Black Enterprise’s Sister Inc. Conference Returns In-Person

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, BLACK ENTERPRISE held the first-ever in-person Sisters Inc. summit on Dec. 9. The day was filled with dynamic panel conversations, genuine mentorship, and holiday shopping, all centered around Black women.

The power of these Black women entrepreneurs lies not only in their individual accomplishments but in the synergy that emerges when they stand and work together. Sharing their blend of diverse skills, backgrounds, and perspectives, they inspired the audience and set their sights on financial success. As they exchanged ideas, mentorship, and resources with the audience, the women in the room were inspired by these aspirational takeaways from the day’s panel. 

Danessa Myricks, founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty, spoke with BE‘s Alisa Gumbs, VP/ deputy chief content officer, on ‘the power of perseverance.’ This conversation emphasized how having strong drive and faith can help your entrepreneurial journey. 

“All of us are inspired by the opportunity to create our own destinies. Your commitment is the most important thing throughout the journey. Even when things are really hard, the one thing you really don’t want to give up on is you. Every part of your life’s journey is part of your entrepreneurial journey.”

She continued further about representation in many industries, or lack thereof.

“If I didn’t see other Black women thriving in beauty, I may have never taken that risk. What got me to be an eight-figure brand today is because they know who I am, and that’s the real magic of the brand first.”

Another panel that significantly resonated with the audience was one between BE’s Senior Digital Editor, Sidnee Michelle; Leah Williams, chief executive officer, Digitalundivided; and Jamila Wright, founder of Brooklyn Tea. The trio discussed “financing your dreams” and the different paths of women entrepreneurs. 

Williams spoke on some financial options for women entrepreneurs.  

“In terms of pitch competitions, you may not win or receive a little capital, but you can win with the connections. In terms of grants and funding, some institutions give you money when you don’t need the money, and they never give you enough of it. I suggest exploring every avenue possible,” she said.

Wright spoke on being one of the only Black-owned companies in the industry. 

“We grew through community. Gross roots. There are a lot of tea places out there, but no one sells tea like Brooklyn Tea. That’s what makes us special,” she noted.

One of the powerful panel conversations to close out the afternoon was between Nicole Cober Johnson, founder of The BOW Collective, and BE’s Social Media Editor, Tierra Smith, and the talk was centered around building a million-dollar business. 

Cober Johnson dropped gems on how female entrepreneurs in the audience can reach that goal. 

“Being in business is an investment. You have got to spend money to make money. If you want to get to $1 million, do the math and replicate yourself. 90% of all businesses are solopreneurs,” she pointed out.

She ended the conversation by focusing on the power of partnership. 

“I know how hard Black women work – I know we can work together. If you’re in a ‘I’ mindset, you’re not collectively mind-setted. Know who you are, your value proposition, and that of other Black women around you,” she said.

Before the inspiring afternoon came to a close, attendees took place in a holiday market featuring Black-owned brands. These vendors were included: 

Sistahs in Business Expo

I.E. Spa Indulgences

Signs Candles

KIC NYC

Cadash & Co.

Shop Sodor

Krafted by Keyona

The Passport Hustle

God is Great Apparel

Having Our Say

Hey Girl Hey Game

Always Make A Statement

Attendees also enjoyed food trucks provided by: Kinky Taco and GG’s Fish and Chips.

Stay up to date on the upcoming virtual Sisters. Inc conference on Jan. 17 and 18 on BE’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube pages. 

RELATED CONTENT: Sisters Inc Recap 2023