I asked a few of my women of color solopreneurs friends what it means to be a solopreneur, especially as we enter into the new year of 2023. These women come from different backgrounds with different biz models that fit and shape their lives. I hope their answers inspire more women to step out of their comfort zone and BOSS UP to be in charge of their own lives, income, and happiness.
Thank you lovely ladies for contributing to this featured blog post. I wish you all the success in the years to come!
-Juakerra Davis
Naked Beauty Bar with Founder, Nianda Glover
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
Four years ago, I never thought I’d be able to become a full time solopreneur! I can’t count how many times I psyched myself out all of those years because I was afraid of being rejected. I would make comments like “I’m not good enough yet” or “No one is going to want an amateur” but although I didn’t see my purpose at the time, God knew I needed a little push (He knew I wouldn’t jump if he didn’t). One day he sent me the best advice which was “Risk it all! How will you you know what you’re really capable of if you don’t?”
To me, being a solopreneur is all about taking risks. Yes, risking it all can come with a lot of doubt, fear, hesitation etc. but any successful person in life can assure you that if you want success bad enough, risking it all is a no brainer. Now, I am a full time business owner as a Makeup Artist and Eyelash Extension Tech, sell different products and I’m able to to change the world one Beauty at a time.
Website to book! https://naked-beauty-bar.square.site/
About Nianda:
My name is Nianda Glover, I’m 24 and I am the Beauty and Brains behind Naked Beauty Bar here in Nashville, TN. In today’s society there is a thin line between what’s accepted and what isn’t when it comes to what is considered beautiful. Our number one goal is to create a safe space, for men and women of all ages, to not only feel comfortable in our skin, but to embrace our flaws as well. Whether it’s a full face of makeup or a bottle of body oil, our mission at Naked Beauty Bar is to erase that line and enhance your hidden beauty.
Follow Nianda on her website & social media for any updates, specials, and giveaways:
Charismatic & Co. with Chandler, Clarissa Hardy
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
Being a solopreneur means being able to express myself and my creativity. I’ve learned more about myself on the last two years of my journey than ever. It means making those tough calls and decisions while also opening yourself up. It’s an extremely vulnerable thing to be able to share something you’ve cared for with others. It gives me the space to be myself, to help others in even the smallest ways. Some may look at it as just candles, but I see an experience. Whether its to set the mood for a night evening home or alone or to help relax after a long day, scent can mean everything to us. It can invoke a special memory or embrace us in a warm comfort. So, for me, being a solopreneur means opening myself up, allowing myself to be vulnerable and showcasing something special to me. The hope is that, one day, it’ll be my main income source. It’ll become a legacy that I can leave behind for my future children. Its not even close to being easy and there are days that I just want to throw my hands up and walk away. There’s a lot of hard work, late nights, constantly going from one direction to the next. Then, I lay up late at night, thinking of all the joy I can bring others with this company. This is my dream, it’s my world summed up into a nine ounce candle that I get to share with people and, hopefully, share more in the near future.
Check out her YouTube: Charismatic & Co.
About Clarissa:
Originally born in Memphis, TN, Clarissa is the oldest of three children who never fails to remind her brothers of that fact. She graduated from UT Martin with her B.S. in Criminal Justice. Like many., the Covid-19 pandemic rocked Clarissa’s world. Though she’d just completed her Masters, there was something missing. She was missing something she loved, a way to express herself. With this in mind, Clarissa founded Charismatic & Co., a luxury home fragrance company. Unique scents and crackling wooden wicks help set the mood with Clarissa’s main goal being to remind people that self care is a priority.
Follow Clarissa on her social media, YouTube, & website:
A Para Pro with Paraeducator, wife, mother, and CEO of A Para Pro, Zochil Eagan
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
When I started my business, A Para Pro, I had no idea what being a solopreneur would entail. I was a paraeducator, mother, wife, and now business owner. As a para and former waitress, I was used to working in a team environment. I had to learn to be comfortable with making decisions on my own, and I quickly realized that being a solopreneur meant being okay with being uncomfortable.
Now, as a business owner, I have to wear a lot of hats. I am responsible for marketing, finances, operations, and everything else in between. It can be a lot of work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being my own boss and being in control of my own destiny.
Being a solopreneur also means that I have to be very disciplined. I have to be organized and efficient with my time because I don’t have anyone else to rely on. I have to be okay with working long hours because that’s often what it takes to get things done.
But, most importantly, being a solopreneur means that I am doing something that I am passionate about. I am following my dreams and pursuing my best life. I am surrounded by people who believe in me and my business, and who are always willing to help me grow.
I am so grateful for the life that I have created for myself, and I am so proud to be a solopreneur. If you are thinking about starting your own business, I encourage you to go for it. It was the best decision I ever made.
For the best way to start supplementing your para pay from home please check out my free ebook: Para Salary Survival Guide: How to Overcome Money Stress.
