Have you patronized a sister-owned business? Do you have or want a side hustle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Business ownership may not be for everyone – but don’t tell that to Black women. Not only are we the queens of the side hustle, but we’re opening full-fledged businesses at a higher rate than any other group. And between 2019 and 2023 – despite the pandemic – our businesses saw revenues increase on average 32.7 percent compared to 12.1 percent among all women-owned businesses.
One reason we may be having such success is because we are creative about minding our dollars. Case in point: Many sisters have found success operating mobile businesses, where they can build up a clientele while keeping the overhead low.
A hard lesson I learned as a business owner is that I cannot please everyone and not everyone wants to see my business's success. It's important to surround myself with those who want to see my business thrive.
Mobile business owners have the luxury of growing only as fast as their market grows. For example, a caterer might host pop-up food sales events or have a food stand at a community fair to introduce her meals to customers, says Misti Buard, owner of a boutique marketing firm for food truck owners. “This allows people to become familiar with your brand,” she says. “Then they are happy to support you once you've purchased a food truck.” The same advice applies whether you start a mobile business for peddling pies, grooming dogs or styling hair. These three sisters are finding that strategy to be a recipe for success.
Leslie Allicks, The Tea Experience
theteaexperienceny.com
The back story: Her father would always say, “No meal is complete without a cup of tea.” Allicks learned from him that she comes from a family of tea drinkers. “It was during these conversations that the light bulb went on for me—the realization that I wanted to pay homage to my dad and my familial connection to tea!” Her business will bring a variety of teas to your door, or create tea-themed events for your guests.
Where she operates: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
Business’s growth: The business has made a modest profit since 2020; she currently brings in six-figures in revenue.
A hard lesson: “As much as I think I can be all things to my business, I must surround myself with expertise, talent and support such as a virtual assistant, accountant, bookkeeper, attorney and social media/marketing people in order for my business to grow and scale.”
A big break: Getting accepted in (and graduating from) the Goldman Sachs' Blacks in Business program.
Nadine Eans, C.B.N.'s Mobile Day Spa
cbnsmobiledayspa.com
The back story: As a legal support specialist for an international law firm, Eans saw a need for spa services to be brought to clients, especially those with busy schedules. “I wanted to create a relaxing spa experience in the comfort of clients' own homes, offices or a location of their choosing,” she says. She launched her mobile spa offering in-home massages, facials and hand treatments in 2003.
Where she operates: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
Business’s growth: Her clientele has expanded mostly through word of mouth and referrals. Revenues reached five figures before she took a hit from the pandemic, but business is steadily growing back.
A hard lesson: “A hard lesson I learned as a business owner is that I cannot please everyone and not everyone wants to see my business's success. It's important to surround myself with those who want to see my business thrive.”
A big break: In 2007, she participated in a spa day event sponsored by a local radio station for women who were victims of domestic violence. She was featured on the radio and received exposure and new customers.
Eboni Harris, Food Fiens Food Truck
IG: @food_fien614
The back story: Knowing that she loved to cook, Harris’s son 22-year-old son Zytarian Franklin told Harris he’d help her get a food truck. The two looked at trucks and even started comparing pricing on different models but before they could launch the business, he was murdered in 2022. Refusing to let the dream die with him, Harris went forward with their plans and today she serves up such community favorites as burgers, lambchops and macaroni and cheese. “I really do this for him,” she says. “I’ve got to keep it going as long as I'm alive because this is what he dreamed for his mom to be.”
Where she operates: Houston
Business’s growth: As the business is still in start-up mode, Harris has picked up a part-time job to pay for living expenses until the food truck begins to turn a profit. Business fluctuates depending on the season, but she’s beginning to see some growth.
A hard lesson: “You can't mix business with friendship. I gave a friend a job and on days I would need help it would just be me there by myself and she wouldn't show up.”
A big break: Seeing her son’s vision materialize. “It's deeper than just a business,” she says. “This is for him.”
Good to know: AARP’s website has expert tips and insights for older entrepreneurs on starting a small business and running it successfully
Have you patronized a sister-owned business? Do you have or want a side hustle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
