In a world where representation matters, Black women entrepreneurs are carving out their own paths, disrupting industries, and leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape. In this interview blog series, we have the privilege of diving into the personal journeys of three exceptional Black businesswomen! Let's get into it!
Alandria Lloyd, Founder at The InspireU Network | Atlanta, Georgia
Alandria, when did you realize that you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
Alandria: As a child, I always sold snacks and did little things to earn my own money. I knew then that I was called to be a boss!
Stephania Biddings, Book and Writing Coach at Reflect, Relate, Release LLC | Miami Gardens, Florida
How about you, Stephania?
Stephania: Since I was in primary school.
Quinn Conyers, Chief Energy Officer at Speak to Society LLC | Baltimore, Maryland
And you, Quinn?
Quinn: I knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur while attending Howard University and someone had asked me how much I charge for my speaking services!
When you know, you just KNOW! Being able to recognize our passion and purpose from a young age is such a beautiful blessing indeed. We applaud you, ladies, for nurturing and embracing your entrepreneurial spirits and not letting suppressing that fire!
Diving deeper into their stories.
The InspireU Network - providing inspirationally infused content to educate and empower our global audience
"I created the platform to give brand builders and Kingdom creatives a space to amplify their voices, and share their message with the masses while impacting the nations. I wanted to provide space for these bosses to expand their brand awareness outside of social media and get in front of a new audience. I also wanted to assist them with overcoming all the algorithm changes that are associated with social platforms, by helping them to build their own home for their unique brands," said Alandria Lloyd.
The InspireU Network's mission is to provide inspirationally infused content to educate and empower our global audience. We offer television slots for those who’d like to host their own shows on the network. We also offer promotional packages that include commercial advertisements, press releases, billboard advertisements, etc.
What does a typical day look like for you as an entrepreneur?
Alandria: Prayer is the top priority!
After prayer, I go to the gym to get a good workout. Then I hit up a coffee shop or co-working space to begin working on the business. I network daily and make it a point to tell at least 20 new people about my brand. I check in with my staff to make sure everything is running smoothly. I don’t believe in the hustle culture that encourages entrepreneurs to sleep when they die; so I take midday naps to recharge for the second half of my day. I spend most evenings at an in-person networking event. I try to be in bed no later than 9 pm.
Did you have any fears about venturing into entrepreneurship?
Alandria: The fear of failure. I faced them by stepping out in faith, having low moments, but getting back up to try it again (a different way).
What does your support system look like today?
Alandria: Support looks like friends checking on me and having normal conversations that don’t require me to speak about business. It looks like a supportive partner cooking dinner for me or giving me a massage because he knows I’ve been overwhelmed and stressed with juggling business. Support looks like providing a safe space for me to be myself with wearing the hat of a “boss.” I truly appreciate those who allow me to be, without any strings attached.
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Whew, Alandria, the intentional balance you have woven into your entrepreneurial life is all shades of beautifulllll! You prioritize taking care of your spiritual and physical well-being just as much as you care to grow your business. The way you handle fear by allowing yourself to have those low moments - but getting back up and trying again in a different way - shows how you give yourself grace on your journey and that's goals! Kudos to you, girl! Continue killin' it!
Reflect, Relate, Release LLC - providing a platform and tools to give voice to the underserved
"I coach and guide individuals, groups, and small businesses in developing their personal narratives, memoirs, and, their business content. I created my platform to serve, support, and enrich the voiceless or less heard people of color," said Stephania Biddings.
Reflect, Relate, Release LLC's core mission is to provide a platform and tools to give voice to the underserved and less heard through storytelling and effective content creation. We sell coaching services, courses, books, journals (digital and hard copy), and presentations.
What does a typical day look like for you as an entrepreneur?
Stephania: My typical day consists of engaging via social media and discourse with my network groups. Then, I follow up on calls, meetings, and contacts for projects, events, and presentations. I then meet with my coaching clients, on the progress of books, narratives, or details of requested content.
Lastly, I reflect on targeted and completed tasks, and projected goals. Then, I plan my next steps.
What does your support system look like today?
Stephania: My support is my business and personal network. My business network is comprised of leaders and mentors in various industries— at various levels of success. I learn from them, and they from me. It is a collaborative and reciprocal relationship. My personal network is small but solid. From this network, I get the truth and authentic support. They are my checks and balances.
What were your greatest fears stepping into entrepreneurship?
Stephania: My biggest fear was being relatable and relevant in a world of “stuff” and “stuffers”. I decided to target and focus on my niche and my tribe.
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Stephania, we celebrate you for choosing to bring an authentic voice to the table and focusing your work on YOUR niche and tribe, rather than caving to the pressure of being relatable to everyone! As entrepreneurs, we need to stay grounded in the fact that our solution cannot be for everybody and that's a-okay! Keep shining, sis! You're doing amazing work, and we're here cheering you on every step of the way!
Speak to Society LLC - partnering with event planners to transform their events into EPIC experiences.
"Ive been professionally speaking for 18 years. My mission is to partner with event planners to transform their events into an EPIC experience as a compelling keynote speaker and energetic event emcee," said Quinn Conyers.
Speak to Society LLC offers Speaking, Training and Coaching services.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
Quinn: For me, no day is typical. If I'm preparing for a multi-day conference or speaking at a one-day event, it's a different process. Either way, I arrive a day early, do a mic check, meet the speakers I'm introducing and prepare to serve an audience of 10 or 1,000. When I'm not speaking, I am creating content to attract speaking opportunities or pitching myself to get booked.
What was your greatest fear before stepping into entrepreneurship?
Quinn: Not having a consistent income. I've learned that part of the process to becoming successful is sometimes having inconsistent income and figuring out what really works for the business and then scaling that.
What does your support system look like?
Quinn: I have an awesome girl gang of other women in business that I can bounce ideas off of, learn and get advice from. Some of them are full-time entrepreneurs as well which helps in not feeling alone on the journey!
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Quinn, thank you for reminding us how important it is to just trust the process! Your determination, adaptability, and support from your girl gang are surely going to propel you towards greatness! The world is ready for the impact you're destined to make!
These black women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are shaping a new narrative and defying the odds. Their typical days are a symphony of creativity, strategic planning, and purposeful action. Their fears - whether it be the fear of failure, financial instability, or being relatable - are met head-on with courage and resilience. Their stories deserve to be shared, celebrated, and cherished!
We greatly appreciate your insights Alandria, Stephania & Quinn!
If you are a Black woman entrepreneur looking to build your business and attain growth and scale much faster, be sure to get the Blaze Group app today! Access a safe community of Black women in business + easy-to-use tools at your fingertips. We can't wait to see you inside! :)
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