We were lucky to catch up with Mel Branker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mel , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from my faith. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.“ I’m aware that we all need help and more times than not, we as humans have difficulty asking for said help. Therefore I do my best to give without judgement or condition.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
The Black Collective Brand connects patrons to black arts, fashion, business and entrepreneurship. We provide marketing, promotional, and merchandising services for start-up black owned businesses. We provide artist managerial services and we curate events such as pop up shops and showcases. Additionally, The Black Collective Brand sells clothing, including sweaters (crewnecks and hoodies), hats and an assortment of gear. I am proudest of the brand’s purpose; building and maintaining supports in the black community; whether it be a financial, emotional, mental, or anything else. We complete food pantry deliveries on a bi monthly basis, give away boxes of turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving, give a way gifts for Christmas and/ or Kwanza and provide bookbags and supplies to the community on a yearly basis.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back I think my faith, my resilience, and my willingness to learn has been most impactful on my journey. For those who are early in their journey it is important to remain patient with yourself. The journey is just as important as the destination, take your time, find what works for you and perfect it, You will fail, and that’s okay just have the
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am currently looking for like minded, goal oriented people to collaborate with. All the events that TBC sponsors are supported by other small businesses with a common vision. The goal is financial freedom for Black Americans as a whole and I am open to working with anyone who understands this mission. I am available to connect via all social media platforms and email.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheBlackCollectiveBrand.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/theblackcollectivebrand
