This week we feature the inspiring stories of three successful women who have turned their passions into successful businesses. Each of these entrepreneurs brings a unique perspective and set of experiences, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. Read on to learn more about their stories!
Nika White, Founder, President & CEO at Nika White Consulting | Greenville, South Carolina
When did it hit you that you wanted to become an entrepreneur, Nika?
Nika: In 2016 when I was being tapped by many to assist with DEI work, my husband told me to take the leap!
Hyacinth Tucker, CEO at The Laundry Basket LLC | Bowie, Maryland
Hyacinth, how about you?
Hyacinth: I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur at the age of 25. I started having ideas about starting different businesses and disrupting the status quo by doing things differently.
Precious Stevens, CEO at The Posh Academy | Atlanta, Georgia
And you, Precious?
Precious: I'd say mine happened at the point of conception - it's innate.
The decision to become an entrepreneur can come from different moments or realizations for different people. For some, it could be due to a specific opportunity or situation that presents itself, as in the case of Nika White. For others, it may come from a desire to challenge conventional thinking and do things differently, like Hyacinth Tucker. And for some, it may be an innate calling, something that they have always known they wanted to do, like Precious Stevens. Ultimately, the decision to become an entrepreneur is a personal one that is driven by a combination of factors such as passion, vision, and opportunity.
Diving deeper into their stories.
Nika White Consulting - growing Intentional Inclusionists®
"Our vision is to create a society where all people and all organizations are intentional in their efforts and pursuit of equity, inclusion and belonging," said Nika White
Nika White Consulting is a diversity, equity, and inclusion boutique consulting firm with recognized authority on strategic diversity, intentional inclusion, and organizational effectiveness. Our mission is to grow Intentional Inclusionists® and make DEI practical so that organizations can shift systems to cultivate a culture of belonging and go to the next level of the DEI journey. We serve clients across the United States (and some internationally) across different sectors and industries and of different sizes.
Our services include:
DEI Strategy Development & Implementation
Operationalizing Strategic Diversity
Intentional Inclusion & An Equity Lens Cultural Intelligence Training
Customized Strategic DEI Events and Initiatives
Launching a DEI Initiative
Setting DEI Metrics & Tracking
Launching & Revigorating Employee/Business Resource Groups/Affinity Groups
Organizational Structures and Processes that Promote Inclusive Environments
Establishing & Reinvigorating High Performing DEI Councils/Committees
DEI Audits and Assessments
DEI Executive/Senior Staff Leadership Coaching and more.
What does a typical day look like for you as an entrepreneur?
Nika: My typical day consists of speaking, consulting, coaching, training, and strategizing - basically being an extension of our client's team to help take them to the next level in their DEI journey.
What were your greatest fears stepping into entrepreneurship?
Nika: My fears were mostly around immersing myself in the work to build up my confidence, having a tribe of supporters, and learning all about growing and scaling a business.
What does your support system look like today?
Nika: I have a mastermind group of women founders who are incredibly supportive. They are my sisters, thought partners, accountability partners and cheerleaders!
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It's refreshing to see how a nudge from your husband has put you on this adventurous entrepreneurial journey, Nika! It's one of the beautiful reasons why community is so important. The work you are doing in helping companies be more intentional about pursuing equity is so needed. Thank you for stepping into your purpose!
The Laundry Basket LLC - on-demand subscription-based mobile laundry and dry cleaning delivery solution servicing the Greater DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area
"I started this business because I was a stressed, overwhelmed and burned out professional so I understand not having the time or desire to do laundry after a long day. As women, we subscribe to the hustle culture - however, it leads to a disproportionate level of stress related illnesses," said Hyacinth Tucker
The Laundry Basket LLC is an on-demand subscription-based mobile laundry and dry cleaning delivery solution servicing the Greater DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. Our mission is to liberate busy professionals from the frustration and aggravation surrounded by household chores. We give them a safe space to delegate laundry to us so that they can have joy and peace. We promote self-care by allowing our clients to take back 4 hours of time a week. We sell next-day wash and fold laundry, dry cleaning and alteration services.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
Hyacinth: A typical day for me starts with me waking up at 5:30 am. I look at the day's schedule of pick-ups and drop-offs and create a route schedule. I then meditate and pray. Next, I send out text message reminders to clients and I start my daily driving.
In the afternoon, I attend a daily business Zoom meeting to learn something new. At the end of the day, I reconcile invoices and do some accounting before I go to bed.
What does your support system look like?
Hyacinth: I have a business mentor with whom I talk frequently. I have friends who create opportunities for my own self-care. I also have a very encouraging and supportive family.
What was your greatest fear before stepping into entrepreneurship?
Hyacinth: One of my greatest fears was whether people would patronize my business. I thought that it was a great idea, but would it gain traction in a new area? I faced that fear by doing market research first on customer needs and demographics. I studied the competition to see where I could be unique and I started my business even though I did not have everything in place.
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Hyacinth, we love, love, loveee the intentionality you have put towards learning something new for your business EVERY DAY! That is so inspiring and will definitely translate into how you are able to run your business more strategically and efficiently.
For Black women entrepreneurs out there who are looking for a place to learn the fundamentals of business at your own pace, you should check out our knowledge academy today!
The Posh Academy - helping creative entrepreneurs turn their passion into profit
"I started this journey because I believe creatives deserve more money and I help them get it," said Precious Stevens
The Posh Academy helps creative entrepreneurs turn their passion into profit so they can live life on their terms and ditch the 9-5. We offer coaching, masterclasses, course creation, digital products, physical products, speaking and live events.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Precious: My morning routine consists of hydrating, meditating, light exercise, starting my workflow and following my calendar of daily tasks. I typically stop working at 5pm to relax and spend time with my family. My night routine consists of unplugging, reading, having a cup of hot tea, taking a shower and then retiring to bed.
Did you have any fears about venturing into entrepreneurship?
Precious: I used to hide in my business, fearful of putting myself out there and scared to sell. I did internal work on personal development and mindset shifting to address this fear.
What does your support system look like as an entrepreneur?
Precious: The 35,000-member tribe that I have built over the past 6 years of creative entrepreneurs. Also, my fiance, my daughter, and my team.
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The fear of putting oneself out there as an entrepreneur can be all too real. You wonder if people would care enough to be interested in what you are offering. We love how you addressed this fear head-on and did not let it hold you back, Precious! Today, you are surrounded by an immense network of entrepreneurs who have cleaved to your vision and we know the journey will only get sweeter!
Black women business owners face unique challenges in the business world, including systemic discrimination and lack of access to capital. This makes investing in business education and personal development crucial to achieving greater success. We admire how all three women have prioritized this in their journeys, seeking ways to educate themselves and stay on top of their business outcomes.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us Nika, Hyacinth & Precious! We wish you continued growth and success in your businesses!
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