YBE YOUNG BLACK ENTREPRENEUR
MAGAZINE
SPECIAL EDITION
THE LIKE FACTOR YOU MARRIED AN ENTREPRENEUR GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY
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BRANDON C. BANKS DR. JULIANNE ADAMS BIRT RUSHIA BROWN JORDAN BRUNSON CASSIUS F. BUTTS ANGELA CARTER JOHNNY CLARKSON JON DUDLEY DETHRA U. GILES SEPTEMBER GRAY OKEEBA JUBALO PAUL RUE II
Options and Opportunities
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF THE SBA
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2015 by Noble S ol Art G roup. Al l r i g h t s re se r v e d
Young Black Entrepreneur Pg 6
$$ Publisher’s Letter
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YBE Pioneer
Pg 9
$$ Morehouse Man
Pg 10 $$ Options and Opportunities
MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
Brandon C. Banks Pg 12 $ Kevin Mcgee Pg 14 $ Paul Rue II Pg 16 $ Jordon Brunson Pg 18 $$ Unlocking The Power of The SBA Cassius F. Butts Pg 24 $ Jon Dudley Pg 26 YBE ON THE MOVE Pg 28 Artists We Love Pg 31 $$ Art Investment September Gray Pg 32 $$ The Like Factor Dethra U. Giles Pg 34 $$ Get Out of Your Own Way Rushia Brown Pg 36 $$ You Married An Entrepreneur Johnny Clarkson Pg 40 $ Angela Carter
$: Interview
YBE
Pg 42 $ Dr. Julianne Adams Birt
$$: Article/Contribution
YBE/12.2015
YBE NATION Publisher’s Letter
FU L L CIR C LE
OKEEB A J U BALO You ng Black Entrepreneur Maga zine Publ isher an d Founding Editor
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OKEEBAJUBALO.com N obl eSol.Net HnHCa ter.com
After years of working as a freelancer, I decided to go back to school to study a newly found passion, one I was not exposed to in my early teens. I wanted to go to school to major in African-American studies. I was burnt out on freelancing design work and needed something else. I thought I would become a college professor and then just go from there. I did my research and had three schools on my list: Temple University, The University of Louisville and Morehouse College. After going through my selection and admissions process I settled on The University of Louisville because of the scholarship amount that I was offered. As a younger man I did not really understand the importance of an HBCU such as Morehouse College. Even though my family has a history of being educated at HBCUs I found myself on another road. After enrolling in The University of Louisville I came face to face with a Morehouse Man who happened t o be my department chair.
He once told me that Louisville was a good choice, but Morehouse would have been a better choice. We laughed about this, but at that time I did not really get it. I was too young and too full of myself to get it. I completed my coursework at Louisville and decided to move back to Atlanta. The economy had taken a nose-dive and my plan of becoming an educator came to screeching halt due to my responsibilities as a newly divorced and full-time father of two daughters. Now what? I sti ll had a passion for design and marketing, but I also wanted to serve my community as well. Then I realized the best way to serve my community was by helping to build our small black-owned businesses to be able to compete on the world stage. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work‌one client at a time. Within a few years I brought on a partner and we just kept pushing. A few years later I had the idea of starting this magazine as a way to showcase black-owned businesses who needed the exposure and gu idance that can be found by reading other entrepreneur’s stories. My passion for teaching never left, and I always wondered what would have happened if I chose Morehouse College over Louisville. By creating this magazine I also expanded my network and eventually came into the fold of The Morehouse College Alumni As sociation. There were a group of brilliant brothers in need of the services my firm could provide.
They did not fully know my line of thinking and how much I took this project to heart. This was more than just a contract or business. This was my chance to help them while helping Black America, and to make peace with my choice to go to Louisville so many years back. Since working with the MCAA, I found myself being even more responsible with my personal and professional actions. I feel that my firm has to be even tighter as we proudly represent our community and the standards that Morehouse College has set for their graduates. As a grown man I can look back and see that Morehouse College would have been a better choice for me. Back then I did not get it, but now I do. The Morehouse College Alumni Association has brought me back full circle. Funny how life can move you in one dir ection even when you believe that you are moving in another.
YBE
As a young man fresh out of high school, I started my educational journey at The Art Institute of Atlanta. I majored in graphic design and advertising design and did very well moving through my coursework and eventually graduating at the top of my class. My spirit never pushed me to seek work as an employee at a design firm or advertising agency. I needed to make my own way and be my own boss, at any cost. Entrepreneurship was my answer, but the timing was not right.
7 N o b le S o l. N e t
YBE
Pioneer
Herman J. Russell
(1930-2014) HJRussell.Com
H.J. Russell & Company, founded in 1952 by Herman J. Russell, is one of the largest minority owned real estate firms in the United States. As a multi-faceted organization focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience, they develop, design/build, renovate and manage projects in a wide variety of markets.
