BOSS Spotlight Feature: CherRaye Glenn-Flowers

CherRaye is the founder of Brownce, a beauty service app that helps Black and Brown people find nearby beauty professionals. Hailing from Reading, PA, and currently residing in Atlanta, GA, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Temple University and a Master's degree in Communication Technology from Point Park University.

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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? My entrepreneurial journey began with its fair share of challenges and obstacles, which taught me valuable lessons about maintaining a successful career or business. One of the initial hurdles I faced was finding a balance between my personal life and the demands of entrepreneurship. At the outset, I was so immersed in building my business that I neglected to set clear boundaries, resulting in chronic stress and burnout. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, I now prioritize allocating specific time for both personal and professional commitments, ensuring I have ample space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Developing a strong engineering team was crucial for the success of my mobile app venture. In the beginning, I encountered difficulties finding the right talents to create a top-notch beauty service app. Quality and account management are my utmost priorities when selecting a team. I have terminated partnerships due to a lack of professionalism and quality in the past. It was a pain to go back to the drawing board, but it was so worth it.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic added unforeseen challenges to my journey. Building a database of beauty professionals for my platform became particularly challenging due to restrictions and safety measures. However, I refused to be discouraged and instead adapted to the circumstances. I explored alternative approaches, such as virtual networking events and leveraging online platforms, to connect with professionals in the beauty industry. This adaptability not only allowed us to grow our database but also strengthened our online
presence and user engagement during uncertain times.

What inspired you to break into your industry? Creating this mobile app was driven by a deep desire to address a significant gap in the beauty industry. I noticed that many Black and brown people faced challenges in finding nearby beauty professionals who understood their unique hair and skin needs. Also, the equity in ownership is severely disproportionate for Black and Brown folks. Representation and inclusivity were lacking, leading to frustration and limited choices for these communities. By creating this app, I wanted to address the racial inequities in the beauty industry. Brownce aims to foster a community of support and collaboration while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the beauty world.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? The first year of entrepreneurship I struggled to balance my personal and professional life, and I am now starting to get better at balancing the two. I believe in setting clear boundaries between my work and personal time. I have days of the week on my calendar blocked off for catching up with friends and family. Connection is important to me. Communication is also vital. I make it a point to have open conversations with my family and colleagues about my schedule and commitments. This helps them understand when I'm available and allows for their support during busy work periods.

In addition to that, I've learned the value of saying 'no' when necessary. While I'm dedicated to my work and personal relationships, I also understand that overextending myself can lead to burnout. So, I try to be mindful of my limits and give myself permission to decline additional commitments when it's needed.

Self-care plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy balance. Regular exercise, hobbies, and relaxation time help me manage stress and keep me energized to perform well in both aspects of my life. I have learned the hard to absolutely make time for self-care. This is something that is non-negotiable.

What is an inspirational quote that you live by? There are so many quotes that have touched me throughout several stages of my life. I would say that currently, there are two quotes that are particularly inspiring. One is from Madame C.J. Walker: "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!" The other is from Toni Morrison: “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? I would say my friends and family are my biggest influences and mentors. Their unwavering support and belief in my vision have been instrumental in pushing me forward during both the highs and lows of this journey. They have served as sounding boards for my ideas and offered encouragement when I faced challenges or self-doubt.

Furthermore, the Brownce community itself has been a source of inspiration and mentorship.
Hearing their stories, understanding their struggles, and witnessing their unwavering support
for each other reinforces my commitment to delivering the best possible platform for them.
Their feedback and engagement have continuously guided me in refining and expanding the
app's offerings to better serve their needs.

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? A clear vision and mission are essential. Having a well-defined purpose not only serves as a guiding
compass but also fuels my passion and determination to overcome challenges and reach my
goals. Continuous learning is paramount. In today's fast-paced world, knowledge becomes outdated quickly. I make it a priority to stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices. Whether it's attending networking events, conferences, or workshops, this commitment to learning empowers me to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.

Another crucial 'must-have' is building and nurturing a strong professional network.
Collaborating with like-minded individuals in the tech and beauty industries not only fosters
valuable partnerships but also opens doors to new opportunities and insights.

Most importantly, an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional value to the Brownce
community is also central to my success. I continuously strive to understand their needs and
preferences and become loyal tailoring my products or services to exceed their expectations. Satisfied client advocates, driving word-of-mouth referrals that are invaluable for sustained growth.

Lastly, resilience and perseverance are vital qualities that have helped me weather challenges
and setbacks. Entrepreneurial journeys and professional careers are not without obstacles,
but maintaining a resilient mindset helps me bounce back stronger and turn adversity into
growth opportunities.

What is your definition of a BOSS? To me, a “BOSS” is a fearless trailblazer who fearlessly carves their own path and conquers challenges with unwavering confidence and determination. They lead by example and empower others to unleash their full potential. A BOSS takes charge of their destiny, unapologetically embraces their unique greatness, and leaves an indelible mark on the world.

Provide us with two words that describe you? Boundary-breaking Innovator

Learn more about CherRaye at https://www.brownceapp.com Instagram & TikTok @cherraye_official