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Sparkle Howell has navigated the challenges that many Black entrepreneurs face in today’s business landscape, particularly the difficulty in securing the necessary capital to start and grow a business. Without sufficient funding, it becomes challenging to invest in crucial areas like inventory, marketing, training, and technology. To address these challenges, Sparkle has focused on finding creative ways to maximize resources, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging community support.

Her identity as a Black businesswoman has played a significant role in shaping her efforts to build visibility and establish her brand. For Sparkle, it’s important to show other women and girls, including her daughters and granddaughters, that success is within their reach. By paving the way, she hopes to inspire them to pursue their dreams with confidence, knowing that their potential is limitless.

Building a strong network of Black professionals and mentors has been invaluable to her business growth. This network understands the unique challenges that Black entrepreneurs face and goes the extra mile to offer support, guidance, and opportunities. This collective effort has been crucial in overcoming barriers and driving her business forward.

Scaling her business has come with its own set of obstacles, particularly in navigating zoning and approval processes, which can be especially challenging for Black women entrepreneurs. To overcome these hurdles, Sparkle created her own platform to represent women like herself, allowing her to rise above the challenges and thrive. By leveraging her intellectual properties, she has built a business where she can be authentic and celebrated for who she is.

Balancing self-care with the intense demands of running a business, especially as a Black entrepreneur, requires intentional effort. Sparkle recognizes the unique challenges she faces, such as limited financial support, and understands the need to work harder and longer to reach her goals. To maintain balance, she prioritizes her faith, keeps a peaceful mindset, and surrounds herself with positive, supportive people who uplift and encourage her.

To navigate and overcome barriers unique to Black-owned businesses, Sparkle draws on her extensive experience in corporate America, where she learned to excel by working harder and longer than others. She has faced the reality of needing to conform, whether by altering her appearance or speech, to secure opportunities and promotions. Now, she leverages these experiences to stay resilient, embracing her authentic self while strategically positioning her business for success.

What inspires Sparkle to keep pushing forward is the knowledge that, as a woman-owned business, she is contributing to the backbone of the nation’s economy. She is motivated by the desire to set an example for other women and girls, showing them that success is attainable. Knowing that her daughters and granddaughters can walk with confidence because she has paved the way for them and others like them keeps her resilient, no matter the challenges.

Stay connected with her on social media @sparklepriceless1 and @vayanaorganics

Website : http://www.vayanaorganics.com/

 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sparkle Howell