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MOR E HOUS E MA N MorehouseCollegeAlumni.org
BRANDON C. BANKS National Vice President Morehouse College Alumni Association
O pt ions and O pport uni ties
MorehouseCollegeAlumni.com 10 N o bl eS o l . Net
As we begin to bring 2015 to a close, this is typically the time of year when people get together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. It is a pretty joyous time of year for most, filled with spirit and laughter. I like to use this time of year to reflect on the current year and anticipate the year ahead. As I reflect on 2015 and the majority of the events that took place in it, there are two words that come to mind: options and opportunities. These two words cont inue to pop up in my mind as focal points even though on the surface they seem simplistic. With the country on the fringe of a political campaign frenzy and racial tensions on the rise, I am choosing to simplify the discussion as it relates to “US” into two categories. As African Americans we are constantly faced with a crossroads in society. The crossroad intersects with us examining our options and the opportunities or opportunity costs. The most recent events that took place on the campus of the University of Missouri and several other campuses across the country have once again brought the combination of race and social acceptance at post-secondary institutions back to the forefront. Let me be more specific, the conversation of HBCUs vs. PWIs. Regardless of personal feelings about the two, the reality of it is simple. It comes down to options and opportunities. We need both because we are a diverse group of people. Historically Black Colleges and Universities were the only institutions created specifically for African Americans to be successful. As we have evolved and been afforded new option s for education, everyone is not a great fit for an HBCU. In order for our
families and communities to continue to thrive, we need to continue to make sure they have options and opportunities. There is an old saying that states, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it takes all of us to keep our options and opportunities available for that child as they transition into adulthood. I’ve had the privilege of serving in a leadership capacity in the National Alumni Association for eight years. During my time, I’ve not only heard stories of the financial struggles of students, I have personally lived it. I came from a two parent household with both parents working. In my mind, we were middle class, but little did I know the reality of our financial situation was upper lower class. As a high school graduate, I had options regarding which institution of higher learning I would attend, but I felt that attending an HBCU would provide me better opportunities in the long run and give me an experience that I could not receive anywhere else. It didn’t take me long to realize the fight for Civil Ri ghts I’d learned about in school had shifted to the fight for Silver Rights and accessible funds for higher education. Through the eff orts of God’s grace and generosity of “The Village”, I was able to secure the funds I needed to complete my matriculation. The cost of a college education is constantly on the rise. During my tenure in leadership, the fight for Silver Ri ghts continues, so we launched the 300 Campaign to aide in the battle. The concept, inspired by the movie 300, was to show how the efforts of a few if pooled together could have a mighty im pact on the whole. We use the funds raised through
this initiative to help those graduating seniors who have completed their academic course work but exhausted all of their financial resources to satisfy their balance to the college and complete their journey. It is time that we start saving ourselves. We need everybody’s help whether you are a graduate or not. We need you because you know somebody who could be or who is in need. We did not make it this far by waiting on the help of a superhero to drop in and save us. We built these institutions with hard work, sweat equity, and one brick at a time. With the changes that have been made in the financial lending guidelines, we need everyone from “The Village” to join us in keeping options and opportunities available at the only institution specifically designed for African American males to be successful for years to come. For more information on how you can personally contribute, please visit our website at www.morehousecollegealumni.org. I pray that you and your family have safe and happy holidays, and may the best days of 2015 serve as a springboard to greater success in 2016.
YBE 1 1 N o ble S o l. N e t
Kevin McGee
Class of 1993
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Who are you, where are you from and what is your profession? My name is Kevin McGee. I am originally from the Midwest, Kansas City specifically, but I have lived in Atlanta for more than 25 years. I am the founder of Avid Entrepreneurship, which is a business coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build better businesses. I was a serial entrepreneur long before the term became trendy. With a wide range of experience from light manufacturing to multi-unit franchising, I started my first major venture at 23 years old. I have more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and business development experience which gives me unique insight and perspective into this area of entrepreneurship. I believe that entrepreneurship is the only way for a person to truly be in control of their destiny. My passion is to help start-up and early-stage companies become self-sustaining enterprises. I have founded businesses in the hospitality, retail, and non-profit sectors. Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start, grow, and even exit their businesses when necessary. I am a firm believer in maintaining a life and work balance. I founded the Morehouse Alumni Mentoring Program to mentor young boys and men of color. I am a trustee of both Morehouse College and the Morehouse School of Medicine. I sit on several non-profit boards and volunteer my time with a number of organizations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlanta, The Boys and Girls Club of America, and The Morehouse Alumni Mentoring Program.
M
What led you to Morehouse? Ironically, coming from the Midwest, I had very little knowledge about HBCUs and no knowledge of Morehouse. However, my parents and other family members knew the history well. I applied and was accepted to several leading colleges and universities, but Morehouse gave me a full scholarship so that made the decision pretty easy. Morehouse it was.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I would like to be semi-retired in the sense that I would be able to spend the majority of my time doing the things that I love like hobbies or other interests. I would hope that my companies will have been successful and positioned my family to be financially free and independent. I would also like to teach or mentor more.
What is your first memory of becoming a student at Morehouse? My first memory was coming to Morehouse early for band camp. I had never been to Atlanta before, so my first visit to Morehouse I was a little surprised by the small size of the campus. After seeing much larger campuses across the country, I was expecting something larger. But what Morehouse lacked in physical size, it made up for in the quality of the education, the positive environment, and the camaraderie.
What does it mean to be a Morehouse Man? For me it means that I have to try and do more to make an impact in the spheres of influence that I am in. I think Morehouse gives you a unique set of skills and insight that needs to be shared with the world. We all know many of the anecdotes about Morehouse Men and their level of confidence. I strive to represent the Morehouse Men who are doing great things not only in business but in communities across the country.
What was your greatest lesson while attending Morehouse? The thing I remember most about my experiences at Morehouse would be to always be yourself and celebrate your uniqueness and distinctiveness. Benjamin Mays has a quote that I repeat to myself often, “Every man or women is born into this world to do something unique and distinctive. If that person doesn’t do it, then that thing will never be done.” These are words I try to live by.
What advice would you give a young man who is considering making a college decision? The advice that I would give would be to attend college where you can afford to attend college. I say that intentionally because the rising cost of education in private and even state schools is troubling. Many students have their hearts set on a particular college or university for whatever reason and wind up making extreme financial sacrifices to attend these institutions. Selecting schools this way results in staggering student debt. Regardless of the job you get or business you start, it’s hard to recover from that level of debt and still live a comfortable life. There are many cost effective options for education, and the knowledge garnered is increasingly becoming just as important as the name of the institution.
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How did your education and experience prepare you for where you are now? I majored in banking and finance, and as an entrepreneur, obviously I use these skills often. Business acumen is a must for success. Beyond that, I think that the relationships I have developed while at Morehouse have also greatly aided me in my business and personal life.
MOREHOUSE MAN
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Paul Rue II Class of 2003 14 Nobl eS o l . Net
Who are you, where are you from and what is your profession? My name is Paul Rue II and I am from Steubenville, Ohio. I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia where I work as an exclusive Allstate Agency Owner. What led you to Morehouse? My parents submitted information to the Morehouse booth at the Black Expo in Indianapolis when I was in the 8th grade. I picked up a pamphlet and put it in my binder to start high school. I had no intention of going to an all-male HBCU so far away from home. When it was time to apply for colleges, I received an unsolicited application from Morehouse. I have to say that was a great follow-up on the part of the Black Expo. I applied and came down for the prospective student seminar. I called my dad after the last day and told him to cancel the other scheduled college visits.
