We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrianna Willis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrianna, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout.
As a Black woman, the challenge of avoiding burnout takes on additional layers beyond the typical advice given to the general population. Our experiences often include navigating systemic racism, microaggressions, and the pressure of representing our entire race in predominantly white spaces. This constant vigilance and the need to prove ourselves can lead to a unique form of exhaustion, one that’s deeply intertwined with our identity.
For me, recognizing the signs of burnout has been crucial. It’s not just about feeling tired or disengaged from my work; it’s also about feeling a sense of disillusionment and frustration with the systems that don’t seem to support people like me. The emotional labor involved in just existing in certain spaces can be draining.
Setting boundaries has been essential in my journey to avoid burnout. This means learning to say no, prioritizing my mental health, and understanding that I cannot be everything to everyone. It’s also about creating spaces where I can be my authentic self without the fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This could mean surrounding myself with a community that uplifts and supports Black women, or finding allies in my workplace who understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Self-care, for me, goes beyond the typical recommendations of spa days or vacations. It’s about finding joy in the things that resonate with my identity and heritage. This might involve connecting with my culture through music, food, or storytelling, which provides a sense of belonging and grounding. It’s also about engaging in activism and community work, which, while challenging, helps me feel connected to a larger purpose and reminds me that I’m not alone in my struggles.
Moreover, it’s important for me to seek out mental health professionals who understand the nuances of being a Black woman in today’s world. Therapy can provide a safe space to process my experiences and develop coping strategies that consider both my racial and gender identity.
In essence, avoiding burnout as a Black woman means navigating a complex landscape of personal and systemic challenges. It requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the impact of racism and sexism on our mental health. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care that resonates with our identity, and seeking support from those who understand our unique experiences, we can find ways to thrive despite the obstacles we face.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Embarking on this transformative journey, I made the bold decision to leave behind a 26-year tenure in the corporate world to pursue my true passion, founding Mind the Crown. This venture is not just a business to me; it’s a calling to redefine success and wellness for women, with a special focus on uplifting Black and Brown communities. As CEO and Founder, I am channeling decades of executive experience into creating a sanctuary that merges luxury with healing, located in the vibrant heart of the Twin Cities.
Mind the Crown represents my stand against the pervasive superwoman myth. It’s my commitment to challenging the notion that women need to be everything to everyone, all the time. Our offerings, from plush robes to bespoke gift boxes, are designed to remind women of their worth and to celebrate the act of self-care as essential, not an indulgence.
Transitioning from a corporate leader to a full-time entrepreneur has been exhilarating. Through Mind the Crown, I am not just launching a business; I’m igniting a movement. This movement invites women to crown themselves with love, respect, and unwavering self-belief. My mission is to cultivate a healthier, more empowered community where every woman knows her value and embraces her power. This isn’t just my new career path—it’s my life’s work. I am deeply excited about the journey ahead and the difference we will make, one empowered woman at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, particularly within the Black business community, there’s a wealth of advice on the myriad of skills and qualities required to thrive. However, distilling this vast array of advice down to the most crucial elements, we focus on three key areas: Change Management, Strategic Thinking, and Leading and Inspiring Teams. These competencies are not just theoretical but are vital in the practical, day-to-day realities of running a startup.
For entrepreneurs, especially those steering Black-owned businesses through the unique challenges and opportunities they face, mastering Change Management is essential. The ability to navigate and adapt to the ever-evolving business environment, while also addressing the specific needs and challenges of the Black community, sets a solid foundation for growth and resilience.
Strategic Thinking goes hand-in-hand with Change Management. It involves not only staying abreast of current trends and forecasts but also innovating and envisioning new paths that align with the mission and values of Black enterprises. This skill is crucial in identifying opportunities for impact and sustainability in markets that are often underserved or overlooked.
Lastly, Leading and Inspiring Teams is fundamental in building ventures that are not only successful but also transformative within their communities. Leadership in Black businesses often transcends the conventional, incorporating mentorship and community engagement as key components. Developing emotional intelligence and practicing transparent communication can empower and motivate teams, fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging that propels the business forward.
For new entrepreneurs in the Black business sector, honing these skills through practical experiences, continuous learning, and self-reflection is invaluable. Engaging directly with the challenges and opportunities unique to Black entrepreneurship, and leveraging these skills, can lead to creating impactful, enduring enterprises.
What support or resources do you need to ensure your business’s success and growth in today’s competitive environment?
Currently, I am navigating a critical juncture, grappling with challenges that extend beyond the usual boundaries of entrepreneurship. My objective is to find a supportive incubator program in Minneapolis or St. Paul that aligns with the ethos of innovation and commercial progress. This program would serve as a launchpad for Mind the Crown, providing an opportunity to validate and grow the project while bringing on a part-time collaborator to share in this venture. However, a significant obstacle looms large: the lack of financial resources to fuel these ambitions. The prospect of tapping into my 401k or putting my home at risk is a daunting proposition, fraught with uncertainty and potential peril. As I endeavor to build Mind the Crown single-handedly, the absence of external support transforms the journey of expansion from a strategic endeavor into a profound test of endurance and optimism.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindthecrown.com
- Instagram: @mind_the_crown_llc
- Facebook: @mindthecrown
- Linkedin: Adrianna (Williams) Willis
- Youtube: @mindthecrown
- Other: TikTok @mindthecrown
