We recently connected with Brittany Ward and have shared our conversation below.
Brittany, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
They say that sometimes significant events like divorce, death, illness, or loss can serve as wake-up calls or challenges, urging us to take a step forward on our path. However, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of that sentiment until May 11, 2016. It marked one of the darkest days of my life. A phone call shattered me. The woman who had devoted 26 years of her life to shaping me into a productive member of society was gone. My grandmother had passed away suddenly due to late-stage illness, and suddenly, everything around me felt a little less significant. Until then, I had considered myself highly successful, ticking off all the boxes of what society deemed as success. But as I navigated through funeral planning and bid my last farewells, I found myself pondering questions like, “Is this all there is?” “What legacy do I want to leave behind?” “How do I want to be remembered when my time on this earth comes to an end?” The ensuing years became a journey of radical self-discovery, exploration, and deep introspection, with much time spent in contemplation with God to uncover the true meaning of my existence. It wasn’t an easy process, but ultimately, I became certain that my purpose was to teach, uplift, and empower Black women who share many of my life experiences and thus, BWCultivates was born.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
BWCultivates® is a learning experience company dedicated to empowering Black women to overcome fear, anxiety, and shame, fostering healing and growth in both work and life. Through self-healing tools, online courses, and transformative events, we offer an alternative curriculum for conquering emotional challenges and igniting personal development.
Initially, I didn’t envision myself as a small business owner. As a Christian woman of faith, my journey began with a quest to understand my purpose, drawing from my own experiences and God-given gifts to aid others. The loss of my grandmother marked a pivotal moment, inspiring me to step out on faith and focus my efforts on educating and equipping Black women with the tools to conquer their emotional struggles. I saw a need that God was calling me to address.
My work is deeply rooted in the heart, driven by faith, passion, purpose, and the belief in endless possibilities. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to guide these women as they embark on their journey of learning, healing, and growth. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity through the mission of BWCultivates.
Even though we’re just three years old, this marks an exciting phase in our journey as we undergo rebranding and solidify our focus on five core offerings: Cultivate University (CultivateU) for tailored personal development courses; Cultivate Balance – Mental Wellness Conference; “CultivateHer” Career Mastery program; “Cultivate Connections” Community Membership; and “Cultivation Labs” Workshops. These initiatives will expand our core offerings and better serve the needs of Black women seeking personal and professional growth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve embodied ambition, courage, and resilience—traits essential for those considering 9-5preneurship. These qualities, combined with my faith, have propelled me forward despite uncertainties. Like many, I’m still learning patience and self-compassion, but that’s the essence of this journey. I’ve realized I don’t need to have all the answers to make an impact in my community. My advice to beginners reflects this: You don’t have to have everything figured out. You possess unique abilities to help others, even if you’re unsure of the specifics. Explore your passions, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and most importantly, take that first step. Don’t allow fear of failure or uncertainty to hinder your progress before you even start.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are Black women who have encountered various challenges in both their personal and professional lives. They’ve grappled with feelings of inadequacy and being overlooked due to societal pressures and expectations. In their careers, they’ve navigated microaggressions and obstacles, impacting their confidence and self-worth. Despite these challenges, they remain resilient and determined to succeed, striving to create fulfilling lives.
Their goals align with what BWCultivates offers:
1. Overcoming fear, anxiety, and shame to unleash their full potential.
2. Utilizing self-healing tools for stress management and emotional navigation.
3. Finding a supportive community of like-minded individuals for guidance and encouragement.
4. Acquiring practical skills to excel personally and professionally.
Their interests center around personal development, wellness, and community engagement. They seek growth opportunities, prioritize self-care, and value connections with others who understand their journey.
Common challenges they face include imposter syndrome, work-life balance struggles, and the need for a supportive network.
BWCultivates can assist them in addressing these needs through a range of resources, including self-healing tools, courses, events, and a supportive community platform tailored to their experiences and goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bwcultivates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwcultivates?igsh=Njl4NWNnMXEwb3p5&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwcultivates/
