The BOSS Network Blog

Cheryl Monroe is a highly decorated combat veteran, author, speaker, United Nations Peace Ambassador, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. As CEO of CK Management & Consultant Group and The Cleaning Advantage, she helps organizations build structure, scale with confidence, and turn opportunities into lasting impact through disciplined execution and leadership . What obstacles did you face at the beginning of starting your business or career? The biggest obstacle was transitioning from a structured military environment into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. In the Army, success is guided by clear systems and command. In business, I initially struggled with the lack of infrastructure. I also had to overcome being underestimated, particularly as a Black woman stepping into government contracting. But those challenges shaped the operational excellence and disciplined execution that define my companies today. What inspired you to break into your industry? I saw a gap in the comm...

Today, my friend Iris and I were on the phone. After our usual kee-kee and well-being check-in, the conversation shifted. We started talking about our business goals for the year, then we helped each other problem-solve and strategize. For a solid 30 minutes, we held space for the weight we both carry as solopreneurs. Then, Iris said it out loud. “We’re strong. We’re resourceful. We figure things out. But we’re also holding everything .” Our own opportunities. Our own momentum. Even our own accountability. Yes, we both know the value of having a coach–heck, I am the author of the quote “every winner has a coach!” However, for various reasons, we both found ourselves without coaching support for the past several months. In fact, when my coach Brenda passed away a while back, I went years without the kind of consistent support I needed to do the things I desire to do. You see, for women like Iris and me–those who’ve spent decades being dependable, capable, and self-sufficient–moving thro...

Marcia Cox founded Kaldi’s Coffeehouse & Roastery in Charlotte, North Carolina, a Black-owned specialty coffee brand. Kaldi’s focuses on intentional roasting, community connection, and creative collaborations that bring people together through quality coffee, culture, and shared experiences. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? One of the biggest obstacles was learning everything on my own with limited resources. I was self-taught in roasting, sourcing, and operations while also figuring out branding, pricing, and scaling. Building credibility in a crowded coffee space and gaining access to capital were also early challenges. What inspired you to break into your industry? I was inspired by the lack of representation I saw in specialty coffee and the desire to create a brand that felt welcoming and community-centered. Coffee has always been a connector, and I wanted to build something that brought people together whil...

Deborah Gray-Young is a former advertising agency executive who now serves as a trusted advisor to senior executives and SMB CEOs. Known for distilling complexity, challenging assumptions, and clarifying high-stakes situations, she brings candor, strategic insight, and a grounded perspective that helps leaders see possibilities and lead with intention. Happy New Year to each and every one of you and your families. As we begin this new year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of our support systems. One of the most common and least discussed roadblocks to success is the absence of a strong support system. This is especially true for women who have been raised to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. While those traits are often celebrated, they can quietly work against us in certain professional environments, particularly for women of color. For many women of color, independence is deeply ingrained. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally. We are quick to support others, often without ...

Lakeysha Love is a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. She is the founder and owner of Sugar Head LLC, which was established in 2019. 1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Some of the challenges I faced in the beginning were securing funding for my business and finding a mentor. I worked hard to build my credit and saved money, but I quickly learned that there is limited to no funding available for Black-owned or Women-owned businesses. Because of this, I was forced to utilize my personal credit and savings to start my business. I also reached out to several individuals for guidance, but I did not receive the support that I was looking for, and I quickly realized I had no choice but to make it happen for myself, so I got to work. 2. What inspired you to break into your industry? I was inspired to enter this industry because of my entrepreneurial spirit and my genuine love for desserts. Creating desserts has always...

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