November 19th is Buy from a Black Woman Day

Buy from a Black Woman (BFABW) is a non-profit organization founded by Nikki Porcher in 2016. 

Throughout the year, and especially during the month of November, Buy from a Black Woman works to educate and support black women business owners. You'll find a business directory on their website, as well as resources and information.

November 19th is Buy from a Black Woman Awareness Day - follow their Instagram and Facebook to learn more about different black women owned businesses and how you can support them. 

For this blog post, we wanted to highlight black MOBs. These women are powerful speakers, community builders, trailblazers, and more - learn more about them below!

Sarah Sharp - founder, POP Awards PDX

The POP Awards is a photography contest and award gala for outstanding Portland female photographers.

What inspires you?

Women that push the envelope and think outside the box.  It is inspiring to see other women take a risk and make their dreams a reality.

What lessons have you learned this year?

I have learned that the only way to achieve your dream is to fully and completely believe in yourself, despite any inward negative thoughts that one may have. Another word for this is "faith."

Once I did this, everything changed for me.  I learned that I am capable of literally anything and can do anything that I want to do if I'm willing to put the work in to accomplish it.   This year I put in the work and it payed off BIG.

What does it mean to be a mom business owner?

It means you are not willing to accept one or the other as your sole representation.  It means you are so dedicated to your family and following your business dreams that you are willing to operate both at the same time.  It means that you work harder than almost anyone you know but it's worth it. 

Connect with Sarah:
​www.instagram.com/popawardspdx
www.facebook.com/popawardspdx
www.popawarspdx.com ​

Mori Holt - Isagenix & MOB Nation Vancouver Chapter Leader

What inspires you?

​I am inspired by seeing people light up! It can happen when a goal is reached. It can happen when an idea starts to form. It can happen when a genuine laugh is shared with a friend, or when hope is restored to a hopeless situation.

It is the bright light that shines in our eyes that reminds us how brilliantly we are made. I live to see those lights turn on in my children,  my husband, my friends, strangers, celebrities, world leaders... anyone! I live for the light! 

What lessons have you learned this year?

Something that I have learned in the last year is that often, the best (most true) version of ourselves is hidden by a really good mask. The mask is safe and pretty pleasing to most people that we meet. However, the true version is fierce and purposeful! It is honest and brave. It finds new paths and then paves them for others to be able to follow less painfully. Everyday I try to take a step or two closer to a mask-less life! 

What does it mean to be a mom business owner?

Being a mom and a business owner for me means that I get to nurture my children AND nurture my dreams! I love that my schedule allows me to support my children but I also love that my business allows them to see me pushing myself and reaching for goals! 

Connect with Mori:
Moriholt.isagenix.com
www.instagram.com/msmori46

Nneka Coxeff - founder & editor, Black Lace & Pearls Magazine

Black Lace + Pearls magazine is a creative arts platform combining high-fashion photography, a lifestyle vibe, and motivational insight.

What inspires you?

My family is my inspiration; my husband is my rock of support and my children are what drive me to be the very best that I can possibly be. I am fueled by connecting with and uplifting others. Building community and igniting change in society moves me to give my gift of written and spoken words, wisdom and soulful creativity to the world.

What lessons have you learned this year?

In the passed year I have learned to just go for it!

My purpose in life is just as much a part of my make-up as my height and my eye color are! And just as important as the dreams and aspirations I am helping my children to cultivate and capture in their own lives. One of the strongest lessons that I've learned in the last year is that perfectionism can sometimes breed procrastination! Better yet, perfectionism is a "pretty" excuse for procrastination!!! Enough is enough, sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and start somewhere; just do it (thank you Nike)!

Evolution will come but you must start somewhere. We all have talents and gifts, but what good is a gift if it is not shared with others?

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner?

For as long as I have been career minded I have been a mom! I have put myself through school as a mom and have gone from Publicity Assistant to Vice President as a mom (and not exactly in that school-comes-first order, either). I have breastfed at board meetings, conducted presentations, networked and attended events with a child in tote. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my heart belongs to my family. 

Now with owning my own LLC and forcing myself and my writing into the spotlight, I am still a put-my-children-first kind of mom and business woman.

For me, being a mom and a business owner means everything; it is mine and my family's livelihood! My family needs me to be home and have a flexible schedule. Owning my own business is the only way for me to pursue my goals and dreams as an entrepreneur, advocate, philanthropist and creative being that I am while still being the mom that I have always aspired to be.

However, as a professional who happens to be a woman and a mom, I know my stuff and being a mom does not in anyway limit or lower my standards and the service I provide as the professional that I am. Being an entrepreneur affords me the opportunity to be the best that I can possibly be in all the many hats that I wear and for this, I am truly grateful!

