UK Black Business Week

I'll be honest, I wasn't even planning on attending this event. Life's been a whirlwind of transitions lately, and honestly, navigating that chaos has been the main event. But here's the thing: I just birthed this magazine, and if you know me, you know I'm a grinder. I genuinely hate—and yes, I mean hate—stagnation. Not growing, not evolving, staying put in the same place as last year? Nah. That's just not my frequency. So, I took a leap of faith, paid for the ticket, and went. 

You know that space, "the meantime" as Iyanla Vanzant beautifully calls it, or just the messy in-between? It’s perfect time for planning, strategising, reflecting, listening, and cultivating that deeper faith. But you absolutely cannot get complacent in it. You gotta get up, make those simple shifts, and that’s exactly the energy I’ve been on. This event? It was absolutely phenomenal. So thoughtfully executed! Being surrounded by so many brilliant Black folks pushing, grinding, and bettering their lives was truly inspiring—to witness and to be a part of. It had that same spark as UNLEASH in Grenada back in May 2023, but on a much more global, expansive scale.

Treading Water 

Walking in, I was genuinely bewildered by the sheer amount of things going on! Entry was swift and professional, and then it was straight into treading water. My first stop was the main room for the discussion, "The audacity to take your brand global." It was insightful, sure, but I didn't stay long. Why? Because I simply wasn't ready for that information yet. Some might say that's not thinking big enough, but this is how I build: in steps. Not rushing the process, because every stage has its own time. I just launched this platform; I haven't even cracked 100 subscribers yet! Global? I think not. So, I bounced and kept the adventure moving around the venue.

When I tell you this space was packed with booths, I mean it had everything: from bespoke drinks and luxury candles to Ikea, investment programs, hair care, food, other magazine brands, luxury interior designs, and so much more. I browsed a lot, and honestly, I still didn't touch every single spot—it was a proper workout! With all the excitement in the air, I knew I needed a tangible memory from the day. So, I went and snagged not one, but two free (YUH!) headshots. Talk about privileged, lol.

The next conversation that locked me in was "The untold price of entrepreneurship." This one grabbed my attention, and I was instantly sat, book and pen ready. 

“Quotes”

“Accept that you have to be behind the mission, the mission has to be bigger than you.” 

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“Who do I need to connect too?”

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“Become a systems creator” 

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Defining your urgency: “Ask is this worth my time, how will it affect me in the next years? Don’t let ego take control of this process”. 

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“How long can you be uncomfortable?”

The point that really landed for me was the point about shelving the ego and genuinely asking yourself: Is this actually important for me? How will this benefit me in the next few years? I am a very intentional person; I hate my time being wasted. It takes a conscious effort to be deliberate with every move you make. I’ll definitely be applying this intentionality to the magazine and the new articles I’ve got pending for members.

Another absolute gem? "Who do you need to connect with." No need for elaboration here: connect with people on the same level, frequency, value, and vision. Don’t play about weeding out the time-wasters.

Purple Moment

I met some truly incredible people at the event, but I have to shout out the women of 'The Interior Aesthetics.' It was three lovely ladies, all cousins, whose business provides luxury boutique floral styling for everything from room decor to weddings, funerals, and proposals. What instantly drew me to their stand was the sea of purple—my favourite colour, of course! I just had to approach. 

Their dedication and sheer faith in their business were infectious. And get this: I even won a purple bouquet in their giveaway! It was totally unexpected and had me proper, grinning with gratitude. To cap it all off, the after-party was an absolute VIBE. I'm not gonna lie, I half-expected it to be kinda dead, but my hope was restored. The DJ was great at building up the momentum because when he finally warmed up, the place was moving. We played a real mas!

Living in Grenada for five years has permanently changed me; now, when I go out, I truly don't care about looking a certain way while dancing and having fun. It’s so healing to just let loose and truly feel the music. Honestly, a 10/10 day.

There's still so much more information to share, so keep your eyes peeled for our next article, titled ‘Women in Sovereignty,’ where you’ll get powerful insights from names like Melissa's Wardrobe, Vanessa Kingori, Patricia Bright, and more. Subscribe now to stay updated!

Toodles x