Rachel Holmes Jumped Out of Her Comfort Zone Starting Her Own Business By The Age of 20
According to certified financial planner and CNBC Contributor, Lazetta Braxton, now is a great time for African Americans to create their own business. Braxton, co-founder and co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, says aspiring young Black entrepreneurs should get out of their comfort zone, expand their network, participate in pitch competitions to win funding, hire people that understand the numbers, and most importantly, always be passionate about their business.
Rachel Holmes is a good example, and: she’s a woman, she is young, Black, and has been a business owner before the age of 20.
CEO of Black Girls Mean Business, Free Nationwide Virtual Summer Business School
In addition to managing school, a social life, and competing as an artistic swimmer, Rachel Holmes, 18, is the CEO of Black Girls Mean Business, a free nationwide virtual summer business program for Black high school girls. The program offers six Zoom workshops to help improve business and career skills, expand a network, and prepare girls for life after high school.
“As an aspiring businesswoman myself, I understood the barriers Black women face going into business and wanted to ensure black girls in my community had the support and resources necessary to reach their full potential,”
Rachel Holmes
“Black women face an incredible amount of discrimination in business coming from both racism and sexism. They are generally underestimated, denying them the respect, positions, and funding they deserve. I wanted to provide equity to help girls overcome these obstacles. By giving them the tools, they need to be successful early on and empowering them, I hope to see more representation in executive positions and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Holmes says being a Black entrepreneur at a young age is not only setting her up for success, but others as well. “It can be daunting at times knowing that you will face barriers and knowing that people are watching what you do. But it’s amazing knowing I can make a difference and set an example. Representation matters!” she said.
Holmes: “Don’t be afraid of setbacks”
“Use them as opportunities to improve next time. Ask for help, even if you think you don’t need it. You got this! People will support what you are doing, you just have to have the courage to get started,” she said.