What does it mean to be a Morehouse Man? It means that I am standing on the shoulders of giants whose feet are entrenched in tradition! It means that I have a responsibility to represent the legacy that has been built in the best possible light. I also have a responsibility to my community. What advice would you give a young man who is considering making a college decision? I would narrow down college options to a couple of schools in and out of state. Be sure to have at least one HBCU as an option. The HBCU experience cannot be matched. One thing that I would look at is the cost over 4-5 years and the amount of scholarships or loans that you qualify for. I think you have to be mindful of the estimated amount of student loan debt that you will have after graduation. Another important factor is looking at some of the success stories within the department you are considering as your major.
MOREHOUSE MAN
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What is your first memory of becoming a student at Morehouse? The House and Spirit Night is definitely the first thing that comes to mind! What was your greatest lesson while attending Morehouse? Morehouse taught me that building relationships is key.
How did your education and experience prepare you for where you are now? I really think that the education and experience has prepared me well for my current position. Having the opportunity to intern during the summers, travel abroad, and interact with a diverse group of individuals while at Morehouse has really prepared me for life. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I am looking forward to owning multiple agencies or one very large agency. I see myself being influential in my community and family.
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Jordan Albert Brunson Class of 2002
16 Nobl eS o l . Net
M M Who are you, where are you from and what is your profession? My name is Jordan Albert Brunson, and I am from Dallas, Texas. I am a general and cosmetic dentist.
What led you to Morehouse? I was led to Morehouse by my desire to go to school in an environment full of scholars. I believed that kind of environment would drive me to be the best person and professional I could be. My parents both went to Howard University, so that was high on my list as was Brown University. However, neither of those schools offered the opportunity that Morehouse did with its unique student body make up. I grew up across the street from a podiatrist, Dr. Dan Jones, and he and his wife were like the Cosbys to me. He was a doctor and she was a lawyer. Dr. Jones went to Morehouse and always spoke highly of it. I think I was projecting my life on to his, and Morehouse just sounded like the place I needed to be. What is your first memory of becoming a student at Morehouse? My first memory of Morehouse is moving into the dorms and more specifically Graves Hall. Even though I knew my roommate from Morehouse’s Summer Science Program, I was excited to meet new friends. Anyone who has lived in Graves Hall could tell you that all the rooms are different sizes, and unfortunately my room was long and narrow. This was a mixed blessing that forced me to leave my room for friends. Meeting people and hearing their accents from the East and West coast as they tried to understand each other is my earliest memory. Our language almost became a gumbo of slang terms.
What was your greatest lesson while attending Morehouse? My greatest lesson from Morehouse was that nothing great was ever given. It must be earned. All of my science courses were grinders, and very few of my classmates survived biology at Morehouse. We had world renowned professors, and they were not afraid to fail you. I viewed some of them with distaste, but I now realize they protect the brand of being a Morehouse biology major. It stands for something because they were the figurative sentries of the brand I value so much. If I meet another man who went through that, our camaraderie is unquestioned. How did your education and experience prepare you for where you are now? Morehouse has put me in position to meet lots of different personalities. I view myself as a people person first. It also gave me the academic backbone to succeed at the University of Michigan, which was just ranked the #4 dental school in world and #3 in the U.S. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years I see myself having another couple of dental practices in addition to the two I already have. I also want to have a day to do more teaching as well. I enjoy teaching students of all ages, and I currently teach dental assistance students.
What does it mean to be a Morehouse Man? To me being a Morehouse Man means honoring our ancestors and elders by striving for a success that can never be attained. I do not care if you have 10 million dollars in the bank. A Morehouse Man will strive for more. We cannot be defined as a static monolith, but I do believe we all strive to achieve. No matter what the endeavor, we give it our all. We will make a way to succeed and look good while doing it. It’s been said, “You can always tell a Morehouse man, but you can’t tell him much.”
What advice would you give a young man who is considering making a college decision? I would tell a young man needing advice on college decisions to stretch his mind. Your brain is a muscle, and just like your arms or legs it runs the risk of atrophy if you do not use it. Go someplace where you can envision a better, stronger version of yourself and are surrounded by people who can help you grow as well. Go to a school where the eagles nest. Eagles do not fly around with pigeons. It is against nature. If you find yourself amongst the pigeons, that’s not a school for you.
MOREHOUSE MAN
1 7 N o ble S o l. N et
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF THE SBA 18 NobleSol.Net
sba.gov
CASSIUS F. BUTTS
19 NobleSol.Net His office sits in a downtown building on one of the many streets called Peachtree in the great city of Atlanta. Listening to Cassius Butts talk about his passion and purpose as the Region IV Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration evokes a feeling reminiscent of an elder statesman reflecting on the ideals of true public service. He speaks with tremendous pride about the SBA programs and the team he leads in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Following his appointment by President Obama in 2011, Cassius Butts has managed oversight of three record breaking years for SBA lending in Region IV awarding nearly $12 billion in SBA-backed loans to small businesses within his territory. YBE spoke with Butts to unlock the promise and the power of this quiet government agency. For many, the SBA may seem like an urban legend if you have never met an entrepreneur who has benefited directly from its vast resources. That is the problem that Cassius Butts hopes to solve.
YBE: Cassius, is the SBA a public or a private institution, and how is it structured? Cassius: The United States Small Business Administration is a public entity. It is a federal agency and part of the President's Council. The SBA is in a position to help people start and grow their business. We help in different forms, which we call the three C’s. The C’s are access to capital which you need to start your business, contracting (the federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world) so we assist those who get involved in federal government contracting opportunities, and counseling for when you're looking to start and grow your business. Counseling is needed because you need to have someone to talk to you, to help you, and to guide you. This is especially important with business plans. We offer a form of mentoring. The last one is what we consider D for disaster. You will see FEMA is the first agency to help to get a community back on its feet in the event of a natural disaster. The other agency among the first to respond alongside FEMA is the United States Small Business Administration. We're very proud of our role because we help the business community get back on its feet in times of turmoil.
