Meet Gwen Chambers

 

We were lucky to catch up with Gwen Chambers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gwen, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism within BlacQuity is deeply rooted in our mission and the tangible impact we have on the community. Our core mission is to promote, elevate, and empower black-owned businesses. Seeing entrepreneurs succeed and communities thrive because of our initiatives fuels our optimism. The active participation and enthusiasm of the entrepreneurs, the community members, coaches and board members in events such as Motivation Mondays and the Roots & Rivers Festival show a strong, supportive network, fostering a sense of collective hope. BlacQuity’s strategic goals, like running multiple BEU cohorts annually and expanding our reach, are milestones that demonstrate our forward momentum and create an optimistic outlook for the future.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

What excites me the most about our work is seeing the tangible impact of our initiatives. Programs like Black Equity University (BEU) and Get Seeded Pitch Night empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and funding they need to succeed. Watching these businesses grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels our hope for the future of economic equity.

We are thrilled to announce that our next BEU cohort starts on August 20th, and we are expanding our reach to include more resources. Additionally, we are gearing up for our annual Roots & Rivers Festival on September 14th, with a Cowboy theme and live music from Deas Guyz. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and support local black-owned businesses.

BlacQuity is more than just an organization; it’s a movement towards economic equity and community empowerment. We invite everyone to join us in this journey and be a part of the positive change we’re creating.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The journey of empowering black-owned businesses and fostering economic equity is filled with challenges. Resilience has been crucial in navigating setbacks and staying focused on our mission. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing a strong support network, whether through mentors, peers, or community groups. This network can provide encouragement and advice when times get tough.

Seeing the big picture and plan accordingly has been essential. I suggest engaging in continuous learning. Read widely, attend workshops, and seek out experiences that broaden your perspective and improve your ability to think ahead.

We rely on the community and connecting, building relationships, understanding our entrepreneur needs and aspirations. It’s essential that we are engaged with our community. Just starting out, I volunteered and participated in events to understand the community and need. I listened to the voice around me and built genuine connections that helped to create the impact.

Stay committed to your growth, seek out opportunities to learn and connect, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Your dedication will pave the way for meaningful progress and success.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, we are always looking for partners and collaborators who share our vision of promoting, elevating, and empowering black-owned businesses. We believe in the power of collective effort and welcome individuals, organizations, and businesses that can contribute to our mission.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with:

Business Mentors and Coaches, experienced professionals who can offer guidance, support, and expertise to our entrepreneurs through our Black Equity University (BEU) program.

Investors and Funders, individuals or organizations willing to provide financial support or resources to help fund our initiatives, such as the BEU program or Get Seeded Pitch Night and other entrepreneurial activities.

Community Organizations that are aligned with our goals and can partner with us on events, outreach, and community-building activities.

Corporate Partners that are interested in supporting our programs through sponsorship, employee volunteerism, or in-kind donations.

If you are interested in partnering or collaborating with BlacQuity, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us via our website BlacQuitySC.org or email us directly at [email protected]. Together, we can make a significant impact and drive meaningful change in our community.

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Image Credits

Denolis Polite Photography

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