Food, juice and conversation filled the Alumni Memorial Union for the annual Black Women Rock Brunch hosted by the Center of Engagement and Inclusion last Sunday. The brunch was designated to celebrate and empower Black women in business.
Some women were able to highlight their businesses and their accomplishments to the brunch attendees.
Ramona Hallman, the founder of Ramonavation, traveled in from Green Bay to attend. Hallman coaches executives, entrepreneurs and experts on how to take their businesses and organizations to the next level.
“This event was so inspiring and empowering to be in a room full of women of color that are business owners and that are doing great things in their lives, so it is a great connection and I love the vibe, the feel and the love,” Hallman said.
Hallman said her mission is to love everyone, and show that one can show up uniquely as themselves.
“In my life, I have been a part of corporate America and so many times as a Black woman and as a woman of color, we have to almost be tight cast. I have to be this way at work, this way at home, this way here and there,” Hallman said.
Hallman said her purpose and passion are to bring everyone back to their center self.
Associate director of student support services in the Educational Opportunity Program, JohnRae’ Stowers owner of Jazzy Rae Jewels, was the keynote speaker for the brunch. Jazzy Rae Jewels is a business that sells clothing, jewelry and other accessories.
In her speech, Stowers played the song “I am Women” by Emmy Meli and she said reciting this song speaks volumes about what it means to be a woman.
While her business began as a side job, Stowers said it morphed into something more as it continued to expand into where it is today, where she has her own space for her business.
“The women refer to [the JazzyRae Jewels store] as the women sanctuary, it’s a place of peace. The women come in and sit and have wine. It is a place for women to not think about work, kids or anything else,” Stowers said.
Throughout the years of having a business, Stowers said there are many things to be learned, including being committed to your vision and the long haul.
“You have to have a positive community, and within the community your name is being said when you’re not there and it is being said in a positive way, that it is ringing bells and not setting off sirens,” Stowers said.
Stowers said take care of your business first, and her seven tips of advice are commitment, consistency, connection, community, discernment, distraction and creativity.
“Having a business you may have some of the worst days of your life, you may feel overwhelmed, but you have to remember to keep pushing, keep pressing, keep doing the things … because you are passionate about it. As you create your businesses and as you grow your businesses, make sure you stay committed to your why,” Stowers said.
This story was written by Trinity Zapotocky. She can be reached at [email protected]