YBE
A couple of years ago, the President promoted the United States Small Business Administration to part of the President's core operating Cabinet. They meet every week with other federal agencies to discuss the issues relating to small businesses. Over 98% of the economy runs off of small businesses. YBE: Are there regional branches around the country? What is the scope and scale within each region? Cassius: There are ten regions in the country. My jurisdiction covers Region IV, which encompasses Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama. This is actually the largest region in the country, and we have a lot of territory to cover. Our respective regions have resource partners that help us realize our bottom line mission. These resource partners are in the form of our Small Business Development Centers, which are typically part of the university systems where they are located. There are Small Business Development Centers such as the ones at Georgia State, University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. We also have our Women Business Centers like the Edge Connection, which is located on the Kennesaw State University campus.
YBE We also have our SCORE partners. These partners are retired executives who help those looking to start a small business. Our SCORE chapters are really second to none. They mentor us so we can better help small business owners realize their dreams. There are several SCORE chapters located by state. If you go to SBA.gov click on SCORE you can see those respective SCORE chapters that are closest to you. They are located throughout the entire country. YBE: Is there a fee for the services provided by the SCORE centers or the Small Development Centers that are located on the college campuses? Cassius: I like to tell people that this is not your mother or father's SBA. We do things a little bit differently today. There is no cost to utilize any of these services. I like to say that it is paid through your taxes. Whenever there is an opportunity to service any of these small business initiatives, it's really paid for by your taxes. Whenever there is an opportunity to service any of these small business initiatives, there is usually no cost. You've already paid for it through your taxes, so we encourage a lot of people to take advantage of them.
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YBE: Let's talk about access to capital. If I understand correctly, the SBA does not directly fund small businesses. Can you talk a little bit about how the SBA supports the access to capital component of your mission? Cassius: We actually do not give loans directly to the small businesses. At one point in time we did. What we do now is insure the loan. A financial institution must first give a loan to an aspiring or existing small business owner, and then we step in to insure up to 80- 90% of that loan. This insurance gives the financial institution a little bit more incentive to go out and take that risk. We are really supporting risk. That is the green-light for financial institutions to give more loans, and give them out the right way. We rely on the last C, which is one of my favorites, counseling. I have asked my district directors to make sure that we are counseling our aspiring business and seasoned business owners about what type of loan to get. We help them with their business plan and let them know when more preparation is needed. We always try to be sure to let people know that working with us will get you to where you need to be eventually.
I'm proud to talk about that access to capital path. In the last four years we backed nearly $12 billion in loans to small business in Region IV. This has never been done before in history. YBE: To dig into this a little deeper, a small business owner would approach the SBA prior to going to a lending institution? Is there an approval process that business owners undergo through the SBA prior to going to the bank? I was trying to get the sequence of events. Cassius: We try to encourage our business owners or our aspiring business owners to come to us first to receive counsel. They can certainly go directly to the financial institution first if they would like. We have our preferred list of lenders located within our Georgia District Office. Anyone can come in and see who's on that list. Banks know coming to us first will result in potential clients who are serious, informed, and in a position to say "I want to take the next step." YBE: If the small business is approved by you, then does the SBA approach the bank on behalf of the business owner, or does the business owner approach the bank on their own with the backing of the SBA?
YBE
21 NobleSol.Net
Cassius: Almost three years ago, Vice President Biden and former Administrator Karen Mills came to the conclusion that more needed to be done to get loans into the hands of the small business community. We took about four months to reach out to all of the major, minor, and other financial institutions, and talk about what we can do to support the lending initiative. There's been approximately $30 billion allocated to these financial institutions to support small business lending. To your point, the banks are very familiar with our products and services. We met with them, and we've talked with them. Part of my role is to make sure that we are re-energizing those financial institutions, and giving them everything that they need to rely on our products and services. Our typical signature SBA loan is our 7A loan, which goes up to $5 million. We also have our 504 loan if you need a building for your business or franchise. A 504 loan would be issued in conjunction with a certified development company if the business is adding jobs to the economy. We also have micro loans. Everyone doesn't need a million dollars. We have loans as low as $50,000 for those organizations or small businesses looking to get some cash to get started. We cover the whole gamut.
YBE
YBE: What 3-5 core standards should a small business owner have in place when initiating the process with the SBA? YBE: How long does that process take in your experience? Cassius: If you have all your documents in place for the loan you are seeking it can take as little as 36 hours turnaround time for approval. The document checklist can be found on our website. The type of business is also a factor such as within the construction industry where prompt bonding would be necessary. Thirty-six hours is unheard of these days. There can even be a thirty-six hour turnaround time for approval of lines of credit. That's something that we're really proud of right now. We're not making people wait forever to hear whether they can be approved for a loan. We're very glad about that. We have another process in place called SBA1 that just came out this year. It's more or less like your QuickBooks or TurboTax. This program streamlines the SBA process with our financial institutions via an online medium. You no longer have to carry a bunch of physical documents back and forth. It's like TurboTax. When you do everything online, you just click, click, and click away. It's the same with the SBA now. This is something developing now, and it's going to continue to make getting the actual capital into the small business owner's hands fluid and efficient.
Cassius: They would want to make sure that they are credit worthy. The reason I say credit worthy is because of the understanding that there was an economic downturn some years ago, and we don't push folks away. We don't turn them away. We actually want that type of potential business owner. Some folks have lost their homes. We want to work with them because they're looking to bring jobs back to the economy. We don't want to deter anyone. We want to welcome everyone. If you can tell us as much as possible upfront it makes working together much easier. Having your tax returns for the last few years and everything you can show in the form of assets is beneficial to the process. Come in knowing that we're going to work with you. Have an aspiring mindset. Be open to realizing your entrepreneurial dreams. That's what we're here for as corny and clichĂŠ as it may sound. It really is that simple. YBE: What type of ongoing support, either in the form of mentoring or monitoring, is available when the SBA backs a loan?
YBE: Are you watching these businesses? Is there an evaluation phase once support has been given? Cassius: One thing that we have in place is our 8A signature product. That's a 9-year training, development, and marketing initiative program at the SBA. One of the criteria for consideration is being an underserved market, a minority, or a woman. This nine-year program offers mentorship by an established organization or company. They will mentor you for nine years at no cost. That's the best part about it. To apply for our 8A program is a little bit strenuous, but it is certainly worth completing. Even if you are not looking to become 8A certified, our resource partners and our CORE chapters can offer mentorship. You can work with them before, during, and after you get the loan. As you and I know, it's not a matter of whether or not you will run into tough times. It's when. When that happens you can always come back to our resource partners, our Small Business Development Centers, our Women Business Centers, or even my staff at the SBA for help in any regard at no cost. We're very proud of that because we want people to realize that we're always here. We're always open, and there is no cost for coming back for the help you need.
