One of my favourite quotes is “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” by Madam C.J. Walker. She was the first female self-made millionaire in North America and dominated in the hair care industry. Not only was she very successful, but she also used her position and wealth to advocate for her community.
Don’t wait for the opportunities to come to you.
There’s no playbook, handbook or step-by-step guide to doing what we do. Every day is different & can be unpredictable. One day you’re second guessing yourself and the next you’re making record sales. You started a business for a reason, but don’t wait for the opportunities to come to you.
February is one of my favourite months because there’s a spotlight on the phenomenal contributions made by Black Canadians. Although our stories & triumphs should be recognized year-round, this is when all Canadians take a moment to reflect and educate themselves on the contributions Black people have made in our country.
Black entrepreneurs and in particular, Black Women Entrepreneurs are on the rise and making waves in a myriad of industries right across the country. As we continue to break down barriers and innovate, I’m encouraged by the incredible business stories and impact that Black women and their businesses are having on their families, communities, economy and our country.
Black Women Entrepreneurs – Follow your instincts, aim high, dream big, believe in yourself and connect with other entrepreneurs to network and to lean on.
Andria Barrett
Founder of The Diversity Agency Speaker, Facilitator & Consultant, The Diversity Agency
Andria Barrett is the Founder of The Diversity Agency and is an award-winning Entrepreneur. The Diversity Agency provides speaking, training and consulting services to business owners & non-profit organizations. Andria is also a Co-Founder of The Banker Ladies Council where her focus is on helping women-led entrepreneurs through mutual aid.
She serves as a board member to the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Help A Girl Out (HAGO) and has been appointed as a member of Humber College’s Program Advisory Committee (PAC). She is also an Activator with SheEO/Coralus.
Andria is a member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee with the Peel Regional Police & a popular Judge for awards including the Canadian SME Awards & Canadian Mortgage Awards. She also leads the SheaMoisture DreamFund Grant program awarding $50,000 to Black female entrepreneurs in Canada yearly.
