10 Questions with Archie J Jenkins, Owner of 180 Lyfe

 

During Black History Month, I’m interviewing Black business owners and founders to help bring more eyes to their products and services and also to celebrate them. My final interview features Archie J Jenkins, the owner of 180 Lyfe. I asked him 10 questions. Keep reading to find his answers.

 

How did your business come to be? What was your motivation?

My motivation comes directly from my past. In my early adult years, I was charged with a few felony convictions. During my incarceration, I began reflecting on what mattered most to me and 180 Lyfe was created. I’ve always been a visionary, but once I wrote the vision and made it plain, things began to shift in my life.

Giving back to others has always been a passion, but I got to a point where I decided to give back to myself. I knew in order to walk in my purpose, I had to get outside my comfort zone and truly change my mindset.

 

Did you face any adversities or obstacles in the beginning?

I am a creative and entrepreneur with ADHD but I’ve never let it define or cripple me. Also, remembering that being my true authentic self is what has gotten me this far, not faking it or being what others expected me to be. I refused to be put in a box. 

Another obstacle that I’ve had to overcome was mistakes I’ve made with finances. However, I’ve learned from each and every one of them. When it comes to business, I believe that the key to entrepreneurship is budgeting and money management. For example, I know that just because you earn $6,000.00 one month, does not mean you go out and buy a Mercedes Benz because you may only make $1,000.00 the following month. That is the risk with entrepreneurship as a whole, nothing is guaranteed.

 

Did you have a support system starting out?

180 Lyfe was started from the ground up. I took my time to build/nurture relationships, grow my network, and collaborate with other business owners until I was able to stand on my own. It is my desire to be a valuable resource for the community.

 

What void would you like to fill in the Black community with your business?

I am a visionary, and I am passionate about helping other individuals who desire to start a business but do not know where to start. I want to inspire my community and show them that they can take a little and build a lot with the right resources. 

I am also a Youth Advocate, and I am especially interested in the holistic development of our young Black men. I want to help them find their voice because I know the huge impact it can have on one’s life. I would like to use motivational speaking as an outlet for 180 Lyfe to reach the masses.

 

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep going?

I made a commitment to myself and my dreams. A commitment that my God given gifts have laid the groundwork for. With 180 Lyfe flourishing and thriving, I’ve learned a lot, the most important thing is that with hard work, persistence, faith in God and prayer, all things are possible. 

Who, if anyone, has inspired you during your journey?

There are many Greats that have inspired me but one person that stands out is Tyler Perry. Seeing someone that looks like me and has overcome everything from homelessness to rejection. When I learned that early on in his career, he invested his last in a stage play and no one showed up, it made me value his resilience even more. I admire anyone who eliminates the excuses and has the steadfast faith to never give up.

 

How can we, the community, help you exceed your current level?

The community can help me elevate by supporting my events and spreading the word about the 180 movement. Whatever I produce, my goal is to inspire, whether it’s through my magazine, my affirmations book, or a motivational speech, I need help bringing more visibility and exposure to the 180 brand.

Do you have any announcements or good news you’d like to share?

Last year, I was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year and that really gave me some great momentum at the start of this year to maximize all of the great connections I’ve made the previous year. On April 9th, I am bringing the 1st Annual Creative Connections Conference to Houston, TX. This conference will truly embody the “No Creative Left Behind” motto with panel discussions, spoken word performances, networking, live music, book signings, extraordinary vendors, and more.

We hope that this conference will bring forth fruitful relationships, collaboration, and networking opportunities for everyone that is involved. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting the business owner/entrepreneurial journey?

 

BE CONSISTENT AND SHOW UP NO MATTER WHAT!

 

How can we find you to give our support? What’s your website and social media info?

You all can find me at www.180lyfe.com where you are able to shop, support, or leave a review. Follow me on Instagram at 180lyfe_180show. For booking inquiries, please email 180lyfe180show@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Archie, for this great interview! Be sure to check out the 180 Lyfe website to see everything they have to offer!

 

10 Questions with Viral TikTok Photographer, Michael T Davis

 

During Black History Month, I’m interviewing Black business owners and founders to help bring more eyes to their products and services and also to celebrate them. My next interview is with Michael T. Davis, owner of Michael T. Davis Photography, who recently went viral on TikTok. I asked him 10 questions. Below are his answers.

 

How did your business come to be? What was your motivation?

