Lead + Pivot Recently, my friend and colleague La Shonda Tyree interviewed me for her brand new Level Up and Create podcast. We discussed my mindset as the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, the importance of building community around your brand, and my advice to people looking to build a business. Who is La Shonda Tyree? La Shonda is my friend, Indie Business Network member, and little sister. We met nearly two decades ago at a conference for soapmakers and discovered ... Read the Post

Conflict + Uncertainty + Fear + Hope I woke up this morning, feeling uneasy. That is nothing new. For most of my life, I have awakened on the morning of the 4th of July feeling unsure about exactly what I am expected to celebrate on this date. Of course I know about the Declaration of Independence and freedom from tyranny and all of the things I was taught in school. And of course, it has always been fun to "take off" work and school on the 4th of July. Through the years, it's been pretty ... Read the Post

Tips for pivoting to a virtual business model Recently, I was invited to be a guest on the Winner's Circle Webinar at Commissioner Velma D. Leake's Small Business Consortium. They wanted me to my in-depth experience growing and leading an online business. This topic is of urgent interest to Commissioner Leake's constituents, many of whom have had to pivot quickly to an online business model in the wake of COVID-19. Since my entire business, the Indie Business Network, has been online for ... Read the Post

Planting trees whose shade I will never sit under ... A Greek Proverb encourages us that a society grows stronger when people plant trees whose shade they will never sit beneath. To that end, as the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, I'm excited to announce a new mentoring program designed specifically for black makers and handmade entrepreneurs. Purpose of the Mentoring Group While I have been an entrepreneur mentor for two decades, the impetus for this particular group ... Read the Post

Purpose + Community + Leadership Earlier this month, my friend and colleague Andrea Hence Evans, Esq., interviewed me for her series focused on empowering you during this challenge pandemic season. We discussed my mindset as the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, the importance of building community around your brand, and my advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. Watch the interview below. Time stamps You can use these helpful time stamps to enhance your ... Read the Post