We were lucky to catch up with Terecka Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Terecka , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
In 2018, I embarked on a journey to create Melanin Solutions, driven by my passion to make a positive impact on our community. Over the years, I worked tirelessly to shape and refine the vision of Melanin Solutions, aiming to address the challenges faced by people of color.
In 2021, I took a significant step forward by incorporating Melanin Solutions as an LLC. This formalized structure allowed me to establish a solid foundation for my initiative and set the stage for future growth and impact.
It wasn’t until 2022 that I decided to reach out to local law enforcement, the FBI, the mayor’s office, and other community leaders to garner their support for a groundbreaking event – the first-ever ‘I Am Accountability Summit.’ This summit aimed to bring together leaders and individuals from various sectors to discuss and address the pressing issues in our community.
In March 2023, the ‘I Am Accountability Summit’ finally came to fruition, serving as a milestone event for Melanin Solutions. It provided a platform to showcase leadership, share insights, and foster collaboration among attendees. The support and participation of local law enforcement, the FBI, the mayor, and other influential figures elevated the impact of the summit and created a powerful collective effort towards change.
Reflecting on the journey, it’s clear that the idea of Melanin Solutions took shape in 2018, but it was through the process of incorporation in 2021, the subsequent outreach in 2022, and the culmination of the ‘I Am Accountability Summit’ in March 2023 that the initiative gained momentum and began to make a significant difference.
As I continue to steer Melanin Solutions forward, I am motivated by the progress made so far and remain dedicated to creating lasting change in our community. Together, with the ongoing support of partners and stakeholders, we strive to build a better future for all.
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.
My name is Terecka Brown, and I am the founder of Melanin Solutions. I entered this industry driven by a strong desire to bring about positive change in our community and address the unique challenges faced by people of color.
At Melanin Solutions, we offer a range of products, services, and creative works designed to uplift and empower individuals while fostering accountability and personal growth. Our initiatives include educational programs, mentorship opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and resources centered around accountability and personal development. By providing these offerings, we strive to address the specific needs of our community and create pathways for individual success.
One of the main problems we aim to solve for our clients is the lack of access to resources and opportunities necessary for personal growth and progress. Through our programs and partnerships, we bridge this gap by equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
What sets Melanin Solutions apart is our commitment to collaboration and working hand-in-hand with community leaders. We actively seek out partnerships with influential figures and organizations within our community to expand our reach and impact. By collaborating with these community leaders, we are able to tap into their expertise, networks, and resources, creating a more comprehensive and effective approach to community empowerment.
I take great pride in organizing the first-ever ‘I Am Accountability Summit’ in March 2023. This groundbreaking event brought together leaders and individuals from different sectors to address the pressing issues in our community. The participation and support of these community leaders underscored the trust and recognition Melanin Solutions has gained.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Melanin Solutions is dedicated to collaborating with community leaders to create positive change. We believe in the potential of our community and are committed to providing the tools, resources, and guidance for accountability and personal growth. Through inclusive partnerships and a steadfast focus on empowerment, we aim to rebuild our communities and forge a brighter future for all.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first started my journey, Melanin Solutions was initially called Melanin Financial. My focus was solely on helping individuals achieve financial literacy and improve their financial well-being. I was determined to make a meaningful impact in this area, as I recognized the importance of financial empowerment within our community.
However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. The global crisis brought about new challenges and highlighted the need for support in various aspects of life. It became evident that there was a greater need for comprehensive assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs and nonprofits who were also struggling during these uncertain times.
Recognizing this shift in the landscape, I made the decision to pivot and rebrand Melanin Solutions. By extending the scope of our services, I aimed to reach a wider audience and provide support beyond financial literacy. The new focus of Melanin Solutions became empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their goals, whether it be through entrepreneurship, personal development, or community impact.
The journey to this new direction was not without its challenges. As I navigated through the transition, I faced obstacles and setbacks. I learned that not everyone would be receptive to the change and that not everyone would align with my vision. It was a difficult realization, but I remained steadfast in my purpose.
Despite the rough road, I persisted and continued to refine my approach. I knew that finding my tribe, my supportive network, and my audience was crucial to the success of Melanin Solutions. Through perseverance and determination, I eventually connected with individuals and organizations who shared my passion for empowerment and community impact.
Today, I am proud to say that Melanin Solutions has evolved into a platform that goes beyond financial literacy. We provide comprehensive resources, guidance, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs and nonprofits, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
This pivotal moment of pivoting and rebranding taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and staying true to my purpose. It reinforced the need to listen to the changing needs of our community and to evolve accordingly. I am grateful for the lessons learned along the way, and I am excited for the continued growth and impact of Melanin Solutions in the future.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
One of my favorite marketing experiences was when I took a risk and targeted the youth, specifically the dance and majorette community, to promote the ‘I Am Accountability Summit.’ I knew that engaging the younger generation would not only empower them but also inspire their parents and create a dynamic atmosphere for the event.
To paint the picture, I decided to tap into the vibrant dance and majorette community, known for their enthusiasm, talent, and ability to captivate audiences. I believed that by reaching out to these young performers, I could create a buzz around the summit and generate interest from both the youth themselves and their supportive parents.
The first step was to establish connections with influential figures within the dance and majorette community. I reached out to dance instructors, choreographers, and leaders of local dance teams, explaining the purpose and significance of the ‘I Am Accountability Summit.’ I highlighted how their involvement could not only provide an opportunity for their students to showcase their talents but also open doors to valuable resources, networking, and collaboration.
The response from the dance and majorette community was beyond my expectations. The enthusiasm and energy of the young performers, coupled with the support of their parents, created a powerful momentum leading up to the summit. Social media platforms were abuzz with videos and photos of these talented dancers, spreading the word about the event far and wide.
On the day of the summit, the presence of the dance and majorette community infused an electric atmosphere. The energy in the room was contagious as young performers and their families joined community leaders, law enforcement officials, and other attendees. The connection between the youth and the broader community fostered a sense of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for change.
In that moment, I felt a mix of pride, excitement, and gratitude. The risk I took in targeting the youth through the dance and majorette community paid off. It was heartwarming to witness the impact of this approach, knowing that we had successfully engaged a demographic that is often overlooked. Moreover, seeing the parents in attendance, showing their unwavering support for their children and actively participating in the summit, affirmed the power of our marketing strategy.
This experience taught me the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing. Taking risks, embracing unconventional approaches, and connecting with diverse communities can yield incredible results. By targeting the dance and majorette community, we not only reached a new audience but also created a memorable and inclusive environment where everyone felt welcome and empowered.
Looking back, I am grateful for this marketing adventure and the valuable lessons it taught me. It reinforced the power of youth engagement, the significance of community collaboration, and the transformative impact that can be achieved when we think creatively and authentically connect with our audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: melaninsolutions.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelaninQueenBoss
- Other: www.iamaccountability.org (DFW’s 2023 Masked Soirée)
Image Credits
images are from the first annual 2023 I Am Accountability Summit