The UManagement, LLC First Annual EntrepreneuHER Women’s Brunch

BUSBOYS AND POETS 5TH & K
WASHINGTON, DC

​What is an entrepreneur?  Knowing what it is, is one thing but believing and being a black women entrepreneur is another.  We all have heard stories pertaining to the great success of women entrepreneurs like Oprah, Cathy Hughes and Madame CJ Walker ... just to name a few.  What do all these women have in common?  They, my friends, had a dream, an idea, a purpose that was so important to them to manifest and share with the world. Failure was second nature to them. Oprah has said many times “You must accept, not fear failure.”  It is a part of the process.  They took a leap of faith and went for it!  If you want to make your dream a reality you must GO FOR IT!  Creating the life you desire, building a brand / business, becoming and Entrepreneur is a process, not a race.  
 
My business mentor says in order to succeed as an Entrepreneur you must invest in yourself.  You must show up in places and spaces where entrepreneurs/business minded people are in order to build and make connections. Over my Spring Break I attended The UManagement, LLC First Annual EntrepreneuHER Women’s Brunch, held at Busboys and Poets, 5th and K, Washington DC.  This meeting of the minds was birthed through UManagement, Sr. Publicist, Founder and CEO, and former Bowie State University SGA President, Milan Mobley.  When I received an invitation to speak as a panelist, honestly, I thought my brand is thriving, but my business is still in the development stage!  What could I possibly contribute to this panel?   
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Let me tell you, I had much to contribute in the panel discussion.  Questions from the women in attendance included what are some of the hardships / benefits of working for yourself?  Where do you see your business in 5-10 years and what tips would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?   Surely I had insight in these areas and I wanted to answer every question.  I learned so much from the other women on the panel and connected with like-minded businesswomen who were in attendance.  Many of whom were interested in learning more about and contributing to the vision of IAM.
 
I connected with many like-minded entrepreneurs and gained valuable insight from other amazing women like, Ryan Kelly, an amazing Artist (who was live painting at the event) who hipped me to RAW ARTISTS and suggested I become a member in order to showcase my art and jewelry.  I linked up with Founder and CEO, Tatum Harrison of the Queen Academy whose mission and vision mirrors IAM. We've already made plans to build and brainstorm.  I was invited to another Women’s brunch and Kayla, Founder of Bossup asked me if I would agree to be featured on her blog.  I produced some income through my IAM INSPIRATIONAL BRACELETS and button sales.  I left this event charged up knowing IAM moving in the right direction even though I have so much further to go.  I felt and IAM empowered knowing my mission and vision for IAM is clearer, accessible and functional.  It’s been almost two years coming, IAM so excited about the future, I can barely contain myself.  To think IAM was just an IDEA I had five years ago.  To see that IDEA birthed into a reality is truly a great success.  Thank you Milan for believing in my mission and vision.  Thank you to all the amazing panelists and great women in attendance.  We are BLACK EXCELLENCE.  ​