I photographed my first wedding in Philadelphia, on August 20, 2011, which was also my 1yr wedding anniversary, and my wife has yet to let me live it down. It came about because they saw some of my work on Facebook and decided to reach out. The experience was such a blast! I learned so much and really enjoyed the entire process. Prior to this event, I’ve never photographed a wedding before. So it was a leap of faith that they loved my work and trusted that I would do a great job.

11 yrs later, I photograph weddings full-time, educate others on how to run profitable photography businesses, speak at photography conferences and on podcasts, etc. Some would consider me an expert in the industry. I just consider myself a storyteller and wedding photographer

 

Did you face any adversities or obstacles in the beginning?

The biggest obstacle was learning about the industry. I didn’t know anything about weddings before photographing my first one. So, I did tons of research on timelines, the do’s and don’ts, gear, etiquette, etc. After my first wedding, I began to bring my camera to weddings when I was a guest and photographed that.

About 1-2 yrs after that I was approached by a wedding company in Baltimore to join their team. It was here where I gained the much needed experience and portfolio. I was a 2nd photographer (one who assists the main photographer) for about a year. Then I was promoted as the main photographer. I developed a close relationship with the owners of the company and began to get a better insight on the business side as well.

 

Did you have a support system starting out?

Starting out, I mostly relied on my friend network to practice my photographer skills. They were great at getting in front of the camera so that I can refine my techniques. My wife was, and still is, my biggest advocate. She has been extremely supportive both mentally and physically. Without her, I would probably have never made it because imposter syndrome is so hard to get over without the proper people in your corner.

 

What void would you like to fill in the Black community with your business?

I want to preserve the stories of black families. One of the largest gaps in our community is that we pass down our verbal stories but not the visual ones. I find that it’s mostly because as a whole we don’t prioritize documenting our journey as much as our white counterparts. I want to change that narrative. As a storyteller and photographer, I am using my talents and skills to help black families, not only take more photographs, but hang them on their walls and shelves. Our children need to see themselves hanging on the walls and when they look through albums.

 

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep going?

I surround myself with the right people. I have people in my corner who are further along in the industry, as well as those who are a few steps behind me. This allows me to stay inspired and inspire others in the process. It allows me to practice humility and still grow as an artist and an educator. 

The 2nd biggest motivation is my family. I want to redefine what success looks like for my children. I want them to believe that they have options and that it’s possible to do what you love and be profitable at the same time. They are watching all of my accomplishments as well as setbacks, and it’s important for them to witness what entrepreneurship looks like in real-life, not just in theory.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you during your journey?

My biggest inspiration has always, and continues to be my wife. We had our first child when she was 19. She never took a break from college. She even continued on to get her PhD from Johns Hopkins. Now she is one of the foremost scholars of the history of Black women athletics in the 20th century. Her determination to always push forward, even through the darkest times, keeps me motivated. I push her and she pushes me to be the best for our children, our crafts, and ourselves.

 

How can we, the community, help you exceed your current level?

The best way to help is to hire me and tell others about the work that I do. As a storyteller and photographer, I follow my couples’ journey from the aisle to their 1st born graduating college and beyond. I am my family’s photographer for life.

Do you have any announcements or good news you’d like to share?

This past week, one of my weddings went viral on TikTok. It has had over 7 million views within a 4-day span. I’m so excited that I get to share my work with millions of people around the world! Watch it here.

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting the business owner/entrepreneurial journey?

You can’t do everything well. Invest in yourself. Hire a mentor. Outsource where and when you can. This will allow you to only focus on the things that matter most to you, while everything else is working in the background. This will also help avoid burnout and lead to sustainability and longevity.

How can we find you to give our support? What’s your website and social media info?

website: www.mtdphotography.com

IG: @mtdphotography1914

tiktok: @mtdphotography

FB: Michael T Davis Photography

 

 

 

I’d like to thank Mr. Davis for taking the time to do this interview. Be sure to follow him on social media for more behind the scenes content, and head to his website to book him for your next photography session.

10 Questions with Tanya Walker, Founder of Black Women Who Kayak+

 

During Black History Month, I’m interviewing Black business owners and founders to help bring more eyes to their products and services and also to celebrate them. Today, I’m featuring Tanya Walker, the founder of BWWK+ (Black Women who Kayak+). I asked her 10 questions. These are her answers.

