Black Women Leading!

Fam, traffic is notorious in LA — especially when there’s a car accident on the 110.

But every now and again, you’re glad you weathered the craziness to attend a special event that empowers your soul.

Yesterday was one of those days.

On Saturday, the Century City Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented the “Black Women Lead Empowerment Symposium” from 10am to 2pm at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Culver City.

Free to the public, featured speakers included Areva Martin, Nina Parker, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Kianna Armstrong, Jasmine Taylor, Shonelle Blake, Imani Sumter, Doneisha Belton, Crystal Yelverton, Shoneji Robison and Catarah Coleman.

Over the course of the day, I had the pleasure of attending two workshops — CIVICS 101, presented by the chapter’s social action chair, Vonda Paige. And BOSS LADY MOVES, presented by the owners of Southern Girls Desserts, Shoneji Robison and Catarah Coleman.

At first glance, I thought I knew what to expect.

Vonda, my friend and civics sensei, ALWAYS gets me together when it comes to everything political, so I knew she was going to do an excellent job breaking down how our government and democracy work, why our vote counts and what’s at stake for Black women in 2024.

I wasn’t familiar with Shoneji and Catarah, though. The only thing I knew was that their Southern Girls Desserts were delicious. And I doubted that two bakers and a writer would have anything in common. But as they shared the blessings and lessons of their journey to success, I learned just how similar we are.

For example…

Shoneji and Catarah are entrepreneurs, who sell their yummy goodies worldwide.

I’m an authorpreneur, who lives by her pen and sells her unique stories worldwide.

Shoneji and Catarah struggled with valuing their worth as young entrepreneurs.

Guess what? I did, too. As a young (and if I’m being honest, also not so young) writer-producer, I was afraid to charge or negotiate what I deserved out of desperation or fear of losing opportunities. But now, after 27 years honing my craft and surviving last year’s Writers Strike, I confidently stand on my work and worth as an authorpreneur.

And our last similarity, Fam, was really more of a kick ass reminder for me. 🤑

After years of burning through personal savings and full-time job paychecks, Shoneji and Catarah learned their most valuable lesson — Your goal as an entrepreneur is to use someone else’s money to run your business.

That right there resonated the most with me. Not only did it remind me to apply for creative grants like I used to when I first started my career. But more importantly, it instantly shifted my angst about pitching.

Growing up, my momma always told me: “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” And in this business, if you want to sell your work as an authorpreneur, you gotta take pitch meetings. Lots of them.

No getting around it. Believe me, I’ve tried. 😂

I know what you’re thinking — This ain’t rocket science. You’re right, but I needed this shift.

And I can thank two sister entrepreneurs I thought I had nothing in common with for the reminder.