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Lastly, you can always stay connected with us via Twitter, @SBASoutheast, SBA.gov and sign up for our monthly newsletter or visit our SBA District Office. In the 2014 fiscal year the SBA approved 15,620 minority owned business loans totaling $6.5 billion. Minority-owned businesses continue to account for about 28% of the agency’s overall lending and 12.9% of its microloans. Furthermore, the number of SBA loans to African Americans grew by roughly 36% from the previous year and 14% for Hispanics and women. These statistics are not urban legend. It may simply be that not enough YBEs are accessing the resources of the SBA to realize their full business potential.
“The Urban Institute recently conducted a study that found that women and minority-owned businesses are three to five times more likely to be approved for an SBA-backed loan than a conventional loan.” -SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, www.sba.gov/content/sba-minority-business-roundtable-renew-partnership-expand-o utreach-minority-entrepre neurs
January 2016
MOREHOUSE BECOMES FIRST HBCU TO WIN MOOT COURT NATIONAL TITLE by defeating a Patrick Henry College team who had won the title seven years in a row.
400-0
Professor Winfield Murray
Undefeated!
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JON DUDLEY
Who are you? My name is Jonathan Dudley and I am a native of Atlanta, GA. I attended Morehouse College, and have a degree in Economics. Most of my friends call me "Jon". I am 1 of 3 children to Jonathan and Dorothy Dudley, and a loyal Falcons, Hawks, and Braves fan! What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you? I have been in the insurance industry since 2002 working as a claims manager on the property and casualty auto side. I now work for New York Life as an independent agent helping families and business owners plan for the future. I am also part owner in a real estate investing business that would like to revitalize certain areas of the city. How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access? My New York Life position is close to that of a franchisee and that cost varies. I would say I have paid about $1000 since the beginning of my employment. The real estate investing company took about $2000 of my savings to start.
How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth? My New York Life business has been very good to me. I have made more money than I originally thought possible in a 4-month time frame. So far we have one real estate investing deal that we have completed with which we are applying a buy and hold strategy. We feel we got an outstanding deal by purchasing in a non-peak month like December. We look to continue growing our business.
What excites you about black business? The ability to help others in both industries/businesses and an unlimited earning potential!
INSURANCE
Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?
My greatest learning experience has been choosing between money and relocation. I’ve had to decide between having a job with a larger salary and staying close to my family and home base. Staying in Atlanta has been a bigger blessing than I originally anticipated.
In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect. Achievement.
What is your biggest disappointment with black business? The types of businesses we typically have and the quality of service delivered.
YBE 25 NobleSol.Net
YBE ON THE MOVE
Event: The Dirty Dozen Fine Art Show (Fine Art by OKEEBA JUBALO) Location:September Gray Art Gallery (Atlanta, GA) Date: October 03, 2015 For more images visit NobleSol.net
OKEEBA JUBALO
Angela Carter
James Jackson & September Gray
Jhazsmin & Johnny Clarkson
Guests Altore Alston, Angie Brown, Morgan Brown & Rushia Brown
Fine Art by OKEEBA JUBALO
Travis Stegall Noble Brown, Chaniya Boykin & Sol Brown 26 No bl eS o l . Net
Karen James
Fine Art by OKEEBA JUBALO
Dethra U. Giles
Taunja Pegues Fine Art by OKEEBA JUBALO
OKEEBA JUBALO, Tiffany Green-Darby, Kat Brown & Sheron Dixon
YBE ON THE MOVE
2 7 N o ble S o l. N e t
YBE
CULTURE
ARTISTS WE LOVE
We all have a favorite art form-whether it be poems, paintings, photos, or another form. Art comes in many uniquely distinguishable mediums, yet the artist is rarely recognized for who he or she truly is. Artists are entrepreneurs, and God forbid the artist be a black entrepreneur. So much beauty created by our black artists surrounds our lives, but the jaded values placed on art creates a terrible existence marred by poverty for many artistic geniuses. Have you ever stopped to think that in reality, these artists are business owners who are selling their souls to the public? Imagine waking up in a world where rent money, prescriptions, haircuts, and your child’s expenses are dependent on monetizing the expression of your most intimate thoughts and feelings. Black artists may be the most underrated, underappreciated, and underexposed group of entrepreneurs on the planet. We do not accept a black artist as a professional artist until he or she is rich and famous. How does an artist become rich without your support? Does anything short of gracing the covers of a highly regarded magazine or a billboard mean they are not true artists? If that is truly the case, then let’s start there. The artists displayed in each issue of YBE are true entrepreneurs and artistically gifted beyond belief. We ask you to do more than just support by looking or listening to their art. True support for an artist means to purchase their work at the full price. Anything short of that is not support. That said, how much do you really love the arts?
28 N o bl eS o l . Net
YBE
mistycopeland.com
BALLERINA
MISTY COPELAND
YBE
jimmyandjune.com
FINE ARTIST
THOMAS BESS
Art Investment: What is Artistic Luxury?
September Gray
SeptemberGrayArt.Com
I am an art collector and enthusiast. As a result, I believe it is important to share and appreciate art of enduring significance and value. However, this concept is dependent on what one values in life. I always felt art could be emotional, personal, and culturally significant while still serving as an extension of the owner. Art can also provide enjoyment when one lives with the work they love. I truly believe art should be a part of the life well lived and serve as a reflection of how one experiences life. Often we hear that it is a luxury to collect art because it is not a necessity. It doesn’t fall into the category of food, water, or shelter. I have discovered that there is a new definition of luxury. This definition is based on collecting experiences and a quality of life. We are deciding as a society to make investments in our global experience as opposed to the superficial. This new definition is based on a renewed understanding of our fellow man and by extension our society. We're starting to ask ourselves whether we are living a life of consumption or contemplation.
