Mentor Black Business

Throughout the last decade, continuous research has shown that across America, Black women remain the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs and business owners – and here in the UK, the same rings true.

– By Renée Davis & Mentor Black Business

Recent research from London Business School shows that entrepreneurial activity among Black women remains higher than that of white women.

By continuously meeting the needs of their community, going full steam ahead with their ideas, and overcoming constant barriers to get their business ideas off the ground, Black women are continuing to kill it in business in 2021 and beyond!

So why are Black female-owned businesses still underfunded, under-resourced and overlooked? Why is there a continued lack of access to guidance, and support?

Some may argue that since the world finally took heed to Black Lives Matter – and corporations and brands pledged to financially back and support Black entrepreneurs, professionals and communities in various ways – that “things are better now”. But the follow through, delivery and long-term impact is yet to be seen. Seeing this as a potential pitfall, Akil Benjamin started a crowdfunding campaign called Mentor 1000 Black Business with the goal of raising £10,000. “I am aware many have added books to their reading list and are engaging in conversations with their workplaces,” Akil wrote on the page, “but I am agitated in thinking about what we can do now to make a difference…”

In just 24 hours, the campaign hit the target and then some, and it wasn't long before Mentor Black Business was born. Today, MBB exists to give Black businesses the power to connect with industry professionals, change-makers and leaders.

Aware of the fact that Black female-owned businesses need more than a tokenistic “hand up” to thrive, Akil has hopes that Mentor Black Business will continue to be a valuable resource.

“Black women have continued to be short-changed, but continuing to help, empower and equip them through mentoring means that we are making the most economic impact to our communities.”

— AKIL BENJAMIN

Three women who are currently being mentored on the programme, share their experiences of how business has changed for them since tapping into the power of mentoring through Mentor Black Business.

Ayola Beckford

– Founder of The Tallettes

Tell us about your business

I’m really passionate about inspiring women to feel empowered. So, I create fashion-led active and athleisure wear to ensure functionality is no longer compromised by fit. The Tallettes is for women 5’10” and over, determined to express and embrace their inner (and outer) selves by being bold and standing TALL in their truth.

When did you start the business?

August 2020

What have been the biggest hurdles in accessing business resources before joining MBB?

Access to finance and business support or a barrier accessing support because of age, location or the stage of your idea/business or start-up. I feel that today, there are even more challenges given the financial climate, but equally I have witnessed more and more opportunities arise for Black businesses or entrepreneurs.

How has the MBB programme has helped so far?

It's provided me with someone who can hold me accountable to the plans I have for my business, an advisor and someone to help me with my thought process, especially as a solopreneur.

What has been the most valuable thing gained from the mentorship relationship?

Support, and someone else who truly believes in my vision and champions my ideas.

Where do you see your business going next?

My overall aim is for tall women 5'10" and above across the world to have a Tallette staple piece in their wardrobes. Whether it's to workout or watch Netflix in, we want tall women to wear comfortable, good-quality and great-fitting clothes. And so, this autumn will see the launch of the first 'limited edition' collection, to celebrate our 'Tallettes'.

What advice do you have for those considering joining the MBB programme?

Stop procrastinating and join! Whatever stage you're at and whatever your needs are, there is a mentor for you!

Theresa Jones

– Founder of Luminance Insight

Tell us about your business

Luminance Insight is an online research consultancy. After working at renowned London agencies and realising that the stories being told about people of colour were often told from non-diverse perspectives, further fuelling bias instead of transformative insight – I founded Luminance Insight in 2018 to provide storytelling with more agency. Our main areas of focus are youth, diversity, audience understanding and media.

When did you start the business?

Just over two years ago.

On lack of access to opportunity and resource as a Black female-owned business

I feel less so after George Floyd's death, as a lot of research companies (as well as their clients) are actively looking for more diverse stories/opinions/team members. The only downside is that it means that my overall skills as a researcher are narrowed into the scope of only being called upon to provide a portal into the “Black experience”. I am a researcher that happens to be Black, and while I'm glad to work on new projects, I know that there is so much more that I offer.

What have been the biggest hurdles in accessing business resources before joining MBB?

Understanding how to grow my audience. I experience that issue less so now, as it's been great to have someone to bounce ideas off of and to ask questions that I thought were 'silly'. It's been great to have extra input and encouragement.

How has the MBB programme has helped so far?

I have been able to get practical business advice and make more connections. I also feel that I have been able to meet a mentor that I would genuinely like to work with and keep in contact with too, so it feels like less of a transactional experience and more of a friendly one.

Where do you see your business going next?

Working with bigger/international clients. Growing a team after that.

What advice do you have for people considering joining the MBB programme?

Go for it, you never know what opportunities may open themselves up. Even just the act of discussing your goals and saying them out loud to a mentor can really change the way you approach them. I highly recommend it!

Golda Kesse

– Founder of By Golda Kesse

Tell us about your business

Art and homeware – I have been painting, designing, and drawing since I was very young.

When did you start the business?

I’ve officially been in business for 7/8 months.

What have been the biggest hurdles in accessing business resources before joining MBB?

When I first started, I found it quite hard to run the logistics sides of a business. Things like pricing and marketing to my target audience were quite difficult and I had a few hurdles. Now I'm not experiencing these issues as much. I've learnt that there are hurdles in every and any business, so I expect them, and try to overcome them.

On lack of access to opportunity and resource as a Black female-owned business

I don’t feel necessarily overlooked because I’m a Black business, however, I do feel that I may not have the largest contacts compared to many other non-Black business owners. Arts can be an elitist field too, so it’s about overcoming that as well.

How has the MBB programme has helped so far?

It’s probably one of the most pivotal points of my business. I was about 2/3 months in when I applied. My current mentor, Mimi Gray, has been so helpful especially as we are in the exact same area of business. Being able to talk with someone that fully empathises and sees where you’re coming from, in terms of barriers and wins, is very freeing. I feel way more confident occupying space in the fine art world and have also gained a very valuable friendship!

Where do you see your business going next?

Oooh. Where do I start? I have big dreams and plans for 'By Golda Kesse'. I’d like every piece of mine to be a token and collected with pride like: “I have a piece by Golda Kesse!!” I want my work to be a huge contribution to the modern day Black British landscape and British/Black culture more generally. Ultimately I would love my art to meet at the intersection of all things cultural, whether it’s cool furniture and rugs, a new Nike brand collaboration, a candle brand, cover art for my favourite artist, furniture, or a campaign for my favourite high fashion brand. BTW if Jerry Lorenzo (Fear of God), Conna Walker (House of CB), or H.E.R are reading this, we need to talk! “Hashtag collab”.

What advice do you have for people considering joining the MBB programme?

You have nothing to lose. Do it! I have a feeling when I look back, I’d realise that moments and opportunities like this were life changing!

If you’re a Black woman with an idea, or an existing business or project, and would like support, access to new networks, resources and guidance – or if you feel that you’d like to add value to the Black business community, please sign up to be a mentor at Mentor Black Business.