“Our relationship with real success isn’t transactional – it’s fluid. Defending your version of success is the foundation, developing a plan to achieve our objectives is the formula, and increasing the frequency of these behaviors is the secret.” – Marques L Williams, Entrepreneur, The Catalyst Vision
“I met a lovely young African American dancer and she told me she did not go to the audition because no one on the brochure looks like her and I said that’s because you didn’t Walk through the door, we all must walk through the door.” -Robyn Gardenhire – Artistic Director & Founder, City Ballet of Los Angeles
“Work everyday towards a goal and opportunities will present themselves don’t get Discouraged, everyday is a new day” –Boketto Cold Brew
“If people consider you a disrupter because you do things your own way and you don’t work within the system that’s probably a good thing. It’s called being an artist and staying authentic. ” –Justin Bua – Famed Artist
“Remember that any pursuit in life requires hard work and dedication. You might as well choose something you love and bring it to fruition. As your business grows you will grow as well”. –Melody Kia – Blackroutes.org
“Mean what you say and say what you mean. What you put out in life is what you get back. ” -Fhedesh – Musician & Dark Lord of the Underworld.
“Beyond back history month, keep the #blacklivesmatter movement alive everyday because lasting change won’t happen without actively deconstructing our beliefs about race. If you’re afraid to use your voice, give up your seat at the table”, –Kinya Claiborne, Style & Society Magazine
“There comes a time in everyone’s life when one must trust what they know to be true over what others tell them is the truth, especially when those amount to two different truths” –General Jeff, Activist
“Not all Queens live in a castle…some live on the street. Regardless of one’s financial situation you can never lose your station. “-Shirley Raines – Beauty2theStreetz
“Black owned doesn’t mean cheaper or lower quality! Know your worth. Charge it confidently and then add shipping + handling” -Doctor Dapper, Branding Expert/Coach
“Meditation and Self-Care is paramount in being successful in my opinion. You can burn yourself out and make mistakes if you don’t take care of yourself, how will you be able to motivate your team and drive your business. A good life-work balance is what we live by.” –Kwini Reed – Owner, Poppy & Rose Restaurant
“Motivation, never hater nation, only collaborations & congratulations!” -Nubia Stevens – Owner, Numaade Cafe
“When you put your best foot forward, the universe will provide the rest. -Aja – Owner & Operations Manager (abeautifullife) Jamaican Restaurant
“Never, ever, ever, EVER give up on your dream. Believe in yourself. Believe that you are enough, because you are. Positive mindset only. Bet on yourself and don’t be afraid to fail, it’s ok! Work hard, be good to people, and you’ll be surprised how far it’ll get you.” -Devin REED – Sommwlier, HOST OF WINE & CULTURE LA
“Sometimes you have to do it scared, you’ll thank yourself later. And remember to never be afraid to ask for what you want.” -Vanessa Punche – owner, LA Grind Coffee & Tea Bar
” I can remember being homeless sleeping on the streets of Skid Row and eventually going to prison in 92 and upon my release becoming an advocate for the less fortunate and victims of violence. 30 years later. My journey has seen me go from the crack house to the White House. I believed in myself regardless of my past and the critic’s and naysayers. That’s one of the keys to success for the next generation of Black leaders ” – Najee Ali – Activist
“At Comfort LA we stay focus on our objectives while blocking out all the distractions.” –Comfort LA
“My secret of success is under-promising and overproducting ” -Itika oldwine, Old Vine Floral
“What drives me during this time is discipline and the knowledge that things will get better. When that will happen is still known but maintaining habits to put myself and those around me in better positions for when things open up more keeps me going.” – Stay Eatin’ Bruh – Influencer
“Nurture yourself and your passions as you would your business, your children, or someone you love. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.” –Naima Woodson, Creator, Beachbum Wisdom
“if your dreams seem odd to others – you may just be ahead of your time. I just realized , wow, i spent the entire last decade of my life working for this exact moment. or you may just be odd. -Keri Freeman, Publisher, Downtown Weekly LA
DTLA’s Top Black Owned Businesses Share Secrets Of Success
