221: Small Town, Big Impact: The Power of Small Town Entrepreneurship w/ Marquis Forge
Release Date: 10/10/2024
249: Creative Control: How Artists & Creators Can Build Wealth on Their Own Terms w/ DIVINE
Black to Business
If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between making money and staying true to your creativity, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the real meaning of creative control and why ownership, financial literacy, and mindset are non-negotiable when it comes to building wealth on your own terms. Whether you're in music, content creation, or any business, there’s a way to protect your vision and still build something profitable and powerful. In this conversation, we’re joined by DIVINE, hip hop artist turned tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Notes, a financial...
info_outline
248: From Book to Business: How Authors Can Scale Their Impact & Income w/ Taurea Avant
Black to Business
At first glance, authors and entrepreneurs might seem like they live in separate worlds. But they are more connected than you might think. Traditionally, books have been treated as stand-alone works, limiting their potential impact. Out of the 11,000 books published every day, only about 1,000 make over $1,000 a year. But what if your book could do more than sit on a shelf? What if it could spark a movement, create consistent income, and build the foundation of a thriving business? In this episode, we’re diving into how your book can be the blueprint for your brand, the manifesto of...
info_outline
247: Tapping into Your Inner "ChYld" for Social Media & Branding Success w/ Aaron Chism
Black to Business
When it comes to growing a brand online, we’re often told to follow trends, look polished, and stick to what's “proven.” But the truth is, real growth and real connection often starts with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to be yourself. For Black entrepreneurs, there’s a lot of pressure to get it right from the beginning. But what if your breakthrough came not from being perfect, but from being free? In this episode, we’re breaking down how rediscovering your creativity and honoring your inner child can unlock authenticity, consistency, and visibility in your content....
info_outline
246: Digital Domination: How Black Entrepreneurs Can Attract & Convert Clients Online w/ Quintel Harcum
Black to Business
You're posting on social media, following trends, and showing up online... but your ideal clients still aren’t converting. Sound familiar? In today’s digital-first business world, it’s no longer enough to just show up online. To stand out and build a sustainable business, we as Black entrepreneurs must learn how to own our digital space and turn that presence into real income. But with so much noise online, how do you create content that connects, builds trust, and converts without relying on complicated ad strategies? In this episode, digital strategist and creative brand...
info_outline
245: Internal Success First: Building a Business That Feels Good to You
Black to Business
When we talk about business success, the focus is often on what things look like from the outside: numbers, visibility, and public wins. But what about what it feels like to actually run your business behind the scenes? In this solo episode, we’re closing out Women’s History Month with a powerful reflection on internal success. Because building a business that looks good but feels heavy, misaligned, or overwhelming is not the goal. You deserve a business that supports you fully. One that nurtures you emotionally, mentally, financially, and energetically. Whether you’re in a...
info_outline
244: One Size Does Not Fit All: Building Customizable Solutions for Diverse Learners w/ Kianjai Huggan
Black to Business
In today’s fast-paced digital world, accessibility and customization are no longer optional. They’re essential. As a Black entrepreneur, you know that creating a business that serves diverse audiences means acknowledging that not everyone learns or engages with content the same way. Yet, many business owners overlook the importance of designing experiences that truly meet the needs of all users, leading to lost opportunities and disengaged customers. In this episode, we dive deep into why "one size does not fit all" when it comes to education, business, and digital accessibility....
info_outline
243: Lessons from Powerful Black Women Entrepreneurs: Advice for Growth & Success
Black to Business
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, leading in business innovation and breaking barriers in industries where we’ve historically been underrepresented. But let’s be real—the journey isn’t always easy. Access to capital, visibility, and positioning for major opportunities can still be a challenge. Yet, despite these obstacles, Black women continue to thrive, build, and create pathways where none existed before. At Black to Business, we understand the challenges and the power that comes from learning from those who have already paved the way. That’s why, in honor...
info_outline
242: Balancing Business & Motherhood: A Self-Care Strategy for Sustainable Success w/ Krystle Redding
Black to Business
Balancing a growing business with the pressures of motherhood is something many entrepreneurs know all too well. You’re juggling endless responsibilities, working to stay on top of your business goals, and striving to be fully present for your family, all while feeling like there’s barely enough time or energy for yourself. The pressure to “do it all” can easily feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth, you don’t have to do it all. Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental and physical well-being. In this episode, Krystle Redding, a powerhouse business...
info_outline
241: From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Freedom: Building a Business Without Compromise w/ Derek Lewis
Black to Business
In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, we sit down with Derek Lewis, a seasoned corporate executive turned entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from a 35-year career at PepsiCo to building his own business. Derek discusses the mindset shifts, transferable skills, and strategic planning required to transition from corporate leadership to business ownership. He also explores the importance of relationships, financial discipline, and staying true to your values while growing a business. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The importance of mindset when making the leap from a...
info_outline
240: Building Your Business with Growth in Mind
Black to Business
Too many entrepreneurs stay focused on what’s in front of them—getting clients, making sales, and keeping their business afloat. While handling the day-to-day is important, real growth happens when you start thinking long-term, even before you feel ready. Bigger opportunities, whether it’s brand partnerships, speaking engagements, sponsorships, or high-level clients, don’t just show up out of nowhere. They come to businesses that have positioned themselves to receive them. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. If you’re tired of feeling stuck in survival...
info_outlineEvery small town has its share of untapped potential—local heroes quietly working behind the scenes, creating opportunities and inspiring those around them. In this episode, we explore the immense power of small-town entrepreneurship and how these ventures can lead to significant community impact. It’s a journey filled with unique challenges and rewarding experiences, reminding us that your location doesn’t determine your success; your drive and commitment do. Marquis Forge, founder and CEO of MRaine Industries and Eleven86 Real Artesian Water, embodies this spirit of resilience. He turned his small-town dream into a thriving business, demonstrating how local entrepreneurs can uplift their communities and pave the way for future generations.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:
-
The unique challenges faced by small-town entrepreneurs and how to navigate them.
-
Strategies for building a brand that resonates with local communities.
-
The importance of community engagement in driving business success.
-
How to identify opportunities in underserved markets.
-
Ways to leverage local resources and networks for growth.
-
The impact of small businesses on local economies and community revitalization.
-
Tips for maintaining quality while scaling a small-town business.
Marquis Forge grew up in Autaugaville, Alabama, a town with less than 800 residents. With a background in automotive engineering and manufacturing, he transitioned into the beverage industry, leveraging his skills and determination to build Eleven86 Real Artesian Water. His journey reflects a commitment to revitalizing his community through entrepreneurship, and he has successfully created a brand that not only thrives but also inspires others to pursue their dreams. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Marquis and discover how your small-town roots can lead to big impacts.
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/221
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA
Connect with us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/
Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: