Where Business Experiences and Life’s Sensations Align

February – The Month for Black Love

February 2024 Edition

Topics & Tips from the XauSky Group aimed at sharing resourceful information with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Ahhhhh…..the month of February is filled with reflections of Black History Month and the passion of Valentine’s Day. As we stand firmly in the present moment as our current society undergoes an unveiling of what was previously hidden, a confrontation of the injustices, and revisionist narratives as well as a deeper exploration of self, it is imperative to take time to know ourselves to step into purpose, stand in one’s power, and create change for the better. As a society, we should not wait for the shortest month of the year (even though this year it’s 29 days, instead of 28… woohoo!!!) to gain a deeper understanding of how our history has paved the way for our present journey as well as how our passion for who we are and what we do can create a ripple effect of positive changes now and for generations to come.

As black business owners, there is a knowingness that our ancestors sacrificed giving us the gift to lead lives that allow us to tap into our passions, work with diverse people, and help teams enhance their performance and organizations to drive a profit. As we, individually and collectively, step in our purpose, stand in our power, and create and scale businesses to build generational wealth, we are the living expression of #BlackLove.

 

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Black entrepreneurs play a valuable role in the U.S. economy, with the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates showing 161,031 Black-owned employer businesses bringing in $183.3 billion in annual receipts.” Even though we show up and show out on this entrepreneurial journey, Black Americans are less likely to receive funding, remain underrepresented among entrepreneurs in the U.S., and continue to face major challenges.

 

This month especially, but every month, we challenge you to spread #BlackLove by supporting our Black entrepreneurs and Black businesses. Here are 3 quick, easy ways you can do that today:

 

  1. Share. Like. Follow. And… Refer! Yep, help spread the word about your favorite black business as well as the products and services they provide. Give your favorite black businesses some love (a heart), a thumbs up, a feature on your timeline, or a shout-out in real-life situations!

     

  2. BE a Supporter, Alley, or Brand Ambassador. BE intentional with financially supporting and helping make new connections for your favorite black businesses when the opportunity arises. Supporting local, black businesses goes beyond just making money, you are helping to support an individual contributor, a family, and a community. Creating a network of support for businesses not only to launch but to also grow and scale, is essential to closing the racial gap in business ownership. Your network is your net worth!

     

  3. Treat Black business owners equitably, and with respect, and give them some #BlackLove. A Forbes article reported that according to the 2021 Annual Business Survey, “79% of Black business owners say they’ve experienced racism from a customer—with 48% reporting they had a racist customer interaction at least once in the past year. “Approximately 86% of these business owners “feel the impact of racial disparities,” believe they are “judged more critically than non-Black businesses,” and 82% say they behave differently in customer or vendor interactions to avoid negative stereotypes. Being black in business can feel daunting, so give them some #BlackLove.

 

February may be the time that we celebrate Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. That doesn’t mean that we only highlight our love of our history, our people, our culture, our communities, and our businesses this month. We are here…let’s spread #BlackLove everyday!

Looking at DEI through a Caribbean & USVI Lens 

U.S.V.I. Yes, what immediately comes to mind when many see that acronym is the United States Virgin Islands. Known as America’s Paradise, it is associated with sand, sea, and sun as well as the diversity of its people and culture. What a rich and vibrant place it is!

At the XauSky Group, much of our work focuses on the diversity, culture, structure, and vitality of team member’s experience and the performance of the organization every day that moves them closer to their future goals. It truly entails a delicate balance of people, passion, performance, and profits that comes together to make…

 

  • Unique

  • Serving

  • Vivacious

  • Institutions

 

As we cultivate our cultural connections between the U.S.V.I. the US mainland and beyond, our sweet spot is working with organizations and institutions that celebrate their uniqueness, aim to serve the communities they are in, and have a vivacious outlook for the future.

Enjoy your cup of coffee or tea with a sweet reminder to BE Illustrative. To BE your authentic self, there must be alignment with who you are, what you do, and how you show up. Find the people, places, and spaces that will allow you to truly BE Illustrative. Get your daily motivation below!

 
SHOP NOW

Time Management, Organizational & Self Care (stress management) tips to keep the chaos at bay.

 Creating calm in the chaos of being Black in a global society that does not always honor, understand, or accept who we are can be accomplished by going within. Deep breathing and meditation are wonderful ways to help regulate our nervous system, get grounded, and tune into self. Check out A Mindfulness Meditation for the Black Community by Melissa Carter, Associate Director of Global Spiritual Life and Head of Mindfulness Education and Programming at New York University.

Highlighting Business Projects, Subject Matter Experts, or Experiences that Exemplify the Pursuit of Passion and Purpose

 

Embodied in the essence of ministry, service, and a fervent love for empowerment and fashion, Afrocentric Elle emerged as the culmination of my deepest passions. With a dash of personal style, we proudly introduced Elle’s Afrocentric Collection to the world in the spring of 2022.

As a self-made enterprise, our mission is twofold: to elevate both our internal team and our external customers. Specializing in contemporary Afro-inspired creations, our offerings span from clothing and accessories to skincare creams and an array of Afrocentric novelties.

What sets us apart is not just our commitment to quality and style, but also our dedication to fostering economic growth. Through strategic partnerships with artisans in Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Congo, and Malawi, we bring our designs to life while simultaneously empowering local communities.

 

A source of immense pride is our establishment of two thriving shops in Ghana, West Africa. Here, over ten talented women seamstresses have found a platform to showcase their skills, crafting authentic Afro-inspired clothing and accessories with unparalleled expertise and flair.  In addition to our clothing and skincare line, we collaborate with artisans to curate dynamic jewelry, captivating art pieces, and an eclectic range of Afrocentric novelties, ensuring our offerings reflect diversity.

At Elle’s Afrocentric Collection, we believe in the transformative power of creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. With every stitch and stroke, we strive not only to adorn our customers with exquisite designs but also to make meaningful contributions to society at large.

Contact Elle’s Afrocentric Collection
Visit Elle’s Afrocentric Collection

 

 

Well, folks, we have so much to say that we are launching a new podcast called

“Issues2Impact”

co-hosted by our very own Dr. Xaulanda, along with Sami Haiman-Marrero of URBANDER, Chris Majocha of UDOU, and Valerie Solomon, an expert in the nonprofit space.

 

You've got Issues? 2gether, we’ll develop solutions that have a positive Impact!

(See what we did there? LOL!)

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to address recurring issues, offer solutions, and create a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are committed to driving change. Whether it's overcoming obstacles in business, navigating organizational challenges, or finding innovative ways to drive social impact, we're here to lend our expertise and support every step of the way.

What sets "Issues2Impact" apart is our genuine commitment to fostering collaboration and open-mindedness. We're not just here to talk – we're here to take action and create meaningful change by helping leaders address the issues that keep them from moving forward with their impact. From engaging the community and fundraising to encouraging real, honest dialogue, our new podcast will serve as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for all who tune in.

So, if you're ready to join us on this incredible journey of growth, learning, and impact, LISTEN IN and find out all the specs of what we plan to do in "Issues2Impact." Together, we'll turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. We can make a difference, one issue at a time.

 

NOTE: Here’s an open invitation to anyone facing a challenge in the work they do. You can simply “Reply” to this email, enter xau@xausky.com and we can schedule you as a guest. Let us be your expert sounding board!

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