Becoming An Entrepreneur Changed My Life

Just like many business owners in the Black community I assumed putting together the basis of my business would be similar to baking an instant cake. I would gather my ingredients, mix them and throw it in the oven to bake. The only problem is, my cake (business) didn't rise. I thought to myself 'I must be missing something' only I couldn't figure out what it was!

February of 2015 I completed something for the first time in my life on my own and it felt amazing! I became a licensed Investment financial advisor. I was working for one of the top financial brokerage firms in America. Life was GREAT! 

February 2016 I delivered my first iSpeakLOUD seminar broadcast. It struck something in me, talking about the Black community and our issues; ways to possibly solve them. This went on for a few months but then it occurred to me that I am capable of doing more. Talking about it just didn't cut it anymore. I sought out someone to build me a website and iSpeakLOUD Solutions, LLC The Premier Black Owned Business Resource was born. Or so I thought. After three website development persons, months later and out $1500 I still had no site to deliver to my people. That's not all, because I was inexperienced in apparel I lost $400 and was stuck with poor quality garments. I just wanted to give up. I mean, 'come back to it later in life' I'd tell myself. With a 2 year old I thought  well I have a career in investments I could afford to just simply walk away. 

February 2017 I was walked in my managers office and asked to shut down iSpeakLOUD.com until further notice. I had a decision to make and my heart knew the answer but my mind was struggling to accept to foreseen change approaching.

I left.

I'm already addicted to hugs from my 2 year old at 11:09a just because, building all day doing what I love. I believe in my people and I believe in our ability to love each other again.

I encourage group economics in my community for a living. Everyday I encourage people to support Black owned businesses. Why? Because the community we leave behind will be the one our children raise their children in. This always takes me back to something I read a long time ago, 'if your plan is for a year, plant rice, if your plan is for 10 years, plant trees, if your plan is for 100 years, teach children.' Children in every other community are taught business at a young age, my people must get into the culture of legacy planning. Group economics isn't a trend, it's a culture.

My vision for iSpeakLOUD Solutions, LLC is as follows:

Economic advancement is key to the empowerment of the Black community. Here at iSpeakLOUD Solutions, LLC we will encourage this growth by providing an elite online directory of Black owned businesses across the country, a virtual services board and a secure online marketplace. Our vision is to build a strong economic foundation in the Black community here in North America as well as Black communities all over the world. This will not only bring cohesion into our community but it will normalize entrepreneurship so that our children can aspire higher. 

I've made great sacrifices to do what I believe in, I've cried, I've laughed, I exercise regularly now, I eat different; it's like I have more time to THINK. I pay closer attention to what I'm ingesting whether it be the music I listen to or simply the people I spend time building with. I hired a business advisor and a professional business launch team. I read everyday for both professional and spiritual growth.  Gosh, this has been such a journey so far and I'm learning everyday. I'm not putting together an instant cake anymore, I'm raising chicken for the eggs, I'm making homemade almond milk, I'm growing carrots and nuts (did I mention it was carrot cake?) well you get the point. I'm preparing myself to always have more so just in case my cake doesn't rise, I can try again. It's not about the fall, it's about whether or not you get back up.

Peace and blessings family ✊🏾💯