Connect with Nneka:
www.blacklaceandpearls.com
www.instagram.com/blpmagazine

Tracy George - Sunflower & Willows Photography and The Crafty Mama Co.

Sunflower & Willows offers family, couples, and maternity photography services. The Crafty Mama Co. shares crafting tutorials and inspiration. 

What inspires you?

I think of course, the biggest thing that inspires me is my kids and setting an example for them as to what setting goals what making your dreams come true looks like. I am also continuously inspired and driven by and for the people who can’t go and do the things that they want to do in life and make their dreams reality because of things that are physically holding them back.

I was there once in my life and after being held back for so long and dreaming harder and bigger all of the time, I go for my dreams for those who can’t yet. To show them that if there’s a will, there’s a way.  

What lessons have you learned this year?

My biggest lesson has been to be patient. To learn to be patient through the excitement of what is in the future. Jumping into something to quickly has backfired on my time and time again and I’ve learned and am beginning to finally walk through the patience behind every move and ever decision. 

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner? 

There’s more to me than “just mom”. I don’t want to be known as “the girls’ mom”, I want to be know as, Tracy, yeah she is the girls’ mom and the owner of..... To be a mom and a business owner means to me that  the business comes from the heart of a nurturing soul and loving heart and caring hands.

It means that there is a woman with drive because it talk A LOT to get out of bed and take care of kids everyday. If there’s a business on top of that, that is a kickass woman and that is who you want to be doing business with. 

Connect with Tracy:

Photography
www.SunflowerAndWillows.com 
www.instagram.com/sunflower_and_willows

The Crafty Mama Co. 
Www.facebook.com/TheCraftyMamaCo
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCraftyMamaCompany

Selena Ross - Wishing Well Floral

Wishing Well Floral is a full service flower shop in West Linn, Oregon offering delivery, business accounts, and weekly plant and flower delivery to homes and businesses.

What inspires you? 

Simply this thought: While we can’t (and ought not to) ignore the racial legacy that runs through the veins of American history, we can take this opportunity to celebrate mixed black female entrepreneurs who have not only earned a hard-won spot at the table but serve as inspirational lightning rods for all women to succeed at being mixed and running a successful local business. 

What lessons have you learned this year?

Never ever judge a book by its cover. Stand tall, stand proud and no matter what you will thrive. Even if your skin is different. I love being a mixed business owner. Seeing many types come in and shop. They might question and always are shocked but never judged. 

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner? 

Working business-owning moms deal with various types of guilt; the guilt of choosing to work to feeling guilty for taking some time out for themselves and everything in between. There is nothing wrong with contributing to the financial support and stability of your family being your own boss allows you the flexibility to give all you have or take your time. I’m in control and it feels great. 

Connect with Selena:
www.westlinnflowers.com 
www.instagram.com/wishingwellflowers
https://www.facebook.com/westlinnflowers/

Renee Fe - Artist

Renee works primarily as a printer and painter, she is dedicated to inciting healing and hope through her original art and commissioned pieces.

What inspires you?

Unconventional families and their stories. Especially mine.

I am usually emotionally inspired. My work can be reactionary. I am currently working on reuniting my family through my work. I am re-imagining my past with my extended family because I am missing my time with them.

What lessons have you learned this year?

I have learned the value of follow through but recently I have learned to follow through with promises to myself! I have also learned that having your own business means work doesn't just come to you. You have to work your business like a conventional job. By that I mean, going to "work" completing tasks related to your company goals,  ect. Also communicating my needs.

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner?

In a practical way I feel I show my girls how to create something to sustain themselves financially.

​Connect with Javaughn:
www.instagram.com/jreneeworks
www.facebook.com/jrfernanders/
reneefe.wordpress.com
society6.com/findingwater

Coach Lia Dunlap - The Oracle on Purpose

Coach Lia provides professional coaching and hypnotherapy services to people from all walks of life and all corners of the world.

What lessons have you learned this year?What inspires you?

What inspires me: Currently I am really digging deep into the magic of Quantum Attraction and it's use in manifestation (aka the Law of Attraction) with my clients. It's exciting to watch their minds expand as they grasp the power of possibility available when they remove their ideas (or misconceptions) of upper limits in their lives and businesses.

​What lessons have you learned this year?

To charge what I'm worth! It's an issue I've seen far to often with myself and my female clients (especially Moms) we've been doing so much for so many for so long with so little acknowledgement that charging our full value to clients can feel like a BIG deal. The reality is when we charge (and pay) what we (and our work) are worth then we lift each other and our economy UP! I believe that my clients are and can be resourceful in finding ways to invest in themselves and it's lead to clients achieving more and receiving more in their own lives and businesses. This has been a HUGE mindset change that I'm exciting to be a part of spreading - charge what you are worth.

