Flickr credit: adria.richards

This year I’m continuing my series on Black Entrepreneurship. This will be a segment of Q & A’s on black entrepreneurs who are working hard at being awesome, while leaving their mark and building their legacies. I started this series last year to acknowledge my local black entrepreneurs, and decided to continue it because I simply enjoy shedding some light on the progression and success of everyday black people- dreaming, believing, and achieving in 2012. I know this isn’t exactly history, but it is history in the making, and that counts for something. I like to read about the everyday unsung heroes; the firefighter, the caretaker for the elderly, the advocate for the youth, etc. I want to share a fresh perspective from the people we know and grow up with; familiar people who are taking risks to own that dream business, or build that personal brand. Many small town or inner city raised blacks are at the forefront of community development. They step to the plate as leaders and mentors to students and troubled youth. They bring employment opportunities to the jobless and donate to charitable causes. I want to acknowledge the African Americans/ Blacks who bring about positive reinforcement against the negative stereotypes that deter hopes and ambition. My “interviewees” are full-time small business owners, solopreneurs, and side-hustle champions.  One thing they all have in common is that they are defining success on their own terms, and working hard to allign their brand with their vision. Black History in the making is definitely something worth celebrating.