 

How did your business come to be? What was your motivation?

It was never my intention to start Black Women Who Kayak+ as a business. The idea for Black Women Who Kayak+ came from me trying to get a couple of people to come kayaking with me. There were rarely any people of color I saw, especially women, when I was kayaking. My former fiancé is the one that encouraged me to start a Facebook group to see if anyone would join me.

There was only one woman who showed up at each event I created. I initially considered closing the group page because I was discouraged, but the lady encouraged me to keep it open. Therefore, I created another event. Initially, I did not realize I was up against one of our barriers (which I later addressed by partnering with The British Swim School), the discomfort associated with large bodies of water.

So, this time kayaking, I reached out to Whirlpool Caverns to create the BWWK+  Cave Exploring/Spelunking event. I still didn’t think anyone would attend. However, each lady who RSVP’d came, making it one of the most memorable events we have ever experienced. We did something that people of color typically don’t do. At that moment, I realized that this platform could serve much more purposeful purposes.

My motivation came when I realized that there is nothing that people of color can’t accomplish with the right opportunities, access, supportive environment, and knowledge. In an effort to change those myths about what people of color can and cannot achieve, it became my mission and vision to use my platform to break down those barriers and more. 

 

Did you face any adversities or obstacles in the beginning?

I get asked this in every interview. I always say the same thing. There’s a higher being that chose me for this journey. That higher being has aligned me with some of the most influential people and organizations. Those experiences have not only shown the importance of creating an environment that welcomes all people of color. However, they see that implementing more diversity, equality, and inclusion in their work environments is essential. 

I wouldn’t say this journey has been easy. It hasn’t been. But God has never promised me that my purpose would be easy. My biggest challenge has been learning business skills. Many of us have a general understanding of how to run a business. However, building a successful business takes more than general knowledge. It is imperative for you to acquire more than common knowledge, or you will end up working harder than smarter.

 

Did you have a support system starting out?

Just getting started. No. I had to build it. I had to be able to demonstrate that my vision and determination were genuine. Eventually, my community joined me in this movement after people noticed I had something here. Now I have a strong support system. It makes the challenging days less painful and more manageable. In the context of the support system, I am referring to my family and my team of ladies. My vision and the rewarding feeling of making such a positive impact on so many women and their children keeps us growing and going strong.  

 

What void would you like to fill in the Black community with your business?

I was exposed to all of the things our chapters do now when I was pulled out of my environment. In a Christian youth group, a Caucasian woman noticed an opportunity and purpose where she could serve. Many times, white people come into black communities and expose them to things they would normally not see or experience. These encounters are known as The Great White Hope. I am grateful for my Great White Hope. Because she has saved me in many ways, and the Birth of BWWK+ would not have even existed without her. 

However, the truth about the Great White Hope is, generally speaking, they couldn’t relate to me. They can’t understand why there are barriers and myths that are ingrained in our culture. No. It isn’t necessary to be in poverty to relate to someone who is. Nonetheless, wouldn’t it be nice for the brown or black children to be rescued by someone who truly understands their plight? The intervention would be more impactful if brown or black people were to introduce kids and their mothers to activities that we don’t typically see ourselves in. Also letting them know that we can do those things, too. By providing that level of access, knowledge, and a welcoming environment. It is our goal at Black Women Who Kayak+ to make the mother feel comfortable enough to not only step outside her comfort zone but also bring her family and children.

 

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep going?

What a great question. Watching the looks on the faces of our members who have taken advantage of our partnership with British Swim School to learn how to swim for the first time. Watching kids and their mothers holding space within the community of rowers. Our partnership with The Texas Rowing Center has given them this opportunity. Whenever members who were considering not coming to one of our events tell me how happy they are that they did attend. They did something that we aren’t used to seeing us do. They stepped outside their comfort zone and now feel accomplished and empowered, with other ladies who look like them and possibly felt the same way.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you during your journey?

The woman I call mother. She’s my biggest supporter. She was a single parent whose first priority was feeding, sheltering, and educating her children. It was a difficult task for her to raise two kids on her own, but she did it! I want to target women like my mom and myself and expose them to something outside of their priorities. Something outside of their norm and what you typically don’t see us doing.

 

How can we, the community, help you exceed your current level?

