The Untold Stories of Black Women in Business Visionary Weiner Crumbly
NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPY, RECORDING, OR ANY OTHER, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR. i
To every woman who ever doubted her worth, questioned her calling, or second-guessed her ability to lead, serve, and build in boldness—this is for you. To the dreamers who stayed up late balancing vision with bills. .To the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who dared to turn pain into purpose and purpose into profit. To the ambitious ones who built in the dark while trusting God to shine the light - your obedience has positioned you for success. You all are the heartbeat of Blessed in Business. This book is also dedicated to the next generation of faith-fueled entrepreneurs - may our stories become your strategies, and our victories become your validation. And above all, to our loving Creator, God - Jehovah Jireh, the Ultimate Business Partner - who anointed us not just to work, but to win with grace, faith, and overflow. We are women. We are Kingdom. We are Blessed in Business. ii
There is something extraordinary that happens when women share their stories. The barriers of isolation crumble, the weight of self-doubt lightens—and the path forward, though still challenging, becomes illuminated by those who have walked it before us. This collection you now hold in your hands is more than an anthology; it is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the undeniable power of feminine leadership in the business world. When I first began my own entrepreneurial journey, I longed for honest accounts from women who had navigated the complex terrain of business ownership. Not just the highlight reels of success that so often dominate our social media feeds, but the raw, unfiltered stories of struggle, adaptation, and breakthrough. The narratives that remind us that success is rarely linear and that setbacks often become the foundation for our greatest achievements. I used to strut around Corporate America in designer heels admiring someone else’s empire. Despite having climbed the corporate ladder, I still felt a void, until I decided to take massive action and start my OWN empire! I remember sitting at my desk in those early days, surrounded by business plans and market research, wondering if I was making the right choices, and choosing the right business model. The business landscape seemed designed for voices unlike my own, with few examples of women who had carved paths that resonated with my vision. In those moments of uncertainty, I would have treasured a resource like Blessed in Business a chorus of iii
success, but rather countless ways to build a meaningful enterprise that honors one’s values and purpose. Blessed in Business delivers exactly this, authentic stories from women who have dared to dream, failed forward, and ultimately created success on their own terms. Each contributor brings a unique perspective shaped by her background, challenges, and triumphs. Together, their voices form a powerful chorus that challenges outdated notions about what leadership and entrepreneurship look like as well as how business is done. What strikes me most about these accounts is how they redefine what it means to be Blessed in business. True blessing is not measured solely by profit margins or market share—though these women certainly demonstrate impressive acumen in both areas. Rather, blessing manifests in the ability to align purpose with profession, to create businesses that serve communities, to build cultures where others can thrive, and to find joy in the journey despite its inevitable hardships. Throughout my career, I have seen that women often approach business with a unique blend of pragmatism and heart. We tend to see beyond the bottom line to the human impact of our decisions. We often build companies not just to generate revenue, but to solve problems we have personally encountered, to create the flexible work environments we wish had existed when we needed them, and to model values we want our children and communities to embrace. The women in this anthology exemplify this holistic approach to entrepreneurship, an approach that transforms business from a mere transaction into a vehicle for meaningful change. iv
women supporting women in business. In a world that often encourages competition over collaboration, choosing to champion other women’s success rather than viewing it as a threat to our own, represents a radical act of faith in abundance. The contributors to this anthology embody this philosophy. They have lifted as they climbed, mentored emerging entrepreneurs, invested in women-owned businesses, and created platforms that amplify diverse voices. Their generosity has not diminished their success; it has amplified it and created ripple effects that extend far beyond their immediate spheres of influence. The women featured in these pages demonstrate another truth I have seen proven repeatedly: resilience is not about enduring hardship; it is about transforming it into wisdom and opportunity. Many share stories of facing bias, overcoming financial obstacles, resilience during health challenges, balancing business demands with family responsibilities, and navigating industries where they were the “only” or the “first.” Rather than being defeated by these challenges, they developed innovative approaches, cultivated supportive communities, and discovered strengths they did not know they had. Their journeys remind us that our greatest difficulties often birth our most significant innovations and insights. or those just beginning their entrepreneurial journey, this anthology offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. For seasoned business owners, it provides affirmation and fresh perspective. And for all readers, it presents compelling evidence that business landscapes flourish when diverse voices are welcomed and empowered. v
of your own story, your struggles, your questions, your aspirations, and find both the guidance and courage to continue writing your unique business narrative. May you be reminded that you are not alone in your challenges, that your voice and vision matter, and that you too are blessed with the capacity to create meaningful impact through your work. The collection of stories you are about to read does not just celebrate what women in business have already accomplished, it heralds what is yet to come as more women dare to lead authentically, collaborate generously, and redefine success on their own terms. I am honored to introduce these remarkable women and their stories to you, and I cannot wait to see how they inspire your own blessed journey in business. I am honored to write this foreword because I know the power of women supporting women. I have seen firsthand how a single story, a single connection, or a single spark of inspiration can transform a business and a life. My hope is that as you turn these pages, you not only see yourself in these stories but also find the courage to write your own. You were not called to play small. You were not called to shrink. You were called to build, to lead, and to rise. And as you step into the wisdom shared in this book, may you be reminded of the limitless possibilities ahead. Stay bold, stay brave, and keep building. With love and belief in you, Starr Codd vi
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