We recently connected with MzB Worldwide and have shared our conversation below.
MzB, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
I’m a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, and my time there truly shaped the woman I’ve become. I was involved in several organizations that taught me lessons I still carry today. From learning how to dress for success and show up professionally in business attire to mastering my own makeup thanks to my dance and modeling organization—college was where I learned how to present myself with confidence.
But the biggest lesson FAMU taught me wasn’t about fashion or finesse—it was about network and reputation.
I’ll never forget one night outside a popular Tallahassee club called The Moon. My friend at the time was dating one of the biggest DJs in the city, and it was his birthday weekend. We were sure we’d walk right in. But as we stood there in the cold January air, security stopped us at the door and said, “If you know him, call him.” So, she did—again and again—but no answer.
Just when we were ready to give up, the DJ himself walked outside. I thought, Finally, we’re good now! But to my surprise, he looked right past us, smiled, and waved over his real girlfriend and her four friends—and walked them right in while we were still standing outside.
That moment hit me hard, but it taught me something I’ll never forget: it’s not who you know—it’s who knows you.
That one experience changed how I moved in every space after that. I learned to build genuine relationships, to make an impression that lasts, and to show up so authentically that people remember your name even when you’re not in the room.
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 have been an entrepreneur since 2009. I opened my first business, a dance studio in Columbus Ga. I had a recurring dream that I was teaching kids dance and finally when I surrendered to the call, I was literally led to the front door of a dance studio. As life happened I moved back home to Atlanta, I started teaching dance in Atlanta Public Schools but was so unfulfilled and I really didn’t enjoy being in the classroom. So in the background my college friend was building a tax business. He asked me to go into business with him initially but I was afraid. So with my last school system paycheck, I started an Airbnb business! It was amazing! I made 2x my teacher salary in 3 months. At this point I was a single mother travelling and enjoying life when my friend from college asked me what was I doing with all of the money I was making from Airbnb? Really, I was blowing it as fast as it was coming! He offered me a buy in, to his tax franchise who had at that time been growing for 5 years. So I took the leap! Cashed in my Airbnb coins bought into Safe Tax and opened the first office in Atlanta. I was so proud of myself because although this was a new industry business, is business. I also enjoyed helping people get back the money they earned all year. Now we have 4 Atlanta franchisees and have grown into 25 different cities.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
At 38, I thought I was stepping into the most beautiful chapter of my life. I was in love, building a future, and finally—after three years together—we were expecting a baby. I remember the joy of that first sonogram, the sound of her tiny heartbeat echoing like a promise. But at just 13 weeks, my world shifted. The doctors looked at me with eyes full of careful words and heavy truth: Stage 1 Mucinous Carcinoma. Breast cancer.
I was told I’d need a mastectomy in six weeks. I was growing life inside me, yet something inside me was also trying to take mine away.
So, in my sixth month of pregnancy, I lay on an operating table—heart racing, hands on my belly—trusting God and every prayer whispered over me. And when I woke up, sore and scarred, I reminded myself: I was still here. Still a mother. Still a fighter.
Tax season was around the corner, and though my body was healing, my business still called. I showed up to my office every day, swollen and tired, answering clients, filing returns, holding my stomach with one hand and my purpose with the other. I didn’t have time to fall apart—so I built strength out of the pieces instead.
My daughter came early, in March. Tiny but fierce, just like her mama. She spent her first days in the NICU, surrounded by beeping monitors and soft prayers. When I looked at her through that glass, I made her a silent promise: I will survive this. I will live to tell you our story.
And that’s exactly what I did.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation was built on how I treat people. It’s not just about doing great work; it’s about caring for people the right way. When you show up with integrity, respect, and excellence, people remember that—and they come back. I take pride in standing behind every project I touch. My clients know that when my name is on something, it’s done right. Integrity isn’t just part of my business; it’s the foundation of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Themelaninboardroom.com
- Instagram: @themelaninboardroom
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/themelaninboardroom
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/themelaninboardroom