In all established chapters, we still need more volunteers. In addition, we need ladies who want to open local chapters of Black Women Who Kayak+ in their area. More sponsors and donations would also be appreciated. There is definitely interest in partnering with businesses that offer sailing lessons, skiing lessons, wakeboard/surfing lessons, and flying lessons. Provide transportation for members who require it. Any donated gear for camping, hiking, kayaking, golf, tennis, and more would be appreciated. The plus with Black Women Who Kayak is that we can explore our possibilities beyond what a kid or mother desires, and perhaps provide something extortionate as well. It will be a memory and experience they will never forget.

Do you have any announcements or good news you’d like to share?

Definitely! It is always a pleasure to share the great news about BWWK+. We have recently partnered with NOLS. It is a global organization that offers a once-in-a-lifetime type of excursion to those who can afford it. Part of our partnership with them included a 2,330 sponsorship for one of our members to experience an 8-day backpacking trip to Alaska this year. We raffled off this amazing opportunity and one of our faithful members won. However, we’ll be doing a GoFundMe to assist with covering airfare and the opportunity for one of our admins to attend this trip with that member. One of the barriers we face is that we want to embark on these amazing adventures but the cost and there is no other brown or black person participating. So, we don’t want this member to do this trip alone or feel as if she can’t relate to any of the other participants.

Furthermore, if there are any Kentucky residents, on April 15th, 2022, our Kentucky Chapter will hold its first event at the Mammoth Cave National Park. The cave has a rich history. Attendees must be members of BWWK+. 

Last, for any Arkansas residents, our Arkansas Chapter will be kicking off their first event in June at the 50th Buffalo National River Anniversary. Attendees must be members of BWWK+. 

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting the business owner/entrepreneurial journey?

No matter what, don’t give up. Giving up is easier than keeping going. There is a big difference between taking a step back to evaluate and adjust your approach or how you approach your plan versus giving up completely. Set realistic goals. Browse all free resources for small businesses. Get started with Score. Score is a really handy resource that’s free. Also, capitalize on what makes your business different. Create a strong support system. Learn to delegate when needed. Understand that you can’t do it alone. You need people to help you and don’t be shy about asking for help. Learn to apologize when you’re wrong. Be willing to be taught. Learn to be and do better. Remember, there’s always a bigger picture. Never allow someone’s negativity to change your direction. Keep your head up and pray… pray for guidance, strength, wisdom, courage, humbleness, and for the right people to be aligned with your purpose. 

How can we find you to give our support? What’s your website and social media info?

Facebook, Meetup, IG, and TikTok are our social media platforms! Alternatively, you can search for Black Women Who Kayak+, and you will find us. Furthermore, we have a website at www.blackwomenwhokayak.com.

Currently, our aim is to target women and their children of all social backgrounds, not men. However, we do have events that encourage women to bring their significant others and additional families. Everyone can still keep up with our progress by liking our Facebook Business page, website, or following us on Instagram. 

 

 

 

Thank you, Tanya, for taking the time to do this interview! Everyone, please make sure to check out the BWWK+ website and social accounts to find a chapter near you.

10 Questions with Aden’s Cookie Factory

Each February, I like to gather several diverse Black business owners to interview and learn about their journey, as well as help others discover their products and services.

My first interview this month is with Aden, the 13 year old owner and baker of Aden’s Cookie Factory, in Little Rock, AR. I asked him a few questions, like what motivated him to start and what keeps him going. Keep reading to see this rising star’s answers.

 

 

How long have you been selling cookies, and do you make them by yourself?

This is my first year selling cookies. I have always helped my mom bake. I started making cookies for my family and they were so good, I decided to sell them. I make all my cookies by myself from scratch.

 

What’s your favorite part about having your own business?

My favorite part about having my own business is tasting each batch of cookies and being able to save money for my future.

 

 

Is anything hard about your new business?

The hardest part about my cookie business is getting the recipe right to have a delicious cookie each time.

 

How do you keep yourself motivated?

My future keeps me motivated. Thinking about building now for the future keeps me going. My mom taught me that what I do today impacts my tomorrow. I hope that what I am doing will have a positive impact on my future.

 

 

Did anyone inspire you to start?

My mom inspired me to start my own business. She started a business. So I had a chance to see what it is like. I thought I was too young to have a business, but it doesn’t matter how old you are.

 

How can we help you grow your business?

You can help by spreading the word about Aden’s Cookie Factory.

 

 

Do you have any announcements or good news you’d like to share?

