We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teresa Hernandez-Howe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

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

The mission is to expose Black girls to entrepreneurship, helping them tap into their talents, walk in their purpose and most importantly ensuring they have a clear understanding of their worth. This mission is a meaningful one for me. As a Black woman, I have been marginalized! I have worked for large corporations and oftentimes I had to question my own worth. I was fighting for pay equality, promotions and it is still a current fight. I have a Masters degree in business, with strong work ethics, and a passion to serve others. My leadership competencies have been overlooked, and opportunities were given to other colleagues who did not possess the skills for the job. I have also witnessed a Black woman in a leadership role receive a lower compensation than her direct report who happens to be a caucasian counterpart. I have also heard directly from a caucasian counterpart that she received company severance pay out due to a lay off, whereas Black counterpart was told there is no severance pay. With all of these experiences, and plenty more that I have not mentioned, it was imperative for me to create an organization where I can mentor, empower and educate girls of color on the importance of creating opportunities for themselves. I want them to believe in their dreams, knowing that they can achieve anything they desire.

Teresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the founder of Girls Of Color Take Over LLC, a Wife, Mother, Motivational Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist. My story started at an early age while growing up in Belize, Central America. My culture and background embodies the true meaning of entrepreneurship. I would often watch the women in my life create jobs and opportunities for themselves. This inspired me to become a business owner. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, however I knew that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. My late mother Flora Hernandez was my role model. She was a teacher, serial entrepreneur, and a humanitarian. I was truly inspired by everything she was doing. I learned the true definition of being fearless, resilient, and tenacious.

In August 2017, I went on a mission trip to the Philippines. I had the opportunity to mentor some of the young girls. They had amazing dreams and goals, but did not have the resources and finances to pursue them. My heart was immediately open and I knew that I had to help. My goal was to make a difference and a huge impact on the lives of these young girls. My passion to serve and help was immediately activated. There was work to be done.

My passion to serve and change lives abroad was put on hold. In November 2017, the unthinkable happened, my daughter was experiencing symptoms that were unexplainable. She was rushed to the hospital, and I was told she needed to have immediate brain surgery due to a sinus infection that spread to her brain. I was told she would not make it the next day, and that a decision needed to be made. My daughter had 4 brain surgeries, her bone flap was removed, placed in her stomach for an entire month. My faith in God was activated and today she is living proof that God is amazing and a healer. This has elevated my faith to know that God is still in control, and it was time for me to start implementing the goals and visions that is put in my heart and my spirit.

My focus at that point was on my daughter, ensuring she was recovering to her fullest. As time went on, I remember watching and catching up on the pageants. It was 2109, and Miss World, Miss USA, Miss Teen, Miss Universe and Miss America were all girls of color!!! This was a PHENOMENAL moment in history. My momentum returned and I knew I had to start working on empowering our girls of color from all over the world on the importance of taking their rightful places in any desired field, knowing their worth, and being fearless at becoming whomever they want to be.

Girls Of Color Take Over LLC was established in 2020. The company encourages young girls and women from different backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities to take over their lives, and to take over any industry they desire without having any fear in doing so. I mentor and coach the girls on starting a business from the ground up. This includes registering a name, deciding on the right business structure, trademarking, sales and marketing strategies.

I am most proud of the work I am doing locally and globally to impact the lives of others. I have been recognized for my work in my community and abroad, I will continue to walk in my purpose and the talent that God has given me.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

At the time my daughter was in the hospital, she was in a coma for most of her stay. I would rub her down with oils as a way to help with self care. The essential oils were helping me with my emotions as well as relieving my stress. I started making oils to help with self care by using uplifting and invigorating aromas. I have created body oils, body butter, bath salts and body sprays. This experience gave me the vision to start a body care line that also promotes self care. We need to pour into ourselves before we can pour into anything.

I would love to have a vendor who could manufacture for me. This is my daily prayer. If there is anyone reading this that can connect me with a manufacturer, it would be a big blessing.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting a company is never easy, it often has its ups and downs. It comes with uncertainties and plenty of risk. Access to funding has always been a challenge and still is. I used my own capital to start my business. I had to prioritize what was important, and put a few things on hold financially to pursue my dreams. I used my funds from savings and tax returns to get the business venture going. I have never received any grants or donations from any person or organization. To keep the work going, I welcome funding and donations. I have a non-profit organization that is 501/c3. If anyone is interested in donating, I can be contacted by email at [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: teresaisabel.com
• Instagram: girls_of_color_take_over
• Email: [email protected]