I think about my early days as an intern, it’s like stepping into a different world compared to what young folks face now. Today, I see a lot of young people opting for gigs at places like Amazon and Uber. They’re drawn to the flexibility and the pay, and I totally get that. But back when I was in my 20s, things were a bit different for me. I chose a path less traveled, diving into unpaid or barely-paid internships. And looking back, I see how those choices set me apart and paved the way for my future.

You see, while many of today’s youth are looking for immediate financial gain, I was chasing something else – experience, mentorship, and the kind of learning you just can’t get in a typical paid job. Sure, it was tough at times, but the insights and opportunities I gained from working closely with leaders and being in the thick of things were priceless.

I remember starting out at the governor’s office at age 18, working for absolutely nothing. It might not sound like much, dealing with public complaints and learning the ropes of every department, but it was here that I got my real-world education in government and policy. This wasn’t just about adding a line to my resume; it was about building a foundation in public service and governance, and making connections that would benefit me for years to come.

Then there was my stint with the district director of the Denver U.S. Small Business Administration, earning just minimum wage but often staying late and working weekends. My job was pretty basic on paper – handling phone calls and schedules. But what I really gained was a masterclass in leadership from my boss. She was an incredible woman of color in a high-pressure role, and she taught me how to navigate challenges with grace and strength. She took me to business meetings and I was exposed to community leadership, and high-stakes decision-making – experiences I would never have had otherwise.

I also volunteered for a diversity consultant and threw myself into various groups in college, like the student council, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, and the National Council of Negro Women. These roles taught me about leading, about harnessing the power of collective voices, and about making real, tangible impacts. In college, I led a coalition to fight to get MLK day off. It used to be the first day of school at this college.

One of my most memorable experiences was during Obama’s election. I was the caucus leader in my area during the biggest turnout we’d ever seen – over 900 people in a small neighborhood school. It was hectic, challenging, and totally thrilling. I had to figure out crowd management, voting logistics, and ensure everything ran smoothly. It was a lesson in leadership and crisis management like no other.

So, reflecting on all those unpaid and low-wage internships, I don’t see a young person missing out on immediate earnings. Instead, I see a younger version of myself, eager to learn, ready to lead, and laying the groundwork for the leader I am today. I often just went up to powerful leaders who I admired and asked them to let me intern for free for them for a few months. Those early sacrifices, the grind of learning directly from seasoned leaders, practicing skills in real-world situations – they were invaluable. They shaped me, tested me, and prepared me for the challenges ahead in ways that a regular paycheck never could

Makisha, 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?

I’m Makisha Boothe, Founder and Head Business Coach at Sistahbiz Global Network. My roots are in New York City, but my heart and work have found their home in Colorado. Sistahbiz has become a vital learning community and planning hub for Black women entrepreneurs across the nation. We’re proud to serve women in 28 states through our online platform, The Suite.

The driving force behind Sistahbiz was to establish a nurturing space for Black women solopreneurs and microbusinesses. I’ve witnessed the unique challenges they face in entrepreneurship – from systemic barriers like racism and sexism to practical obstacles in accessing capital and technical assistance. Sistahbiz is my response to these challenges, offering a safe space for growth and tangible resources such as coaching, technical assistance, and capital. Our offerings include profit labs, Black and Bankable workshops, and a blend of online coursework and coworking.

In a landscape where America is fixated on chasing unicorns and neglecting Main Street, the quick win has overshadowed the commitment to building predictable growth and a business that serves as a community pillar and a generational asset. The pursuit of the elusive unicorn, often at the expense of nine failed ventures, is not just unsustainable but harmful to our collective. I advocate for a shift in focus: let’s empower the bees and the beavers of the business world. They are the pollinators and regulators, serving the larger ecosystem and making everyone better off because of their work.

To this end, I’ve concentrated on creating a strategic ecosystem to nurture and cultivate high-performing Black-owned businesses. Our suite of coaching and support spans business planning to credit restoration, with a focus on entrepreneurs committed to the years it takes to build sustainable growth and success. This responsible approach to entrepreneurship pays off not only for the entrepreneur but also for their teams, their communities, and the larger ecosystem. Our methodology is anchored in four key tenets:

Know Your Numbers: We empower entrepreneurs to understand and analyze their business data, turning numbers into actionable insights.

Know Your Plan: We assist them in crafting strategic business plans aligned with individual goals and visions.