What does it mean to be a mom & business owner?

Well, first of all it means that I have a never ending list of demands coming in from all directions, at any given moment, many people are counting on me to support them or find a lost shoe (sitting in plain sight).

The key has been to create and hold firm boundaries about my work and my family time. When I am with my family - I am with my family - when I am working I'm working. The growth of my business has exploded the last few years and it took recognizing that I needed help to manage both the home front and my business. Which is why I have a team of support for my business and childcare support for my kiddo.

The idea that we have to do it all - or we are a failure at this MOB thing - is frankly a big fat lie. Knowing that I can be at my best by incorporating time for my family into my Master Creator Adventure Retreats and schedule an appointment on the weekend with the help of my husband or babysitter is part of what allows me to be more relaxed and at ease. I love my family and I love my work, both are valuable and I'm at my best when I create space and get support to be present and focused in both realms. Everyone, including me, gets the best of me when I've got the support I need to get shift done!

Connect with Lia:
www.coachliadunlap.com/
http://www.oracleonpurpose.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CoachLiaDunlap/
https://www.instagram.com/coachliadunlap/

Lozelle Mathai - Closing Your Books, LLC

Closing Your Books, LLC is cloud-based educational accounting, bookkeeping and consulting organization that educates women business owners on both personal and business finances. Closing Your Books also provides accounting, bookkeeping and financial management services.

What inspires you?

I am inspired every day by my 3 superheroes, my husband and 2 little boys. My 5-year-old son is consistently educating me on conquering my fears and just going for it. He is fearless. He dances to his own tune. I take his fearlessness and apply it to Closing Your Books. I have learned that I don't need to
be perfect. Perfect doesn't exist. I just need to show up, be myself and be confident, as I already have the proven education and experience to do the work that I am passionate about and run a successful bookkeeping and accounting business focusing on women.

What lessons have you learned this year?

In the past year, I learned to follow my gut and to make sure whatever I decide to do is in line with both my personal and business values. Whether I am asked to collaborate on a contract, be a volunteer with an organization, write a bookkeeping or accounting article relating to small businesses, I ask myself “Is
this opportunity or person in line with my values? If the answer is no, I politely decline. I have learned that every dollar is not my dollar. It is okay to walk away from people and opportunities.

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner?

To be both a mom and business owner means that I didn't have to give up my education and experiences in Corporate America. I worked extremely hard for both, working full-time and going to school full-time at night to obtained 3 Accounting and Finance degrees. In my eyes, I can have the best of both worlds. I get to pick up my son from school every day, volunteer at his school, go to story time, and kick butt at Closing Your Books.

There are days when my schedule is a bit overwhelming, but that is okay with me. My motto is "Some days I am the dog and some days I am the hydrant" - Perfection does not exist in either of my worlds, personal and business.

Connect with Lozelle:
www.closingyourbooks.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/closing-your-books-llc
https://www.instagram.com/closingyourbooks/

Javonnie Shearn - founder, Up & Over, LLC and Vice Chair of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board

Up & Over provides youth with the fundamental supports, techniques and strategies to empower them to successfully navigate life's challenges, thereby achieving and maintaining a position of mental, spiritual and emotional balance.

​In her role Vice Chair of the Oregon State Hospital Board she advocates for and provides representation to individuals with mental illness.

What inspires you?

Helping people has always been something I have done, but what keeps me going is I remind myself my children are watching me. They are learning how to be adults by watching my example of how to be kind, caring, patience, confident, compassionate and respectful of themselves and others.

What lessons have you learned this year?

​In the past year I have learned that peace is attainable, health is the real wealth and each of us have a different definition of happiness and blessings.

I now have hope that the world will see our homeless with less judgment, mental illness with more compassion and continue to pitch in to rebuild “our village”.

What does it mean to you to be a mom and a business owner?

FREEDOM to choose how I spend my time. At my age, time in invaluable so being able to set my own schedule has been a blessing.

Connect with Javonnie:
http://www.upandovertour.com/
https://www.facebook.com/UpandOverLLC/
https://www.instagram.com/upandovertour/

Aniscia McAdams, M.A.Ed. - founder, Monarch Consulting

Monarch Consulting provides racial equity coaching in an effort to reduce the racial disparities, throughout schools and other institutions respectfully. This is achieved through racial equity trainings and workshops that provide practical application practices for the workplace and classroom. This comes in the form of pushing into the classroom to do model lessons, mentor teaching, coaching, and assisting with educational development plans. The workshops cover an array of current topics such as Microagressions, Implementing Culturally Relevant Curriculum, Teaching with Principles of Mutual Respect, Deconstructing the Language Around Race, and so on.  ​

What inspires you? 