About Zochil:
Zochil Eagan helps paraeducators leverage their para skills in the digital workforce. She tailors all her content with paraeducators in mind. Zochil wants paraeducators to be appreciated for their hard work and their pay to reflect it. So she encourages paras to take control of their finances and start working for themselves in the digital marketplace through virtual services, content creation, social media, tutoring, and teaching what they know. If you want to keep up with the latest on paraeducators and for the best way to start supplementing your pay from home you can find me at www.aparapro.com.
Follow Zochil on her social media & website:
Health and Beauty 4 Moms with Founder, Ngozi Chijioke-Agina
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
A solopreneur is someone who manages a business, single-handedly, without partnerships. This gives absolute control and responsibility for all the activities, decisions, risks, and outcomes of the business.
This position has its advantages and disadvantages but the beauty is the maturity that comes with such huge responsibility, and the leadership skills that are acquired over time.
Solopreneurs enjoy the freedom of movement, and zero delays in making decisions or commitments since there’s no one to wait for their input and accomplish projects at their own pace.
13 Flat Tummy Exercises (with videos) you can do with only a ball!
About Ngozi:
Ngozi Chijioke-Agina is the Founder of Health and Beauty 4 Moms and her mission is to help women live their best lives, regain self-confidence and develop a sexy body image, through making healthy lifestyle choices.
As a wife and mom of 4 teenagers, with a background in the Biological Sciences, an MBA, and Financial Management, she took her health and wellness into her own hands to find answers for her weight loss journey, after several pregnancies and childbirths.
Her research and work turned to help others do the same. And now she gets to share that with you!
Follow Ngozi on her social media & website:
Acho-Tea Talk Coaching with Coach Rachel, Rachel Selah
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
Being a Solopreneur means:
-believing in your vision even when everyone doesn’t get it.
-wearing all the hats, as the need arises, you become: IT, HR, Marketing, Finance, etc. I recently put on the hat of a web designer when I built the website for my practice. I learned that having a website is a work in progress with many considerations. It can be challenging when building websites is not your area of expertise. Being a solopreneur means using all of your resources and skills to build your vision.
Sign- up to take the Self-Care Assessment, it’s a great tool to help you begin your journey to lasting and sustainable self-care!
About Rachel:
I am a Certified Cannabis Health Coach, and Birth Worker, I specialize in self-care and Women’s Wellness. I am passionate about helping women not only be well, but flourish. I want to partner with you to help you discover new and sustainable ways to show up for yourself, with just as much intention as you show up for the ones you love!
Follow Rachel on her social media & website:
Certified Life Purpose and Confidence Coach – Shelley Meche’tte
What does “being a solopreneur” mean to you?
A solepreneur for me means not waiting for others to determine when my dreams and goals can be fulfilled. Being a solepreneur means stepping out of my comfort zone into an unfamiliar, sometimes terrifying territory where all successes and failures depend on me. But it also means leaving a legacy of work ethic, authenticity and a blueprint for life success that my children and those around me can model. Soleprenuership is an opportunity to express the gifts and talents that I have, while serving others in the process. It’s a chance to shine in my lane without waiting for others’ recognition.
Soleprenuership means even harder work because you are the sole success of your company. But in the trenches…it also means pride, accomplishment and self-praise. It means learning new things, trying something different, falling down and getting back up again. It’s a journey travelled primarily by you. But you get to dictate much of your own sight-seeing. And that is a beautiful thing.
At the end of the day, being a solepreneur means freedom. Freedom to create my own day. Freedom to take off without having to ask someone. Freedom to spontaneously spend time with my family…creating lasting memories. Freedom to LIVE this life…and to live it the way that I planned.
Freebie: PowHERful Purpose 5 Ways to Rediscover YOU After Motherhood
FB Group: Moms with Purpose (You are MORE than a Mom)
About Shelley:
Your Purpose Success & Confidence Coach, Shelley Meche’tte is a Certified Life Purpose Coach and Int’l EmpowHERment Speaker. Shelley is extremely passionate and dedicated to the empowerment of women through strategized personal and professional development. She is also a best-selling author and founder of the women’s organization, The PowHERful Woman.
Shelley specializes in decluttering the thoughts of her clients… connecting their gifts and talents to passion, for personal empowerment and success. She takes women from feelings of frustration, confusion and unfulfillment…to confidence, clarity and authentic happiness!
Some of her features include CBS, NBC, Yahoo, Bustle, Shondaland, the covers of Glambitious and Sister2Sister 2.0 online magazine and more. She has also been a guest on Bakersfield Now News, Peace of Mind with Taraji P. Henson, I Heart Radio, Uncommon Woman and The Claudia Jordan Show…to name a few.
Shelley was named one of 2021’s top 25 Women in Business by Courageous Woman Magazine.
Shelley is the author of 70 Days of Happy: Life is BETTER When You Smile and PowHER Minds: Reflective Thoughts for the Everyday PowHER Woman and Her Legacies. She is a collaborative author of the Amazon #1 Best Selling book Women Inspiring Nations.
Shelley is passionate about helping women unapologetically unleash their greatness and take control of their lives.
Shelley Meche’tte is an ordained Minister. She has been married to her bestie, since 2002 and is the mother of 2 amazing Legacies (daughters).
Follow Shelley on her social media & website: