Are you looking for ways to grow your business successfully?
Well, get to know the Business Expert and Beauty Founder, Mahisha Dellinger of CURLS Beauty brands and founder of Black Women Making Millions Academy. Not only is she the former host of Oprah Winfrey’s highly-rated network show, “Mind Your Business with Mahisha”, but she has used her knowledge and skills to help Entrepreneurs all over the world to scale and sell their business! In a recent interview with Mahisha, she shared with us some very helpful advice to pass along to those seeking to start a business as well as for those who are already in business but looking for ways to grow.
In your years of experience and expertise, what strategies are key to launching a successful business?
Create a path to success…this must include a robust marketing plan and business plan. I always say, failing to plan is planning to fail. Don’t go it alone. Get a mentor in your industry ASAP – you’ll be surprised how much easier decision-making is when you have a soundboard to bounce ideas off and an experienced guide.
It seems to be a lack of support for black women-owned businesses, in comparison to our male counterparts, what can we as women do to change this narrative?
We simply keep pushing, keep pushing our way into the rooms we are not in. Keep pulling up that folded lawn chair at the tables they are seated in. It is an uphill battle…but we must continue to fight.
Women are getting up daily and pursuing the bag, what other things should they pursue as well to get on top and stay on top?
I can’t stress how important it is to be prepared. Bad things happen when you’re stretched too thin or don’t have the bandwidth to fit everything in. Get organized. Get your priorities in order. Make the “main thing” the MAIN thing.
What have been some of your ups and downs along the way that helped mold you into the powerhouse you are today?
Getting funding to launch my business, and a lack of access to the information and resources needed to be a successful entrepreneur was a major challenge when I started. Despite having exceptional personal credit, I could not get a business loan. I had to use my own funds and started smaller than I’d hoped. Hands down, I know, without a doubt that my GRIT, DETERMINATION, and PERSEVERANCE kept me moving forward. I have a pretty strong will to get it down. My motto was “not if, BUT when!”
Tell us more about your Black Women Making Millions Academy and the benefits of joining?
Did you know that African American, female-owned businesses are on the rise, up 300%…but only 4% make it to the million-dollar mark? We MUST bridge that gap! In the last 12 months, I’ve dedicated myself to taking 8 businesses to the next level. At the conclusion of the taping of my show on OWN, I realized that I needed to turn this into an opportunity for all to learn. And just like that, Black Girls Making Millions Academy was born. We have developed 3 Course Tracks to help women at all stages of their businesses:
- The Start Up – turn your idea into a viable business.
- The Come Up – grow your business and take it to the next level.
- The Blow Up – pitch your business idea to investors for funding.
We have an amazing list of panelists including Julee Wilson from Essence, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Michelle Rice from TV ONE, Dr. Lynn Richardson, and Tai Beauchamp who will impart their wisdom on all of our amazing participants. There will also be break-out sessions, networking opportunities, and opportunities to pitch to investors. Our goal is to empower, educate and elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs in our community and create the change the world needs.
We all definitely want to make millions, how did you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to achieve this goal in the early stages?
Create a path to success…this must include a robust marketing plan and business plan. I always say, failing to plan is planning to fail. I can’t stress how important it is to be prepared. Bad things happen when you’re stretched too thin or don’t have the bandwidth to fit everything in. Don’t do it alone.
What can we look forward to from you in the upcoming months?
So much!! Confidentially, I have 2 new businesses that I am starting and a new nonprofit. I have also started a new women’s lingerie line, xScentuals – scented essentials.
Be sure to connect with Mahisha Dellinger on social media and join her for more tips that can help your business thrive in today’s digital world!
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