We caught up with the brilliant and insightful KA-WANA JEFFERSON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
KA-WANA, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As a single mother and a business owner, my journey has been one of perseverance which has developed my resilience deep sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to my community. My professional background as a former school psychologist laid a strong foundation for my passion for service. Transitioning from that role to becoming an entrepreneur over eight years ago marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. Today, I stand as a testament to the resilience and the pursuit of a vision that goes beyond personal success, aiming to foster representation, equity, and inspiration within my community.
When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I was driven by a desire to create a business that not only served the community but also represented the potential of black and brown entrepreneurs. Coming from a family that experienced financial hardships, I understood the significance of ownership and creating a legacy. This understanding fueled my commitment to show others that, regardless of their background, they too could achieve success and build something meaningful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After graduating from high school I attended Virginia State University. I joined the National Guard in my freshman year to earn money to attend college and serve my country. While away at school, I joined a sorority- Delta Sigma Theta, and became a member of a world-recognized organization whose principles are built on sisterhood and community service. I worked my way through college bartending and waitressing and after four years, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I went on to attend graduate school earning a Master’s in School Psychology. Shortly thereafter I went into real estate purchasing my first investment property at the age of 27. This however did not fully satisfy my entrepreneurial endeavors, which inspired me to open a business in 2016. I’ve always loved working with people and serving others so it was natural for me to want to embark on a bar/restaurant of my own. Currently, I am the owner of Sweet Catch Brooklyn and Sweet Brooklyn Bar. Both locations offer food, cocktails, and an inclusive atmosphere that promotes networking, socializing, and community. Many locals in our community are appreciative of the kinds of small businesses we have added to the neighborhood. They are grateful they don’t have to travel far for a great dining experience and have options within their community. We are proud to be providing businesses that promote inclusion, representation, and diversity in a much-needed society. My overall vision for my business is multifaceted. Central to it is the drive to enhance representation and equity for black entrepreneurs. The narrative around entrepreneurship often lacks diversity, and I am committed to changing that by being a visible and successful woman minority-owned business. Young black and brown individuals must see people who look like them in positions of ownership and leadership. This visibility not only inspires but also breaks down the psychological barriers that have long hindered their aspirations. In addition to representation, my business serves as a beacon of hope and motivation within the community. We employ a significant portion of our staff from the local area, with 90% of our employees hailing from the community we serve. This decision is rooted in a belief that economic empowerment starts at home. By providing jobs and opportunities to those within our community, we contribute to its overall well-being and growth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout my journey as a businesswoman, three key qualities have played a vital role in my success. First, social skills are arguably the most important aspect of running a business. Knowing how to communicate, collaborate, and build relationships is essential for creating strong networks and fostering a positive environment with customers and team members alike. Second, being fiscally responsible and understanding how to budget has been crucial. Learning the cash flow and financial health of my business has allowed me to make informed decisions that contribute to growth and sustainability. Finally, dedication has been the foundation of my entrepreneurial path. Building a business is extremely challenging, and without unwavering commitment, I wouldn’t have been able to push through the obstacles and achieve success. These three qualities—social skills, fiscal responsibility, and dedication—have profoundly impacted my ability to grow as an entrepreneur.
For an aspiring businessperson in the early stages, developing social skills, fiscal awareness, and dedication can set a strong foundation for success. To develop social skills, start by networking with other professionals in your industry. Join business groups, attend events, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance. Practice active listening, empathy, and clear communication. For fiscal awareness, educate yourself on financial literacy by taking courses or reading books on budgeting, cash flow management, and business accounting. Use tools like financial software to track expenses and income regularly. Start small by creating budgets for specific projects or areas of your business to get a better understanding of how your financial decisions impact overall growth. Lastly, to build dedication, set both short-term and long-term goals that keep you focused. Cultivate discipline by sticking to a schedule, even when it gets tough. Surround yourself with supportive people who can motivate you during challenging times. Remind yourself that entrepreneurship requires resilience, and being dedicated will help you push through setbacks and stay committed to your vision.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My mom is my number one hero. She has instilled in me all the qualities that contribute to my success as an entrepreneur. As a single mother of three, she earned her master’s in social work while working full-time and raising my siblings and me on her own. Through her actions, she taught me the importance of hard work and demonstrated discipline, along with many core values that continue to influence my approach to business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetcatchbk.com/ https://www.sweetbkbar.com/ https://lostboroughicecream.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetcatchbk/?hl=en , https://www.instagram.com/sweetbkbar/?hl=en , https://www.instagram.com/lostboroughicecream/
