This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Joy! The word itself imbues happiness, positivity, and hope.
We need more joy in this world.
We celebrated the Joy of Black Entrepreneurship at the BizLaunch Brunch and Business on Wednesday, June 8 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Four Arlington business owners told the truth of their entrepreneurial journeys and shared their motivation, support, challenges and unending joy of starting and sustaining a business.
Arlington business owners Jennifer Jones of Cosmopolitan Plated; Rudy Burwell of Encompass Supply; Daniel Logan of Columbia Pike Laundry and Khadeeja Honesty of Soultry Brand spoke about their motivation and the “why,” they got into business. The entrepreneurial journeys were tough and not always easy; however, steadfastness, authenticity, a focus on customer service and doing what they loved helped them to succeed.
According to a recently released Brookings Metro Report and Path to 1555, “…if our community grew at least 15% of Black businesses, you would create in the United States 600,000+ new jobs and add $55 billion to the U.S. economy.” The importance of supporting our diverse ecosystem is a win for us all.