Reporter for a Month: The Black Economy
- Jolisa Robinson
- Jul 18, 2015
- 6 min read
Taking a leap and facing a fear while learning and growing.
I spent Summer 2014 in Augusta, GA, at my mother’s home, as a much needed break away from NYC. One day my mother and I decided to cruise around Downtown Augusta on a sunny weekday afternoon; a beautifully renovated town with small shops, venues and restaurants.
I’ve heard many good things about the area, especially First Fridays where downtown comes alive with culture, art, music and food. I’ve visited the beautiful Augusta Riverwalk which is a park/walking path lined with manicured landscapes along the Savannah River. And i’ve stopped by the Augusta Museum of History which had an entire floor dedicated to James Brown and a full sized 1914 Steam Locomotive on another floor. But as we ventured down the streets this day, I couldn’t help but notice the plethora of vacant businesses and sidewalks with virtually no forms of life.
Pictures above are of three stores sitting side by side, all vacant. Empty sidewalks down all the streets.
I wondered why an area with so much potential, sitting in a predominantly black neighborhood, didn’t have a swarm of thriving successful black businesses. We continued driving around the seemingly deserted town in searched for life but nothing real caught my eye.
As we left, I gazed out the car window angry and disappointed in the economic standing of the black community, and in myself. I wanted to be part of the solution but was only contributing to the problem with my inactivity. I too didn’t feel confident enough to be a business owner. I’ve held many good jobs and have a decent educational background with computers and design but that seems to be just enough to be average and get by working a typical 9-5. I knew this would require educating myself about business; and not just from what’s written in books.
That very same night, I went home and came up with a list of questions to ask the ones who were actually making moves. Then a few days later I took my questions, a clipboard, a pen, and a voice recorder, and went from one black business to the next to find answers, hands on. Here’s what I discovered:
Type of Business
Handmade Crafts
Years in Business
1
How may business have you owned in past?
2
On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the process of starting your own business?
3-6
Do you think there is a deficit of black business owners? If so, why?
Yes.
If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, what would it be?
Finances; legal problems; conducting business under the table instead of going by rules. Know your business from finances to what you’d do if you’re left alone. Have business sense.
Type of Business
Record Store
Years in Business
45
How may business have you owned in past?
1
On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the process of starting your own business?
7
Do you think there is a deficit of black business owners? If so, why?
Yes. Knowledge and faith is lacking. Not teaching us how to be business owners. We get comfy working 9 – 5. And there’s fear.
If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, what would it be?
Do it. Walk out on faith and make it happen.
Type of Business
Juice Joint/Art Gallery/Vegetarian Catering
Years in Business
3
How may business have you owned in past?
3
On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the process of starting your own business?
5
Do you think there is a deficit of black business owners? If so, why?
Not in Augusta, GA, although there’s a deficit in self improvement businesses.
If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, what would it be?
Take risks while young. Just do it. It doesn’t have to happen in one day. Don’t get caught up in what others do. Have a strong spiritual constitution. Have a detachment from money because it’s simply a tool that determines what you’re going to build. Having faith is #1.
Type of Business
IT Solution Company
Years in Business
20
How may business have you owned in past?
1
On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the process of starting your own business?
1
Do you think there is a deficit of black business owners? If so, why?
Yes. People don’t know how to handle business correctly. They don’t do business to make a profit.
If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, what would it be?
Do your homework before starting a business; speak with business owners in that particular business to get the ins and outs to be profitable.
Type of Business
Cell Phone Accessories
Years in Business
6
How may business have you owned in past?
5
On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was the process of starting your own business?
9
Do you think there is a deficit of black business owners? If so, why?
Yes. Black people traditionally don’t like to work hard. They like to depend on others. And to own a successful business you have to be a hard worker. You have to put in a lot of hours so we like just getting a paycheck and its done…There’s not much difference between the dedication of black business owners in the U.S. and Jamaica.
If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, what would it be?
If you see something that you want, just go ahead, work hard and get it.
Type of Business
Soul Food Restaurant
Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to sit down with the owner of this business since she was very busy. But I did get to speak with the owner’s daughter for a brief moment, who also worked at the restaurant. A few things she told me: They’ve been in business for nearly a year and she doesn’t feel they get the support from the black community as they’d expect. They’ve dealt with a lot of rudeness, attitudes, and complaints about the food. I had a chance to go back to the restaurant about a month later to try out the food, which wasn’t bad in my book.
What I’ve learned from the business owners:
Just do it.
Know the ins and outs of business and how to actually make a profit.
Show support to other black businesses.
Give it your all.
Have faith in yourself.
What I’ve learned from the “reporter” experience:
Don’t spend too much time planning. Sometimes it’s better to let it come naturally, especially if it’s a topic you’re passionate about.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Try to stay open minded. Don’t pre-judge anyone or expect to know how someone may answer questions.
Most people want to share their story. So be prepared to get more answers to unasked questions, which is a good thing.
Relax and have fun.
Ultimately, it was simply taking action that I’m most proud of. And it’s what I think was the first step, and the biggest lesson here. Why aren’t there more successful black businesses? Why do I doubt my ability to have one myself? We tend to think about what we want to do, plan it out, dream about it, pray for it, wish upon it, without actually taking the steps to make it happen. And that’s due to not believing you are good enough, and being afraid to truly live. Don’t let fear come in your way. It only leads to regret and failure for not trying. And don’t let education stop you. We have all the resources we need to educate ourselves for free. It’s up to you to take that first step AND keep them going.
Business Spotlight – Humanitree House
There was one business interview that really stuck with me, which was at the Humanitree House. The owners are a married couple (the husband, originally from Brooklyn, NY) who planned to open their business in July 2014, as a Juice Joint/Art gallery/Vegetarian catering spot.
By chance (or fate), the owner of the record store I interviewed recommended I see them, and when I dropped by, they happened to be having lunch in their store, which was not yet opened at the time. They invited me to sit with them and offered me fresh fruit and coconut water; gave me deep insight on being business owners along with their individual expectations and perspective on the black community, and gave me their books, each being published authors.
What I found to be most extraordinary were the murals painted on the wall. Not only did the husband paint the murals, but he did so with his fingers (yes, the one in the picture too!)…amazing to say the least. Even while still in its renovative state, I found their business to be warm, comfortable, and welcoming much like the owners themselves. This was an interview I will not forget, and a spot I look forward to visiting during my next trip to Augusta, GA.
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