No announcements at this time.

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give another young person starting the business owner/entrepreneurial journey?

Don’t be scared, just do it. If you have a dream, go for it. Set a goal, make a plan, and start!

 

 

Do you have a website or social media account where we can follow and support you?

I’m on Facebook at Aden’s Cookie Factory and on Instagram at adenscookiefactory.

 

 

Thank you so much Aden for taking the time to do this interview with me. You’re so intelligent and talented! You’ll definitely go as far as you desire with your business. 

For those looking to support Aden’s Cookie Factory, he currently sells half dozen cookies for $14 and one dozen cookies for $28 in the Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff areas in Arkansas. He doesn’t currently offer shipping, but be on the lookout for that in the future.

 

 

10 Questions with Tailored Made Career Solutions, LLC

 

I can’t believe this month has gone by so fast and we’re already to the final interview of my 10 Questions series, where I ask Black owned businesses at different stages in their career the same 10 questions. The final interview is with LaTasha Dale, owner of Tailored Made Career Solutions, LLC. I, of course, asked her the same 10 questions. Below are her answers.

 

 

 

 

10 Questions with Entrepreneur Ashley Savage

 

We’re a little over half way through the month and almost done with my 10 Questions series, where I interview Back owned businesses at different stages in their career, asking them the same questions. Today, I’m interviewing entrepreneur Ashley Savage, owner of CoverdNCrochet and  P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer. These are her answers.

 

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

I currently have 2 businesses: CoverdNCrochet, where I make crochet garments, accessories and some home decor items; and P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer.

I learned to crochet when I was 13yrs old from a nice lady, friend of the family. Then years later I picked it back up as a means of therapy after a near fatal car accident.

I also just dipped a toe in the cosmetics business and launched a line of lip gloss called P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer. The acronym P.O.U.T. stands for Perfecting Our Unique Talents. I was making lip gloss and lip scrubs with my nieces (I have 8 of them), and I just so happened to run across some videos on YouTube and saw that people actually sell the lip gloss they make. So I said to myself, “Ash you can do that.” So I wrote down a check list and for 60 days I went through the list, checking everything off, and I launched Jan. 15th.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

Just having the courage to take the leap with both businesses. When you want to start something of your own, there are a lot of people that’ll try to discourage you from doing so because they only see what could go wrong. Most people say, “What if you fail?” And I always ask myself, “What if I fly?” Then I get right to work on my written plans.

 

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

I’ve noticed that a lot of people have some sort of stigma with Black-owned businesses, and unlike our white counterparts, people that have been successful in the same field or market are not willing to help anyone else. They have this terrible mindset and they think that if they help the next person, I’ll take away from their business.

 

4. Who would benefit most from your business?

My children. The pandemic has hit a lot of families pretty hard and no matter how bad this thing gets, the landlord still wants the rent, and I have to keep the lights on and the bellies full. I work for the State of Arkansas, barely making ends meet. So the rest has to come from somewhere. I’d do anything for my kids. So why not work for them too if I’m going to work everyday for somebody else?

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

Yes and no.

No because I actually look up to my parents. They have always been hard-working people and no matter what the odds were against them, they made sure that we didn’t go without.

Yes, I look up to Raynell Stewart, aka Supa Cent. I started following her long before the multimillion dollar cosmetic line. I followed her on YouTube and watched crazy story time videos. She started her business with just a plan and now look at it.

 

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

I really can’t pick one individual. I have the determination so many people had before me. The drive to keep going when someone tells you or makes you feel undeserving.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

I’m currently working on Spring/Summer swimwear for my crochet business and I have a gloss collection in the works for Women’s History Month In March as well as selling other items donning my logos.

 

8. What’s your most popular item?

Right now my most popular crochet item is leg warmers and my most popular gloss is actually my signature gloss called Perfect POUT.

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Just like and or share the posts pertaining to my business on Facebook here and here. The more exposure I can get the better..

 

10. How can we shop with you?

I have a shop on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/CoverdNCrochet,  and you can purchase my vegan, cruelty free lip lacquer at www.poutliplacquer20.com.

Thank you!

Thank you so much Ashley for participating in this series! Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Ashley and her story. Please go to both of her sites to show your support!

10 Questions with Stewart and Daughters Global

 

We’re at the third interview from my 10 Questions series, where I ask Black owned businesses at different stages in their career the same 10 questions. Today, I’m interviewing Alexander Stewart, of Stewart and Daughters Global. These are his answers.

