Life and Work with Jice Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jice Johnson.

Jice, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started The Black Business Initiative after watching one of the Hidden Color Documentaries by Tariq Nasheed. This documentary opened my eyes to much of the plight Black entrepreneurs face in our country. Despite being the fastest-growing entrepreneurial segment in the country, Black business owners are the least supported and face a litany of additional hurdles beyond the typical struggles experienced by entrepreneurs in general. I knew I wanted to do something about it, and I did.

I began my research as to some of the root causes of these struggles. From this research stemmed the 4 Pillars I built my platform on: Business Acumen, Mentorship, Access to Capital, and Patronage. I put together a plan that pulled together a holistic approach to address these issues and launched my 1st workshop where I had a whooping 7 attendees.

Shortly into my 1st workshop series, I discovered I was pregnant. 18 months later I was pregnant again. The journey of building a brand that fights systemic racism, propaganda and historic inequities while growing a family has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve been challenged in ways I didn’t know were possible. I’ve loved harder, cried more and celebrated every hard-fought battle.

Year after year my programming and reach have grown, I now host several free and fee-based workshops, conferences and events that give space and voice to a community that has been historically oppressed and underserved.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve definitely faced challenges and obstacles on my journey. Everything from motherhood to a lack of funding, to anxiety, exhaustion, and having to fight to keep my vision sacred.

In particular, I’ve faced a significant amount of resistance as a mother. I have been turned away from opportunities because others have placed limits on what they believe my capacity to be. I’ve been called unprofessional because I may bring my child to a meeting. I’ve been condemned for not dressing in suits or traditional business attire. I’ve been turned down for support because I refuse to expand my target audience.

If I had any advice for young women starting out, it would be to first, get crystal clear on your vision and don’t be swayed. Trust that the right opportunities will be opened up to you if you can stay true to what you want.

It’s okay to be disappointed that an opportunity didn’t work out, that’s a natural reaction, but don’t stay in that headspace long. You must keep going until you get to the right opportunity. When it’s right, it’s RIGHT!

Lastly, find a mentor, or two. You don’t have to take all the advice you get from a mentor, but having someone help you with perspective and experience is invaluable.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Business Initiative (BBI) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as an organization and what sets you apart from others.
The Black Business Initiative is an organization that helps start, grow and scale Black-owned businesses. We host workshops, training, and events geared towards Black economic empowerment.

I would say I’m most known for promoting and empowering Black businesses and their owners.

I’m most proud that my brand has built a trusted and valued name in the community. I’m not perfect, but I’ve built this organization on a platform of integrity and a high value on people over profits. That’s not something I just say. I have receipts. And that’s what sets my organization apart.

Who have you been inspired by?
Maggie Anderson, author of My Black Year was really the inspiration behind my organization and in many ways, a huge part of my life. I discovered her while doing my research for the organization. Maggie Anderson is a present-day example of a woman who stood up for what she believed in and did so with integrity, even when it wasn’t popular or when it proved to be difficult.

Every day, I am bucking the system in ways that aren’t popular or are difficult. Her story of living in her truth despite the hardships is brought motivates me to keep living my truth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bbiprofessional.com
• Email: info@bbiprofessional.com
• Instagram: @jicejohnson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbiprofessional/
• Other: @bbiprofessional

Image Credit:
Trey “the video guru” Johnson, Dante Johnson

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