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

Twyla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

As a BIPOC woman entrepreneur, taking risks is an essential part of achieving success. It takes courage, resilience, and determination to overcome the challenges that come with starting a business. While taking risks can lead to great rewards, it’s essential to be cautious and informed before making any significant moves.

One of the most important things to consider before taking a risk is to do your research. Understand the market, the competition, and the potential risks and rewards of any action you’re considering. Make sure to have a solid plan in place and consider all the potential outcomes before making any decisions.

Another crucial aspect of taking risks is to trust yourself and your intuition. As a BIPOC entrepreneur, you’ve likely had to overcome many obstacles to get where you are today. Use that experience to trust yourself and your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks when the opportunity arises.

However, it’s essential to balance this confidence with caution. Don’t be reckless or take unnecessary risks that could harm your business. Always have a backup plan and a safety net in case things don’t go as expected.

Ultimately, taking risks as a can be incredibly inspiring and motivating. It shows that you’re willing to fight for what you believe in and overcome obstacles to achieve success. With careful planning, confidence, and caution, you can take the necessary steps to build a thriving business and create a better future for yourself and your community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Meet Twyla Jackson, a free thinking leader, and innovative entrepreneur with a passion for building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. With over 16 years of experience working in underserved communities and a wealth of knowledge in community management, agriculture, and technology fields, Mrs. Jackson is a trailblazer in advancing BIPOC equity and equality through reparative education, agriculture, technology, innovation, and cooperation.

As the Founder of the BIPOCITY Foundation and the Community Development nonprofit, Camp Bohdi Inc., Mrs. Jackson is committed to changing the way we build communities. Her live-grow-play community development model seeks to revolutionize the way we approach community development. Mrs. Jackson is also the President and Co-Founder of Guap City Developments, a group of women working to end the digital divide.

Mrs. Jackson is the co-owner of Swarthy Mushrooms and Swarthy Farms in Rome, GA, where she brands herself as Self-Sufficient AF (Agriculture & Finance). She is currently working on two thesis papers, “Emerging Technologies for BIPOC Equity and Equality: Reparations Through Tech Education and Representation” and “Blockchain, Agtech, and Urban Agriculture: A New Paradigm for Empowering BIPOC Communities.” These papers explore the potential of emerging technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, to address historic and systemic barriers faced by BIPOC communities in achieving equity and equality.
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Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I have always felt a deep desire to make a positive change in the world. But I often felt alone in my mission, until one day while walking on my path, (staying in my lane) I stumbled upon a couple of women who shared my same desire for change.

At first, it seemed like a coincidence that I had met these women. But as we got to know each other, we realized that our shared vision was not just a chance encounter. We believed that God had brought us together for a reason, to work towards a common goal and make a real impact in our community Their names are Donnetta Wells & Marlena Barnett.

Included with these ladies is my niece Latia Permenter, who has always supported me in my endeavors. She shares my passion for change and was thrilled to be a part of this group of women who were determined to make a difference. Together, we formed Guap City Developments, a group of women working to end the digital divide.

As we work towards our shared mission, I feel grateful and blessed to have found these like-minded women who are also driven to create positive change. I know that we were not brought together by chance, but rather by a divine force leading us towards our purpose.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team can be a challenging task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As someone who has managed teams in the past, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Here are some tips that I would like to share with others who are managing a team:

Communicate effectively: Communication is key to any successful team. Make sure that everyone on the team understands the goals and objectives, as well as their individual roles and responsibilities. Encourage open and honest communication and create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

Lead by example: As a manager, you are setting the tone for the entire team. Be a positive role model and lead by example. Show your team how you want them to behave and what you expect from them. This includes being punctual, meeting deadlines, and showing respect for everyone on the team.

Build trust: Trust is essential in any team. Trust is built by being consistent, following through on commitments, and being transparent. Trust also comes from valuing the opinions and input of team members.

Encourage teamwork: Encourage your team members to work together and collaborate. Foster a sense of teamwork and help team members recognize that their individual contributions are part of a larger whole. Encourage team members to support each other and to celebrate each other’s successes.

Provide feedback: Provide regular feedback to team members about their performance. This includes both positive feedback for things that are going well and constructive feedback for areas that need improvement. Be specific and give actionable advice on how to improve.

Managing a team can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. By communicating effectively, leading by example, building trust, encouraging teamwork, and providing feedback, you can help your team achieve their goals and become a cohesive and successful unit.

Contact Info:

• Website: Campbohdi.org
• Instagram: @godlyvisionary @SelfSufficientaf
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godlyvisionary

Image Credits
Photo by Twyla Jackson