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

Ecommerce holistic business that gives the customer the ability to shop for wellness products, skincare, and home cleaning products at one stop. It came to be for me because I only like to offer products that I believe in and that will offer what is a need in your life.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment so far is knowing that I have products that truly are a need for my customers at this point and I can direct my customers to products that are safe and that I believe in.

  

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

I have not noticed any specific struggles mainly because my business is Ecommerce and not a storefront.

 

 4. Who would benefit most from your business?

Anyone looking for all natural organic vitamins, weight loss supplements, or sports nutrition. Also anyone looking for all natural organic skincare systems or organic and biodegradable cleaning products. I believe I have what anyone needs.

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

 I would say I look up to Lebron James because he is doing what I always dreamed of doing which is giving back into his community and giving kids who do not have the support needed a chance to achieve their goals in life.

 

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

My black icon is Kobe Bryant simply because he expected and pursued excellence in everything he did.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

My next goal for my business is to earn more customer business and increase my customer sales by 15% heading into the summer.

 

8. What’s your most popular service?

My most popular item is the N* by Nutrilite which is basically saying (put more nutrition in you).

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Simply by sharing the business with friends and family or anyone who wants the ability to shop for natural and organic nutrition, skincare, and homecare from a one stop shop.

 

10. How can we reach you to shop with you?

 I can be reached 4 different ways: Email (stewartanddaughtersglobal@gmail.com), Phone number (469-600-9196), and Websites (www.amway.com/myshop/DailyHealthBeauty)(www.amway.com/myshop/CleanFreshHouse)

Thank you!

Thank you Alexander for participating in this series! Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Alexander. Please be sure to visit his sites and support his family’s business.

 

10 Questions with Majestic Adult Living Home Agency

 

Welcome back to the next interview from my 10 Questions series, where I interview Back owned businesses at different stages in their career. Today, I’m asking Aries Maxwell, owner of Majestic Adult Living Home Agency the same 10 questions. These are her answers.

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

my business name is Majestic Adult Living Home Agency. We are a residential in-home care, adult family home agency provider that provides 24 hour supervision, medication, administration, transportation service, respite care, etc, in Milwaukee, WI.

My business was inspired by my grandmother and mother, brother, and niece. My grandmother passed in 2015. She has always been known as a person to put a smile on someone’s face while dealing with her own challenges. When I was growing up, as a teenager, my grandmother lived with us. We used to see her talking to herself, but didn’t fully understand what was wrong with her, but we loved her anyway. Later we found out that she had schizophrenia and dementia, a mental health disorder. We didn’t know what mental illness was or even talk about it in our home. We just lived with it and loved on her despite her condition, and she loved on us back.

Another person who inspired me was my brother, who was born with cerebral palsy and a developmental disability, and his fight to not allow his disability determine his limits to living his best life. Lastly was learning my niece was born with a hearing impairment and watching her grow up as she excelled in school and listening to her plan her future. She has inspired me to understand how important it is to develop an environment where people need to feel love and acceptance from others whether it’s a mental illness, a developmental, or physical disability. They are still people who have learned to do things differently.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment when one of my resident thank me for being apart her life.

  

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

Yes, financing and resources.

 

4. Who would benefit most from your business?

Families who are looking for a place for their grandmother, brother, aunt, uncle or child, also a Social Worker or Case manager who is looking to place someone into a good home.

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

Tyra Banks, because of her poise and business savvy and modeling. Also, Oprah Winfrey because of her heart for philanthropy.

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

I want to say Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

Our next goal is to open 3 more homes within the next year to service more residents. Our long-term goal is to expand to other states, like Texas, Michigan, Georgia just to name a few. Our ultimate goal is to expand across the border to Ghana, Africa, where we plan on building our school and homes for women and children.

 

8. What’s your most popular service?

Personal Care Service and Pet therapy

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Send referrals or like our social media pages on facebook and instagram to stay updated on what we are doing.

 

10. How can we reach you to work with you?

You can reach me at 414-253-6355 or you can visit us at our website www.majesticlivinghomeagency.com

Thank you!

I would like to thank Aries for participating in this series and for the great work she does. Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Aries and her story. If you’re in the Milwaukee area and are in need of her services, please contact her.

10 Questions with PrettyGirl Miinks