The acquisition of work that possesses enduring value creates a mechanism for the art to appreciate in the economic sense. We put on it our own stamp of approval that says this work is important. The luxury of purchasing art is also the opportunity to own work that will always have a value. Whether it be 10 years, 20 years or 50 years from now it makes no difference. The work and the story lives on. This near immortality provides the opportunity for many generations to appreciate and learn from the experiences created in a time and place different from their own. The work can be copied, but it can never be created by the original artist again. The beauty of artistic luxury is that it is open to anyone who has the desire, time, and appreciation to start the journey. So let us re-define luxury as it relates to art. Artistic luxury is an investment in the intangible. Artistic luxury is a demonstration of how we can live our lives with less consumption and more contemplation.
Artists are revealing what is currently relevant and representing society without pretension in all of its splendor and vulgarity. Through art we are able to engage and discuss life in all forms and experiences. I want the luxury of always being able to afford this type of experience. By collecting art, I open that door to expand and learn while making a great investment at the same time. 31
N O B LE S OL.N ET
"Why do you like this place?", I asked my client as we sat in an eating establishment that can very loosely be called a restaurant. My face was a little scrunched, and I held a menu that felt like one too many drops of too sweet iced tea had been spilled and then left on the menu to dry. Instead of a thriving restaurant, the establishment looked more like a room wher e someone had jammed a few tables too closely together and then added the leftover chairs from last year's Jones Family Reunion. The place was the picture you would visualize in your head when someone says, “I ate at a hole in the wall." As she responded to my question, my client peeled her fingers from her own sticky menu and replied, "The food is okay, but consistent, and I like the people here." This opinion came from a woman who had amassed enough money not only to visit, but to likely buy any restaurant she wanted, yet this place, despite its mediocre food, sticky menus, and failing health inspection score, had earned a spot on her Top Five list of places to eat. Why? Simply because she "liked the people there."
Dethra U. Giles Th e L i ke Fa c t o r ExecuPrep.com
32 No bl eS o l . Net
Do your clients like the people where you are? People want to do business with people they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST, in that order. YBEs who optimize their professional relationships will hit all three of these rules for success. BE KNOWN Potential clients must know you exist and have a clear understanding of what you do. This understanding first starts with you
knowing your market. Clara owned a high-end consignment shop. She received clothing from top celebrities and carried top-of-the-line fashions. Clara was also a great stylist. She could take anyone with any kind of figure and make them look runway-ready. She was the best at what she did, but no one knew it. Her target clients had no idea she even existed. Her store was in a hidden location where there was very l ittle visibility and no foot traffic. Worse than the location of her shop was her cluele ssness about the nature of her real business. Clara naively thought she was in the fashion business when she was actually in the people business.
BE LIKED "People ain't gotta like me," John screamed at his business partner, Jennie. "They just need to know I am the be st plumber out there.” “Yeah, but who wants to get cur sed out in their own home by the help?",
This conversation between John and Jennie had occurred many times. John was one of the best plumbers around, but despite his expertise, he was losing business quickly. Referrals had all but stopped and repeat business had declined by 50%. Despite Jennie's frustrations, John still insisted. "This is who I am and I ain't changing for nobody." They were out of business within a year. YBEs, people do not have to be your best friend, but you must be likable. No matter what your product is, you must provide a service, offer good customer service, and people want that service delivered with a smile by a person they like. This does not mean you have to become a people person who is chatty, be inauthentic or be anyone but yourself. It simply means that you have to put your friendlier foot forward. So what if you say, “I do not have a friendlier foot.” While this is important in the customer equation, John did not realize that the friendlier foot did not have to be his own. He had Jennie. If you cannot muster up the strength to provide customer service with a smile and be a likable hire or partner, find someone who is strong in that area. Get a partner or a staff member who can handle the people while you get the work done. Either way, your company needs to have a likable face that is visible.
BE TRUSTED "She is really good but she is always late, and always has an excuse. But when she comes, she does the best job I have seen." These words were exchanged between two women. One was providing a recommendation to the other for a housekeeper to clean her home. The woman receiving the information very simply said, "I can't trust that." YBEs, can your clients trust you? Do you arrive on time? Do you complete projects on or under budget? Do you recommend the best, most economical solutions? Clients want a product they can trust, provided by people whom they can also trust. Business relationships should have a bottom line impact on your organization. To improve that impact, work to make your company one that your target customer KNOWS, LIKES, and TRUSTS, impeccably and always.
YBE
Women who spend $450 on a used pair of shoes and $800 for a second-hand purse have a special relationship with fashion and the people who supply them with that fashion. These women rarely walk into a shop and spend thousands of dollars on used items the first time. They will visit the location multiple times first, get a feel for the staff, and very often ask to meet the owner. Why? If a person is going to spend that much money, they want to know with whom they are doing business. YBEs, if you want to capitalize on the KNOW component, you must first know your business and then make sure your target market knows you.
Jennie asked softly through her frustration.
3 3 N o b le S o l. N e t
Being a visionary is a marvelous thing. You have a long-term view of how you can change the world with your product or service. You envision all of the happy faces on those who will benefit from your excellent idea. You foresee the accolades and the money that will come as the result of your personal brilliance. Yet like everything else, being a visionary has its pros and cons. As brilliant as your idea may be, entrepreneurs often stand in their own way. There are five keys, however, to getting out of your own way and letting yourself become the best you can be: 1. Understand that MULTITASKING is not always positive! Some entrepreneurs take great pride in their ability to multitask. Yet more often than not, when you spread yourself so thin by doing a bit of everything, you fail at perfecting anything. As the old saying goes, you become a Jack of all trades, Master of none! Multitasking can appear to be an advantage in the business world, but constantly performing several tasks at once can lead to a drop in overall productivity. The negative effects of multitasking takes a toll by not allowing you to recover from the excessive stimulation that can bombard you on a daily basis. Be aware of the negative side effects of trying to accomplish too much at once. Instead, complete one task at a time and regain full control over all of your responsibilities.
Rushia Brown Get Out of Your Own Way: 5 Keys to Being a Successful Entrepreneur R u s h ia B r o wn . c o m 34 N o bl eS o l . Net
2. Learn to DELEGATE. As the visionary in charge, you cannot micromanage everything. Unsuccessful entrepreneurs want to do everything themselves. They do not believe anyone else can do a job as well as they can. Even if that were true, it is an unsustainable business philosophy. If you want to grow your business and become a leader, you have to learn to trust others. Everyone needs a support team, even the most competent, brilliant individuals. So, build a competent team, and then allow them to make you look good.
