ABOUT ME
I am Jorden Simone Dumas, also the owner of Simone Allure Beauty Bar located in Eastpointe MI. After researching and preparing for two years, I launched my hair extension company in January of 2019.
Because neither myself or anyone I knew had their own business, It was financially
and circumstantially challenging for me to start one of my own.
After overcoming many obstacles and launching my business as a junior in high school, I became motivated to focus my academic research project on African American entrepreneurship.
THE PURPOSE
Hair extensions, originating from Egypt, have shifted the present day beauty industry. These extensions have taken over the hair industry and are mainly worn by African American women. After researching the evolution of hair extensions and the hair industry, I became interested in Black owned businesses in general. My findings then led me to the research of the rising of entrepreneurship in the African American community.
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Apparently, Black people started falling behind in the business world after the south to north migration and became less prone to be an entrepreneur compared to any other race. Racism and financial difficulties were also put into perspective when examining the downfall of African American entrepreneurship. The main findings suggested that the history of African American entrepreneurship contributes to the current circumstances for Black business owners. Because they experience unusual hardships compared to other races, myself as well as other successful African American entrepreneurs provided tips and advice advocating African American entrepreneurial success.
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BUSINESS ADVICE
Simone Allure
Financials
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Starting a business is the most challenging part because once you get the ball rolling it is easier to keep it going. Choose to do what financially makes sense for you. During my journey, I started with a small amount of inventory and as time went on I was able to get more for my business. This method worked for me as I was not able to receive a business loan.
Once the ball starts rolling for your business, it is mandatory that you re invest in your business. It is essential that you restock your inventory and become disciplined enough to only handle your profit.
Marketing
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Personally, marketing is the most important part of running a business regardless of the industry you're in. The amount of customers you receive heavily depends on your marketing skills. While it is most important, it can also be most expensive. You can always learn new skills to help market your business while lessening the cost.
Time Management
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Consistency is key.
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Running a business does not come with many off-days; Your business is like your child. Staying consistent with your marketing, promoting, and upgrading is very necessary because there is always someone watching. While it is very tempting to take a few weeks off it can be detrimental to your business if it is not thought out properly.
Written By Jorden Dumas
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African American Business Owners
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An Americanexpress article written by Julie Davis provided tips given by Black women to potential African American business owners. The most relevant tip was given by the business woman Cheryl Ingram. Mrs. Ingram suggested that entrepreneurs accept and overlook their mistakes. As a business owner mistakes will happen and sometimes changes will not occur as rapidly as expected. She also advised entrepreneurs to have a clear objective and goal. Having a clear goal creates a very straightforward journey. Another business owner, Bethany Nonami, advised entrepreneurs to learn from failure. Running a business is a very unpredictable journey, so it is important to embrace the good and the bad within it. The failures will teach you just as much as your success throughout your journey. These tips given by African American entrepreneurs can positively guide other rising and or aspiring Black business owners.
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Because the business world is constantly changing, small businesses should have the flexibility to keep up with it. Entrepreneurs running small businesses have the ability to become the producers of wealth and innovations. The work ethic that new entrepreneurs have is sometimes desired by owners of big corporations. It is common for big corporations to become less responsive and even less organized than small businesses. To be a successful entrepreneur one must have certain character traits. The author Puneet Gupta listed the important traits starting with comfort and uncertainty. According to this journal article, entrepreneurs should have the ability to cope with uncertainty. If an entrepreneur can handle uncertainty they are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and make well risk taking decisions.
The second characteristic on the list is Laser-like-focus. An entrepreneur with a laser-like focus can easily focus on the final goal. Also laser like focus will help an entrepreneur keep a competitive mind in the business aspect. The following trait listed in this article is flexibility. Apparently, an entrepreneur should possess this trait because it is essential to be able to alter your business at any time. An entrepreneur should be flexible enough to introduce any alterations at any moment. In the end, these traits will help a potential entrepreneur prepare for the mental necessities to become a business owner. These findings suggest that the positive character traits of small business owners should stay with them when their business grows..