Know Your Trauma: We understand the intersectionality of the challenges Black women entrepreneurs face and tailor our support to meet these unique needs.We encourage them to heal from racial, workplace and money trauma while building.

Learn Quick. Learn Cheap. Learn Often: Emphasizing the importance of cost-effective and rapid learning in the entrepreneurial journey. There are a lot people are selling 6-week million dollar frameworks. Our women are digging deep into skill building and rapid learning and improvement as their way to solve the profitability puzzle for their business.

For me, Sistahbiz is more than a business; it’s a divine calling. Every program and coaching session is a manifestation of a vision far greater than myself. A vision of a people who were brought in as slaves but finally find liberation and healing.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

I appreciate this question because it peels back the glossy veneer that social media often casts over entrepreneurship. There’s a common misconception that once you hit a certain revenue threshold, you’ve ‘made it’—life becomes a breeze, and you’re living the dream on a beach somewhere. But that’s far from the reality for most entrepreneurs. Even some of the biggest, most recognizable companies operate in the red. Entrepreneurship is a long, hard, non-linear journey. It’s not enough to be interested; you have to be fully committed – and it is hard work.

I’ve had my fair share of close calls, moments where the future of my business—and my personal life—hung in the balance. I remember being days away from foreclosing on my home, the stress and uncertainty weighing heavily on me. And then, just in time, a significant payment came through. I had to rush down to the county office to save my home. During these times, even my family didn’t fully grasp why I didn’t just ‘get a job.’ To them, it seemed like the logical, safe choice. But they didn’t understand that entrepreneurship is in my blood. I’m a risk-taker, driven by a vision that others might not see. Quitting is not in my nature.

Yes, there have been years where my business hit seven figures and everything seemed smooth. But there have also been seasons where everything felt like a complete mess. That’s the reality of entrepreneurship. But here’s the thing: every week, I receive messages from my clients crossing the six and seven-figure lines. Considering the average Black woman entrepreneur brings in around $27k in her business, these moments reassure me that I’m on the right track.

Every time I lead a coaching call and my client leaves feeling clear and ready to tackle their challenges, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. With each year I dedicate to this work, my own business moves closer to a more predictable, smoother revenue model. I don’t just want 7 figures. I want 7 sustainable, predictable figures and a product that helps Black women break generational curses. I might be taking the long way to the top, and choosing the unsexy work, but the journey is rich with learning, impact and intention. I have a deeper understanding of my customers, my brand, my value proposition, and the legacy I’m building. It’s a path filled with intention and meaning, and that’s what true entrepreneurship is all about.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

At Sistahbiz, we continually strive to deepen our connections with clients and foster brand loyalty, and this is something I’m particularly passionate about. Currently, our members are delving into ‘Retention Point’ for our monthly book study, which offers valuable insights on this very topic. But I want to build on this from a more personal perspective, especially in light of the misconceptions about entrepreneurship I’ve discussed earlier.

In today’s fast-paced business world, there’s a growing emphasis on passive income and automations. While these are undoubtedly important, I believe we must not lose sight of the fact that relationships are not just crucial for business—they’re what make the entrepreneurial journey so rewarding. Unlike those who might view customer interactions as stressful or a checkbox activity, I see them as golden opportunities to serve, connect, and build a family-like tribe that enriches my life.

For me, coaching sessions are the highlight of my week. I intentionally avoid scheduling any other types of calls on my coaching days to ensure I am fully present for the women I mentor. It’s about immersing myself in their struggles, successes, stories, and needs. This level of engagement goes beyond mere business transactions; it’s about building meaningful relationships.

We send birthday cards, on any given week I could be on a hospital visit or at a grand opening, and we celebrate their milestones—be it securing new contracts, or welcoming new additions to their families. We actively foster connections within our community, encouraging members to support and uplift each other. This creates a network where everyone moves forward together…a “sistahood”.

The loyalty we experience at Sistahbiz stems from this way of being. We show up for our clients wholeheartedly, and in turn, they show up for each other. This authenticity is what makes our brand and community so strong and real. It’s not just about business growth; it’s about growing together as a community – through ups, downs, challenges and wins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sistah.biz
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sistahbiz
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sistahbiz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/37521368/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIaDMyS8yOxrt7E3J_ComPA

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/thefemaleshoota/ does all of our photo work. @thefemaleshoota