BLACQUITY

Building a Brighter and Inclusive Future for All

story by CAROLINE GANT          photos courtesy of BLACQUITY

In a perfect world, everyone, no matter who they are or what they do, should be able to succeed in whatever they decide to do with their lives. Businesses could grow and thrive; entrepreneurs could establish themselves with no significant issues. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. We live in a world where there are many opportunities for people. Yet, somehow still, many get left in the dust without any distinguishable help that appropriately benefits those who utilize it.

BlacQuity, an organization with a specific mission in mind creates a “supportive and equitable ecosystem for black entrepreneurs and black small business owners.” The organization’s passion lies in evaluating, empowering, and promoting these businesses in a way they may not find anywhere else. Founded in 2020 by like-minded, passionate community and business leaders Bridgette Frazier and Billy Watterson, they had a common goal to fulfill: They saw a need in our Lowcountry for a better support system for the black business community. They noticed our area lacked representation among black businesses and wanted to address this issue. BlacQuity started with a distinct focus, providing solutions for businesses to set themselves apart.

It was discovered that access to essential resources and financial investments for black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs was challenging to acquire. This organization came to fill in those gaps. It led to a varied approach to providing the support these businesses would need. The first main vessel initiative is Black Equity University (BEU), a comprehensive, 12-week accelerated program that’s geared toward preparing its students with important and essential skills, knowledge, and support to take their businesses to the next level.

In addition to Black Equity University, a black-owned business directory was created to feature and advertise these businesses while connecting them to potential clients and customers, depending on the types of businesses listed. Another resource created by BlacQuity is Motivation Monday, a monthly networking and workshop event. This time allows like-minded black business owners and entrepreneurs to come together to learn new skills, perfect current skills, and let everyone in attendance make connections that can provide success and sustainability for their future.

Moreover, an advisory council was created to offer coaching and business plan development for those trying to start and grow their businesses. Those at BlacQuity have found that it is vital to have customized guidance to help everyone work through all the ins and outs of starting a business. This incredible organization is at the frontlines of creating the change needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of every black-owned business and entrepreneur they encounter and mentor. They are incredibly passionate about providing the resources necessary to help these black-owned businesses feel empowered and blossom in their environment. To accomplish this, every organization needs someone to help lead the fight.

Allow me to introduce you to Gwen Chambers, executive director of BlacQuity. With her husband and their two sons, they have called the beautiful Lowcountry their home since 2008. Her professional background has prepared her and given her so much experience for her current role as executive director for BlacQuity. She has a great deal of experience in community management, project management, and leadership. Before coming on board with BlacQuity, Chambers actively participated in local initiatives and volunteer work. This nurtured a growing commitment in her to drive positive change in our community. Having accepted this position in September 2021, Chamber’s role as executive director is geared toward advancing BlacQuity’s mission and ensuring it’s a successful operation.

Her roles include working closely with the founders and board members to set goals, create plans, and spearhead the drive to ensure everything they do aligns with the overall mission. Chambers coordinates the design, implementation, and evaluation of the programs offered, including Black Equity University. She has made sure that the curriculum and resources are effective in helping businesses get off the ground and grow. She also participates in building relationships with the community, specifically with black entrepreneurs, local businesses, and community leaders, allowing her and the organization to understand the needs of the businesses. This allows everyone to work together adequately and ensure the programs provided are tailored to the needs and interests of the community.

Additionally, Chambers is responsible for attaining financing through grants, donations, scholarships, and partnerships, allowing BlacQuity to feasibly support the resources they offer. Similarly, she oversees the distribution of resources, including those of the financial, personnel, and facilities. She also leads and manages the team they have currently, which includes volunteers and interns, while also working on building the team-to-staff capacity. Chambers is involved with the day-to-day operations of BlacQuity and designates tasks accordingly to ensure everyone is working equally toward their common goal as an organization. There is also the responsibility of public relations. Chambers is passionate about making sure that BlacQuity’s message reaches its target audience through social media, community events, and other media outlets.

Several businesses in our area have utilized BlacQuity’s many resources. Latoya Hagood is co-owner of Lovin My Skin LLC, a local hand-crafted, natural, and plant-based bath and body company based out of St. Helena Island. Regarding their involvement with BlacQuity, Hagood stated, “When my husband and I started Lovin’ My Skin, LLC, we both lacked the knowledge and understanding of what it took to be business owners. I recently completed Black Equity University. The 12-week course is designed to teach the foundations of business ownership and growth. The curriculum included information about personal budgeting, business finance, licensing, product pricing, bookkeeping, marketing and sales, and entrepreneurship well-being. Each week, we could build and add items that are now included in our business plan. After completing BEU, I am more accurate with bookkeeping and business finance. As a result, I am more confident in our ability to apply for grants and funding to help grow our business. BlacQuity elevates, empowers, and promotes black-owned businesses in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It was a pleasure working with Gwen and her team. They were truly invested in seeing our businesses thrive and become successful. I highly encourage black and minority-owned businesses in the Lowcountry to take advantage of this opportunity and sign up for BEU today!”

Another business I had the pleasure of communicating with was Penelope Riches of Vive Luxury Day Spa. They specialize in facials and body waxes as well as a number of other spa services. When asked about working with Ms. Chambers and the team at BlacQuity, Riches stated, “I can say that before attending this class I had no business plan nor did I have a pitch, or really a main goal for my business. I was everywhere! This class taught me structure, discipline, and gave me extreme resources!”

As executive director of BlacQuity, Gwen Chambers’s decision to accept this role was “fueled by a genuine desire to be a catalyst for positive change within the community” and being able to witness the “growth and success of black entrepreneurs while a being part of a team that is dedicated to making a lasting difference.” Her favorite thing about being a part of this organization has been learning how powerful teamwork is, along with seeing how the community comes together to support this goal of the growth of black-owned businesses.

Chambers sums up the overall goal of BlacQuity so well: “We are incredibly proud of the impact our initiatives have had on the black business community. Seeing these entrepreneurs thrive and succeed fuels our passion and motivates us to continue our efforts. At BlacQuity, we strive to lead by example, encouraging others to support and uplift black-owned businesses and work toward a more inclusive economy.

“BlacQuity is deeply committed to the success of black-owned businesses. Through Black Equity University, the black business directory, Motivation Monday, and the advisory council, we are actively working toward creating a thriving economy where these businesses can flourish. Our dedication to elevating, empowering, and promoting black entrepreneurs is at the core of everything we do, and we will continue to lead the way in driving positive change within our community. Together, hand in hand, let’s uplift one another and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”