3. NO ONE is always right. Know what you know, but accept what you do not know. It is difficult for some entrepreneurs to admit when they have made a mistake. When an issue arises, the blame game takes over, and they blame the mistake on others. However, learning comes in the form of mistakes as well as accomplishments. If you fail to acknowledge a mistake, you miss out on a key learning opportunity. Mistakes are stepping stones to greater success. There is nothing wrong with asking for advice and admitting when you are wrong. This allows you to quickly change course, move forward, and to improve your situation. 4. Take ADVICE from others. Do not be the kind of person who asks questions, but then does not really pay attention to the answers. Everyone knows this kind of person. They ask for your opinion, but they are only interested in what you have to say if it is exactly what they already believe. These kinds of entrepreneurs surround themselves only with people who agree with them. That is bad for business. You will make better decisions if you abandon your stubbornness, truly weigh different points of view, and make a real point of understanding other perspectives. The more business minded people you surround yourself with, the more likely you are to receive good advice and put it to good use.
5. EXPAND your circle. When you have a vision and are implementing your brilliant plan, it is easy to get lost in your own process. However, being consumed by your own thoughts can be damaging. It can lead you to think that what you are doing has never been done before. By expanding your circle, you can gather different perspectives from people who have had other exposure and experiences. These perspectives will give your vision a more realistic perspective, as your idea relates to the business world. Being around people who have been successful in building a productive company and also those that have not been so successful will teach you a lot. More exposure and sharing of ideas is definitely a benefit when you are putting your own vision on the line. As entrepreneurs, we all make mistakes. That is a part of the fun--being willing to take risks. But over the years, I have learned that the more humble and receptive you are to others, the more likely it is that you will succeed. It is indeed a process, and no one man or woman can do it alone. As the prime visionary for your idea, you must equip yourself well to be successful, not cripple yourself and thus be destined to fail!
YBE 3 5 N o b leSol.N et
YO U MA R R I ED AN EN T R EP R E NE U R: Th e Go o d , Th e Ba d & Th e U g ly
JOHNNY CLARKSON 36 No bl eS o l . Net
IAmJohnnyClarkson.c om NobleSol.net
Marriage is a special agreement between two people who have jointly decided to “have and hold” their special bond through all things that may come their way. While this blanket agreement is beautiful, it in no way prepares one for riding shotgun with an entrepreneur. There is no traditional 9-to-5 schedule. The day is filled with planning and development, interrupted by a last minute meeting or a phone call from a must-see client as you take advantage of a newly presented window. There is usually no set bedtime, dinnertime, off-day, free time, or unaccounted for time that can be allocated to a date night. Every moment is invested in the rise or fall of an entrepreneur’s endeavor. Every moment sacrificed is also a gamble with your household finances and your company’s fiscal future. The ever-changing and unpredictable gray area that entrepreneurs live in can be extremely difficult to accept. Inc.com recently covered the issue of high divorce rates for entrepreneurs. The story broke the contributing factors to divorce down into four main areas. These include financial strain, neglect, lack of communication, and divergent goals. It shed new light on the danger of a fast paced, high stakes career choice and its impact on your love life. The most dangerous of all the obstacles to lasting love that can appear along your road to success is JEALOUSY! So, I will describe my feelings for my business, and you tell me what you would think of them as my wife. I wake up every day excited and anxious to be around that effort. I want nothing more than to grow it and spend the rest of my life engulfed in its tasks. Nothing makes me happier than when I get it right and everything is clicking. It is my passion and I am willing to sacrifice all for its success.
YBE NATION
The love and pride I have for what I do is not measurable by any precise calculations currently known to man. I will die before I allow someone to take my business away from me. Now if the words “my business” and “company” were removed from this discussion, my sentiments could be viewed as if describing a mistress. As a matter of fact, I am positive that as described, the average spouse would automatically swap those words for gender- specific words, thus allowing the mind to create relationship cancers. But still, as my spouse, you joined this fight knowing full well what I was fighting for-- a successful business! Now, do not misunderstand me. Harmony can be found and enjoyed with others as an entrepreneur, but it will take clear communication, the ability to adjust at a moment’s notice, hobbies, and most importantly, trust. Trust is the glue that binds a strong marriage; when either person is a YBE then trust becomes even more important. As a YBE my income does not follow a traditional payroll schedule. If I do not have contracts or invoices consistently being processed, then there is no income! That means my time has to be dedicated totally to generating new income. Another example is that I cannot give you a set schedule of where I am going to be and what time I am returning home every day. I can estimate of course, but it is often those spontaneous moments of my day that result in the most income being generated. Last, but not of least importance, let us discuss temptation and the misconception of lust. My over-the-top willingness to please my female client has nothing to do with her beauty, body, or her desire to sleep with me. My level of service dictates not only the length of a business contract, but also directly impacts how much money I bring home to pay for our continuously growing list of needs there.
Does lust play a part in why certain contacts are made? Yes, but that has nothing to do with intent. I intend to provide as much as possible, for as long as possible. If my clients enjoy their own fairy tales, I am not going to ruin their dreams and/or ruin my potential income. I am also not going to lead anyone on or entertain any inappropriate activity. This is where knowing and trusting your entrepreneur partner comes full circle. Home can be energizing or depleting depending on the atmosphere that is created there. Questions can become aggravating. Clinginess can lead to avoidance. A lack of peace can contribute to a desire to leave. An entrepreneur’s spouse must understand the mindset of their entrepreneur partner. In our minds, it is all black and white even though to the average corporate 9-to-5 worker, our lives reflect rainbow hues. We honestly understand our organized chaos, and we would rather not waste a lot of valuable time explaining it to those who do not get it. Flexibility and freedom is what drives us, and any form of constraint, whether imposed or presumed, forces us to fight to get away. If these constraints continue, coupled with failure of a particular project, resentment can develop. In our minds, we do not have bad ideas, and failure is not an option. In our minds, the rest of the world should just sit back and clap at the marvelous work we create and marvel at the way we know how to sprint through the course to find new unbeaten paths. Also, in our minds, we carry around an inner thought that always reminds us that those of us with families will only achieve half as much as our single entrepreneur counterparts. We must give 200% to reap 50% rewards because we have chosen to hop on one foot across a balance beam with our eyes blindfolded. It was our choice when we decided to have a family, but as the partner, it was also your choice when you 3 7 N o b le S o l. N e t
CO NTINU ED F R OM P A G E 3 7
YBE
agreed to be a part of that family. I love my wife with all my heart. We are in sync, though it was not always this way. It took great communication, trust and understanding on both of our parts to get here. Because of this harmony, I have been able to be fully engaged in my business and thus be a part of some very successful projects.
