How To Overcome The Stigma of Black Businesses-Professional vs. Unprofessional

Hey love, I hope you had a great weekend. I know I did! My family came down to visit me and we explored Atlanta, and even went to the Bronner Brother’s hair Show (one of my favorite black owned business events that I go to every year)! One thing about Atlanta I learned since moving here, is that there is ALWAYS something going on, everyday. It’s almost overwhelming how often there is a fun event happening, and it gets to the point where I just decide to not do anything and stay inside. Sometimes it is best that way, because I get so indecisive, but the good thing is that I save money.

Side note: Last weekend, I went to a free reggae event, which was cool, until I realized I had to pay $21 for parking which was not in my budget-this is why I sometimes stay home and save!

For a majority of my weekend, my family and I went to a few local black owned businesses, you know, for the CULTURE and support. But honeyyyyyyy, sometimes it is HARD to support black businesses!! The other day I made a post, and even shared a story on my Instagram about how some black businesses owners are not owning their business. When I say owning their business, I mean really owning their business, professionally. Some do not respond to emails, answer their phones, opening their shops late, having nasty attitudes, the list can go on.

I get it though, life happens, and when you are a small business owner, sometimes it affects the business. Things occur that are often out of our control, but the biggest thing to control, is how hard we try to make it better, and protect the reputation of our business. I try my best to support nothing but black businesses, but it’s difficult sometimes.

For example, my mother really wanted to go to a black owned seafood restaurant this weekend, so I suggested this restaurant owned by this guy I have been following for a while on Instagram. He always posts food porn from his restaurants, which usually has me drooling down my timeline. So we went there, and when we walked in, no one greeted us! Matter of fact, they walked past us numerous times. My mother got fed up and asked if there was a problem, because we weren’t the only ones waiting, there was a couple waiting before we arrived. They said it was reservations only, and we would need to wait 45 minutes to be seated--sooooooo y’all couldn’t communicate that to us??.

Since we drove 45 minutes to get there, we decided to wait. Fortunately, there was a busboy who prepared a table for us after waiting 15 minutes, he was very helpful. After we were seated a waitress came and took our order. A few moments later, a disgruntled waitress approached us (looking tired, mad and hair a hot mess) approached our table loudly asking us who sat us and how long did we wait? She also mentioned that she was working on getting us a server. We informed her that a young man seated us and we already had a waiter. She seemed so shocked, and walked off looking mad the entire time we were there and she was giving him so much attitude.

We felt bad, so we tipped him for him having to deal with her for helping us. Thennnnnn, they alerted us that the kitchen needed to shut down for 45 minutes, but our food would be out as soon as possible. At this point, we were sooo confused and hungry, we wanted to leave so bad, but kept reinforcing the fact that we were supporting a black business (plus nothing else was open nearby). Fortunately, the food came out about 20 minutes later and I must say that it was delicious! I guess this is what keeps them in business, the fact that the food is so good! But I really don’t think the food was worth the drama, its like I wanted to say “can I get the lemon pepper shrimp and crab fries, but hold the drama”? Why do black people have to be so dramatic? Ugghhh! On our way out, the young man thanked us, and said that it was his last day because he had had enough and that it hurt that “sometimes you can’t even work for your own people.”

I don’t know about you, but when I make it big in life to where I own a physical business, I don’t want to lose employees on that kind of term. I want to only hire people that would best reflect my brand and who I am. I don’t want to hire any managers that treat my employees with disrespect, especially in front of my customers. I’d probably have some secret shoppers at my business, just to check on the quality of service and professionalism. My mother always taught me that “assimilation is by association” so I wouldn’t want anyone comparing me with a nasty staff. I want my team to reflect who I am, since I wouldn’t be able to be there all the time (because I’d be traveling the world, doing Girl CEO things, ya know).  

This brings me to my next concept: when I was a Merchandising Supervisor at Victoria’s Secret (a billion dollar company), no matter what I had going on (except for emergencies, like a death in the family) I had to get my azz up and be there at 6am to be there for my employees, and get that new merchandise out for the customers, all while being professional and keeping the personal things at home. My mangers expected this of me, because I had to represent their brand, and I had to keep up with their expectations to maintain my position. So the same energy I had to get up, be professional and punctual, to uphold the dream of the owner of Victoria’s Secret and their brand, I have to keep that same energy for my business, so that I can maintain my position as a business owner, of MY DREAM. I am my own boss, and I have to hold myself accountable for the reputation of my business.

Granted, as a small business owner with no staff working for me (yet) life happens, and I have to communicate to my clients whatever is going on. If you are a business owner, or you plan to own a business, PLEASE own your business. My core values as a female black business owner are: CUSTOMER SERVICE, PROFESSIONALISM, WORD OF MOUTH. When you are professional, you know, like owning your business, answering calls, responding to emails, etc., and having good customer service, like communicating and compensating your clients, people will spread the word of how great of a business owner you are, and your business will thrive!

Communicating with your clients, fans, supporters, etc. goes a long way! No one knows what’s going on unless you communicate with them and be honest, but professional. Don’t tell your clients that you’re running late because you had brunch with your friends and had too many mimosas, and totally forgot. Instead say something like, “Thanks for booking with me, just wanted to let you know I will be running 20 minutes late due to a schedule conflict. Here’s $15 off your appointment for the inconvenience. Thanks for your patience.” When you do this, people appreciate that, and it shows that you care about them and their time, as well as appreciate them for their support.

With that being said, I think I’ve said enough but I just wanted to let you know my experience with supporting some black businesses. You know Atlanta is the hub for black businesses, so I try my best to get everything from them. It’s just sometimes a struggle when business owners aren’t owning their business. So please take notes from this blog and apply it to your business.

Comment below your experiences with black owned businesses, and let me know what your thoughts are on this blog, I love hearing back from my readers.