​Learning inspires me. Watching people make connections and know that I have facilitated this process, is an awesome feeling. 

What lessons have you learned this year?

I've learned to listen to my body, how to implement the practices of self care; and the severity of the need for it to be a part of my daily routine. For if I am not caring for myself, I am not allowing the best versions of myself to shine through, therefore producing poor quality work. My production value increased when I learned to create and require balance for myself. We know that everything will work properly again if you just unplug it for a little while. Our bodies and our mental spaces are no different. Unplugging and resetting are essential to growth.  

What does it mean to be a mom and business owner?

Everything! It literally means everything to me to have the freedom and flexibility to be a mom boss. I never saw myself fitting into traditional work culture at all. By that, I mean sitting in an office, or at a desk stationary somewhere. Being a busy body and kinesthetic learner, I have always liked to move around and change the scene, through my work. Hence, why teaching was such a great fit for me. The best part of being a mom boss though, is showing my daughters that they can create their own paths, if they don't see one already paved for them. They are only as limited as their mindsets, and I am creating a beautiful opportunity for generational businesses, which is a life goal of mine.  Being able to share this journey with them, and provide this as a business for them, is extremely gratifying. 

​Connect with Aniscia:
https://www.amonarchconsulting.org/

Arianna Bradford - founder, The NYAM Project (Not Your Average Mom Project), photographer

A woman's story doesn't end with motherhood. The NYAM Project recognizes women are whole people before they are parents, and that the parenthood role is just as much a part of their individuality as it is a factor that bonds them as a community.  

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by other art: great music, writing, photography, or paintings will make me want to make great art of my own. I think I work off of this need to make things that people remember, or that lead them to feel whatever was being felt in the moment of creation. There really isn't anything better than connecting with someone over any type of art really.

What lessons have you learned this year?

In the past year, I've learned that you have to know your worth. You'll get questioned regularly -- it's pretty much unavoidable. And if you aren't resolute enough to be your own cheerleader sometimes, it's incredibly easy for you to come to doubt yourself.

What does it mean to be a mom and business owner?
​
Being a mom and a business owner means learning how to balance your dreams and your family, and it's a never-ending lesson that you have to be okay with struggling with sometimes.

​It's being a natural plate spinner with a brain that never rests, but it also means getting to do something you love FOR people you love. And that makes us pretty special people.

Connect with Arianna:

NYAMP
www.wearenyam.com
www.instagram.com/thenyamproject
https://www.facebook.com/thenyamproject/

Photography:
www.ariannabradford.com
www.instagram.com/abradfordphotography
www.instagram.com/abradfordboudoir

Teri R. Moten, MBA - Moten Consulting Consulting

Teri works with businesses to increase profits, growth and value of the organization while minimizing the daily stress to the owner(s) and management team.

 What inspires you?

I am inspired by women who never give up on their dreams... even if they are on the 18th iteration of their business to make that dream a reality. I am inspired by women who selflessly want to help others... even when they have nothing to gain at the time. I am inspired by mompreneurs who are showing their daughters that you can be a career professional AND you can also open up to the wonderful world of entrepreneurship... and career professionals and entrepreneurs don't have to be mutually exclusive. 

What lessons have you learned this year?

I have learned that forward motion is better than perfection. My business is not where I want it to be YET and I'm not 100% sure on the complete vision YET but I am making forward motion. No longer will I stand still. I will try something and if it does not turn out the way I wanted, I will tweak it or scrap for the next version but I will always keep moving forward. 

What does it mean to be a mom and a business owner?

It means that the most important "job" I have is to model positivity and a resilient spirit for my 13 year old daughter. It means that I am showing her she can and should monetize her skills and talents. It means I am also showing her she should uplift, encourage, and patronize other young women and women-owned businesses. It means just as she was created and birthed, what she becomes is largely determined by my interactions with her and nurturing of her... the EXACT same parallel can be said about my business.

It means that every day God gives me, I have the ability to positively or negatively influence everyone around me, including my daughter, my husband, my clients and prospective clients, and every woman I come into contact with.

Being a "mompreneur" is a privilege, a journey, and a responsibility. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Connect with Teri:
 
www.bit.ly/f2f2018 -The Untold Formula to Mastering Confidence in Just 30 Days!
www.bit.ly/myrightsprotected (LegalShield)
https://www.facebook.com/TheSmallBusinessProblemSolver/ 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelwomen/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terimoten/
https://www.instagram.com/terimoten_mba/
www.motenconsultinggroup.com​