NATION 38 No bl eS o l . Net
Angela Carter SumonaProductions.Org
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YBE
FILMMAKER & PHOTOGRAPHER Who are you? I am an Artist. Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, I now call Atlanta my home. I have a bachelor’s degree in mass media arts and have been a working professional in this field for 10 years. I am a woman who loves to make money doing what I know I do well, contributing something positive to my own life and the lives of others. What is your industry? Why did this industry appeal to you? Sumona Productions is my company. I am a filmmaker and photographer. I have learned that what I do best is art therapy. As an artist, my industry is in people. I re-brand people with images. I brand stories. I rehabilitate people and businesses through art. How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access? It took a one-way plane ticket from Amsterdam to Atlanta and $700 in monthly expenses for two years to start. My funding came from my mother, Elisa Carter, when I was 16-years-old. The investment never stops. Every project is a new beginning, and in my industry, everything is expensive. How has your revenue/staff grown over time, and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth? My business has grown from a vision to a daily operation. My staff changes according to the project. I manage my business with a business plan and budget for even the smallest assignment. What excites you about Black Business? Black business is very sexy. I am excited about Black business because it allows us the opportunity to exercise our potential. It gives me a sense of independence and freedom. We become respected in a world where networking is key. Self-motivation and money allows for a wide range of experiences that make life more exciting.
What is your biggest disappointment with Black Business? The biggest disappointment in black business is the lack of a collective vision. When I meet with fellow entrepreneurs, we question why established entrepreneurs seem to limit their accessibility although they state that they are willing to share their experiences. We have learned that there is only enough for a select few, and that is incorrect. This magazine can contribute to building the bridge that will close the gap of communication between young and successfully established entrepreneurs. Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience? I have several role models from whom I have learned. I also come from a generation of entrepreneurs that are breaking barriers and changing this world. That is a great inspiration. My greatest teacher is my mother, Elisa Carter. She is one of the few women of color at the top of the healthcare industry in Europe. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, she was named one of the 100 most influential healthcare executives in the Netherlands and the highest-ranking female executive in behavioral healthcare. Her vision is clear, and nothing stands in the way of her made-up mind. She taught me that it all starts with an idea. That one idea, if studied and executed correctly can change your life. The one thing that still saves me is her lesson to “dare to be different.” In one word or brief phrase tell a new YBE what to expect. Expect to think big, study your field, market yourself, work hard, know the value of your time in relation to money and your sanity, and take time to do your paperwork.
YBE
P.S. Every once in a while, you have to throw up the middle finger and keep it moving.
41 NobleSol.Net
Dr. Julianne Adams Birt 42 No bl eS o l . Net
After college, I followed in my parents' footsteps and taught in the Atlanta Public Schools system, teaching high school science until my acceptance into the Morehouse School of Medicine two years later. For my residency, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pen nsylvania, to train in Ob stetrics and Gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital. I graduated in June of 2005 and became the first black female Obstetrics and Gynecology to complete the program in its history. Now after 10 years of practice, the last four in solo practice, I enjoy servicing my patients and community while still finding time to spend with my family, especially relishing the latest addition born this year in June. What is your industry and why does it appeal to you? I am in medicine. As a black woman, we historically have played the role of caregiver. As my role is specifically geared to women, I am able to educate women and ensure that they take good care of themselves first before being responsible for the loved ones around them.
How much money did it take to start your business? What funding sources did you acc ess? Most physicians take out start-up loans for no less tha n $250,000. I don't like debt and my husband despises it even more. We used $5,000 from savings and $25,000 from my 401k. A friend invested in my business during my first year in practice, and my husband kept my business afloat otherwise. Having patient investors who also wanted to see me succeed was the key. How has your revenue/staff grown over time, and what systems have you put in pla ce to manage that growth? We have grown exponentially. On our first day in business, we had three patients scheduled, but only two showed up! We now have over 2,000 patients, just four yea rs later. Our system is simple. We don't make a move until we are ready. We started the practice in a small space, subleasing less tha n 1000 square feet. The waiting room only held six chairs. One day, the front desk receptionist came to the back to inform us that it was time to move. Why you ask? Because despite our clever scheduling strategy, the re were people standing outside. Within two years, we were blessed with the purchase of our current 2500 square foot facility with four exam rooms, an ultrasound room, a laboratory, and a procedure room where we perform minor office surgeries.
What excites you about black business? Today's black business is not just for Black people. Physicians of yesteryear took care of Black people because they felt compelled to provide services to those who were left without any service. Today, I can have a business that cares for all people, but it just so happens to be black-owned. I am bona fide, qualified, and my patients can have confidence in this fact because of their pers onal experiences with Radiant Women's Health. What is your biggest disappointment with black business? My biggest disappointment with black business is when the fear of another's success keeps one from lending a hand to a potential business owner. I was told by someone I looked up to that if I decided to start my own practice, I would surely fail, that new medical practices can’t survive, and that I should stay where I was. Who was your greatest teacher, or what has been your greatest learning experience? I hate to admit it, but sometimes people mean you no good. They want to get on the bandwagon by overselling what they can do for you. They want exorbitan t payments for less than stellar service. Unfortunately, because I was new to business, this life lesson was learned at an expensive cost. I am still learning who to trust when proposals are made. In one word or brief phase, tell a new YBE what they should expect. Expect to grow, but stay humble. 4 3 N o b le S o l. N et
WELLNESS
Who are you? My name is Julianne Adams Birt, and I am a physician. Becoming a physician was a natural path for me. As the middle girl of five, being around all women comes naturally to me. Being the daughter of educators, schooling came naturally. I was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was very active in school. I enjoyed many activities in church, school, and the community, but it was my love of science that drove me to Clark Atlanta University to study science and pre-me d.
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