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 hasn’t traditionally supported their success. This installment explores the power of authenticity in business. You can also read the previous articles on overcoming obstacles and uplifting others.
Many business leaders–especially women–feel pressure to present a polished, curated version of themselves at all times. But as more leaders embrace the benefits of showing up as their full, authentic selves, this mindset is shifting.
In honor of Black History Month, I spoke with eight Black women founders about why and how they lead with authenticity in business—whether through values-driven decision-making, an unapologetic online presence, or fostering deeper connections. Their experiences highlight the power of alignment and self-trust in building successful businesses.
As a therapist and executive coach, I know authenticity isn’t always easy. It requires self-confidence and a willingness to be vulnerable—something many of us are still learning to navigate. These women’s stories inspire us to remove our masks and step winto authenticity on our business journeys.
‘I Show Up As My Whole Self Online’
Yevedzo Chitiga, founder of Yevedzo Coaching & Consulting, works every day to empower women to live and lead with confidence, impact, and authenticity. At the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, she let go of old patterns.
“For years, I was made to feel like I didn’t belong in corporate spaces, so I learned to shrink,” Chitiga explains. “Since I’ve been self-employed, I’ve been intentional about presenting myself online in the same way that I am in person. This ability to show my true self has allowed me to attract my ideal clients.”
She hopes other founders can find the freedom to unapologetically be themselves. “Life is entirely too short. When we twist and contort ourselves to fit into neatly created boxes that were not designed for us, we end up exhausted,” Chitiga says. “It’s important to live and lead with authenticity because the world needs what we have to offer.”
‘I Let My Adversities Guide Innovation’
Christina Blacken’s family history has deeply informed how she shows up in her business, leadership development company The New Quo.
“My family was part of the Great Migration; my grandmother and her siblings moved from Memphis, TN in the 1950s to Utah for more opportunities and to find reprieve from violent Jim Crow laws,” Blacken says, adding that she and her loved ones still faced discrimination while she was growing up in Utah. This difficult past became an integral part of her founder story. “My experiences of ‘otherness’ became gifts of cultural intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness that are the foundation of the leadership and communication model I teach in my business. Your adversities don’t have to define you, but can be part of your path to creativity and innovation.”
‘I’m Unafraid To State My Needs’
While building both of her businesses—marketing consultancy Fans In Focus and events company Trivia For The Culture—founder Folake Dosu learned the value of vulnerability.
“‘Closed mouths don’t get fed’ is a Black proverb that doubles as excellent business advice,” she says. “Knowing when and how to state your needs is a stronger indicator of success than trying to pretend that you have it all figured out.”
Now, Dosu is sure to regularly share the work she’s doing, ask for support when she needs it, and publicly celebrate incremental wins. These small acts of showing up authentically lead to big gains over time and can inspire others along the way.
‘I Base Success Metrics On My Mission’
After co-founding Cee Cee’s Closet NYC—a lifestyle brand that celebrates African heritage—Uchenna Ngwudo realized her metrics had to extend beyond finances alone.
In addition to achieving financial success, she wanted to ensure her work was having a positive impact on the community and staying true to the brand’s mission and values. “Today, my approach to business prioritizes strategic growth, authentic cultural storytelling, and fostering a loyal community. These elements are intertwined and essential for building a sustainable and meaningful brand,” Ngwudo says.
Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs? “Let data inform your path, but never lose sight of your vision.”
‘I Use My Personal Principles To Ground Me’
For Staying Ageless Coaching founder Esosa Edosomwan, intentionally slowing down her business’s growth to realign with her values was a pivotal decision.
“At the time, we were scaling rapidly, but I realized I didn’t like the direction we were headed. Redefining success as building a sustainable, values-driven business taught me that leadership requires clarity, adaptability, and the courage to prioritize purpose over pace,” Edosomwan says.
Now, she approaches every business decision with her core principles as a guide. Hers are based on the Christian faith, but any value system you align with will do. “Using those principles in my business from the start has been invaluable and grounding for me,” she says.
‘I Freed Myself From Perfectionism’
Domonique Worship learned an important lesson about authenticity when stepping away from a career that looked perfect on paper but felt misaligned. This experience played a major role in inspiring her to start Domonique Worship Coaching & Consulting.
“I realized that true success isn’t about titles or external achievements, but about alignment—creating a life and career that honor your values, purpose, and well-being. This perspective shapes how I approach my business today, helping other women embrace a more authentic and holistic approach to success,” Worship explains.
Along the way, Worship also stopped pretending to have everything figured out. “Perfectionism creates a false narrative that success requires flawlessness, but the truth is that progress and impact matter far more,” Worship advises. “Let go of the fear of mistakes and lean into the power of showing up authentically; growth happens in the imperfection, even when it’s messy.”
‘I Focus On Transparency To Find My Network’
When stepping into her role as CEO of skincare brand Ghost Democracy, KK Hart knew she wanted to foster a sustainable business that prioritizes community impact instead of just offering the lowest price at all costs.
Doing so successfully, she knew, would require radical transparency in communication. “This ensures our customers understand the true value they are receiving, even if the initial price point is perceived to be slightly higher than some competitors. It’s about long-term value and efficacy, not just a low price tag,” Hart says.
Transparency about business decisions is exactly how you find the right customers. “It’s time to stop apologizing for a business change or begging clients to accept you instead of finding the network that loves what you offer and can help make your business better,” Hart encourages other leaders.
‘I Bring My Multifaceted Skills To My Business’
Kalyn Romaine, founder of the management consulting firm Forward Collective Group, says that revisiting all parts of herself has been key to getting through downturns.
“The last two years have been tough revenue-wise, but it led me to focus on refining my verticals. This process showed me that I’m more than a service provider,” Romaine says. In that process, she learned to recognize other skills she brings to the table, like marketing and business development, building relationships, and a strong growth mindset.
“The struggles have helped me see how valuable those attributes are,” Romaine says.
Overused as it may seem, authenticity has become a buzzy topic in the therapy and coaching world for a reason: when you stop spending energy hiding parts of yourself, you can redirect it toward what truly matters.
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