We are in the midst of a revolutionary period for Black-owned businesses. At the surface, it’s easy to see how LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, Tyler Perry Studios and other celebrity-led ventures are carving out their own lanes in the boardroom. However, it’s a bit deeper than that.
In spite of the economic downturn that plagued the turn of the last decade to the current decade, the number of Black-owned employer businesses increased by nearly 15% in 2021. In fact, Black-owned employer businesses saw a 30% increase in revenue and 27% rise in payroll during 2021. Still, there is more work to be done.
While Black-owned businesses were experiencing promising growth, they were still largely underrepresented in the broader marketplace. Black Americans represented 2.7% of employers, yet made up 14.4% of the population in 2021.
“Even if Black business ownership continued to grow at the rate it did in 2021 (the largest percentage increase since 2017), Black-owned businesses would still not reach parity with their population share for another 80 years,” a report from Brookings reads.
Centuries of roadblocks plaguing the growth of Black-owned businesses cannot be undone overnight, but there’s work that can be done today to right the wrongs of yesterday. Led by Lanie and Char Edwards, Black On The Block travels the country orchestrating community events for hundreds of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. On Sunday, October 2024, Black On The Block will make its way to Washington, D.C. Before the doors open at Nationals Plaza, we hopped on the phone with Meaningful Mood, a featured vendor at Black On The Block, to talk about pairing faith with fashion to create apparel, gifts and jewelry that inspire, uplift and motivate others.
What motivated you to start Meaningful Mood?
When I started, I wanted to build a brand that promoted positivity, inspiration, encouragement and faith through fashion. When I first began, I was exclusively selling apparel and gifts. Then, in the last year, we expanded to include jewelry as well.
What experience, if any, did you have as an entrepreneur before you launched Meaningful Mood?
None. It has been a process of trial and error. Thankfully, I have a great network of people who have helped and mentored me along the way. As I continue along my journey, I keep growing and learning.
I also didn’t have much experience in fashion. I just had an idea. I knew what I wanted to do. I had a vision, and yeah, God just placed things on my heart. It’s always kind of been about him leading me and providing the resources to see it through.
Given that this has been a journey of trial and error, what has been the biggest challenge that you’ve faced?
Getting started is the hardest part because there’s fear, right? You don’t have the experience. You don’t know what to do. You don’t know how to get started and you have that fear of failure. What if they don’t like it? What if it doesn’t sell? What if it’s not successful? I think a lot of entrepreneurs have that initial fear when starting. I think having a solid foundation that I could rely on and trust in God to guid me along the way has really helped my longevity. In seasons where it gets difficult and things are slow, I rely on my faith to keep me going.
Moving in the opposite direction, what are some of greatest successes that you have had in the last five years?
I’ve made it to a few milestone moments and I’ve reached certain benchmarks as far as sales and revenue are concerned. But for me, I would say the most meaningful achievement is receiving feedback about how our products, messaging and branding has positively impacted them. Some people have told me that they have found encouragement and inspiration through our products and shared them with loved ones. They’re able to reflect their faith and share God’s word and love through their apparel or jewelry. So, that’s probably the greatest measure of success and motivation for me. That’s what keeps me going. It’s my purpose.
On your website, you also mention that you are a wife and a mother in addition to being an entrepreneur. How has your family helped you navigate this journey?
Oh, my gosh! My family has been everything. When you come to a Meaningful Mood pop-up, it’s me and my family. They support me at my pop-ups, especially my husband. He doesn’t have a background in fashion or sales, but he is my sounding board and my biggest supporter. It really is a blessing to have their unwavering support as I go on this journey. When I say we are a team, I really mean that. Ninety percent of it is me doing the emails, social media, etc., but they are keeping me afloat and supporting me behind the scenes.
You will have a pop-up at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 20 at Black On The Block. What does it mean for Meaningful Mood to be a part of an event that celebrates and platforms hundreds of Black-owned businesses?
I am so honored to be a participant in this event. I am excited to be selected as vendor and have the opportunity to showcase who I am and what my brand represents. I get to share the love of God and his word through my products with other African-Americans as a Black-owned business. So, I’m super excited to not only participate, but also patronize other Black-owned businesses as well.
Black On The Block takes place Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 1-7 PM in Washington, D.C. at Nationals Park.
