In this three-part series honoring Black History Month, I’m speaking with a group of Black female business leaders about how they’re thriving in a society that often doesn’t support their success. This first installment explores the mindsets that have helped them overcome obstacles. Over the next two weeks, stay tuned for the remaining articles in the series.
From securing funding to navigating systemic bias, Black entrepreneurs encounter hurdles that can make success feel out of reach. In honor of Black History Month, I spoke with six Black women founders about how they’ve transformed resistance into opportunities. Their stories highlight the power of mindset, community, and self-trust in building a thriving business.
As a therapist and executive coach, I often emphasize that how we approach challenges determines how we navigate them. It’s not easy to believe in yourself when the world doesn’t seem to, but as these women prove, doing so can mean the difference between perseverance and defeat. Read on for their hard-won strategies to help you build your dreams in the face of adversity.
‘I Built My Own Door To Success’
Pamela James learned from analyzing the journeys of other Black women entrepreneurs that she couldn’t count on those around her to guide the way. “I’ve always known instinctively that I needed to build my own door and walk through it,” she shares.
This self-determination became her greatest strength when she founded the apparel brand Paloma St James. “When I first started with the idea of creating a completely modular clothing line that was sustainable, no one understood what it was. Factories would look at me blankly and tell me that it couldn’t be done,” she says. Undeterred by a series of rejections, James spent two and a half years finding the right manufacturing partner. Knowing how to trust herself and foster opportunities turned her “impossible” vision into a reality.
Her advice to other founders? “Create your own lane and walk in it. It’s hard to compete with innovation.”
‘I Focused On Perfecting My Product’
For Ahriana Edwards, founder and CEO of Vaila Shoes, the hurdles minority founders face are often top of mind. “As we see the changes within DEI, I’m constantly asked how to navigate this shifting landscape from other Black female entrepreneurs, especially those who want to enter retail to scale their companies,” she says.
Her strategy? Shift the focus from roadblocks to building an undeniably valuable product. “The proof will always be in the product, especially if you’re solving a true problem by delivering a quality solution,” Edwards says.
With this mindset, she secured a partnership with Macy’s in her first year of business. “Despite the access barriers that minority female founders face, focusing on perfecting your products, engaging with your community, and serving your niche customers will get you in the door,” Edwards emphasizes. “Results and numbers don’t lie!”
‘I Learned To Be My Own Hero’
Julia Fofanah, founder and CEO of cannabis brand Sá Wea, saw firsthand how pitch competitions favored white male entrepreneurs. “Despite lacking an MVP, they were given grace and secured investor interest,” she shares, while she struggled to secure funding—even with a more developed company.
Rather than discouraging her, this experience fueled Fofanah to step fully into her power. “It taught me an invaluable lesson: no one is coming to ‘save’ you, honey,” she says dryly. Instead, she visualized how she would lead if she did have funding, pivoted quickly when necessary, and maximized every available resource—focusing on the support of those who already believed in her.
“The playing field may not be level, so as a Black woman, it’s essential to leverage all of your talents to your advantage,” Fofanah adds.
‘I Removed The Roadblocks In My Mind’
Yewande Faloyin, CEO and founder of OTITỌ Leadership & People Development, said her lightbulb moment was realizing that the biggest obstacles were in her head.
When pitching her first major contract, Faloyin almost held herself back because of perceived limitations. “On paper, being a Black woman and new to the coaching industry could have seemed like disadvantages, but that wasn’t what mattered,” she explains. “The client trusted me because of the experience I brought and the relationship we had from previously working together in a different role. That moment taught me that success is about focusing on outcomes, building trust, and leaning into the value you bring.”
Her advice to other entrepreneurs is not to get caught up in mental roadblocks that are ultimately unhelpful. “If you walk into a meeting doubting whether you belong or questioning whether others think you belong, you’re the one creating the obstacle,” Faloyin says. “While discrimination exists, you can control how you show up.”
‘I Framed My Differences As Strengths’
Crystal Foote, founder and head of partnerships at Digital Culture Group, sees the additional difficulties Black founders face as a competitive advantage.
“We approach challenges with resilience, creativity, and cultural insight that others often overlook. Our perspectives allow us to identify untapped opportunities, connect with communities authentically, and innovate in ways that reflect the realities of a global and diverse world,” she explains. “Doing things differently isn’t a choice; it’s how we’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones.”
To pave the way for a smoother journey, Foote emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who recognize the strength in your struggle. “Focus on building a strong ecosystem of decision-makers and business influencers who align with your values, champion your work, and foster relationships rooted in mutual support and collaboration.”
‘I Created My Own Goalposts’
As a Black woman navigating elite institutions—business school, top-tier consulting and investment management firms, and political spaces—Nikki Innocent, founder and CEO of Inclusive Leadership Collective, realized those systems were not designed with her in mind.
She redefined achievement on her own terms. “I realized the goalposts for me needed to change—success would never be found in continuing to ‘do the right thing’ through the traditional lens, but instead by unlearning the limiting beliefs of that system to carve out a new path.”
Innocent encourages other entrepreneurs to trust themselves when measuring their progress. “The current game encourages us to look outside of ourselves to compare, but when the playing field wasn’t set up for you to thrive, you have to look inward and to your cheering section for the fuel, direction, and affirmation to keep going.”
These stories illustrate that perseverance isn’t about sidestepping challenges—it’s about redirecting your energy toward what’s within your power and forging ahead alongside resistance. Keep an eye out for the next installment in this series, where we’ll speak with a group of women about the surprising success strategy they all share.
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