The BOSS Network Blog

Rhonda Turner is the CEO of The Rustic Brush, and Owner of The Rustic Brush – Memorial and Pearland locations. She is also a 29-year veteran Sergeant with the Houston Police Department. Rhonda empowers women by cultivating new entrepreneurs to become business owners and making their dreams a reality. **************************************** What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Locating a business mentor who would guide me through the process of owning a business was a huge challenge. Mentorship is important to have, especially when you are ready to throw in the towel. Another obstacle was financing. I researched different funding sources until I settled on what I thought would be the better option for me. What inspired you to break into your industry? I’ve always loved art, building things, and socializing. So, after attending a workshop at a Rustic Brush location, I knew this was what I wanted to do as my second caree

Cassandra Hill   is a Holistic Wellness Influencer, Life Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Speaker. After overcoming systemic lupus with a regimen she developed, Cassandra birthed Holistic Living Consulting. Her mission is to transform the health and well-being of black women. ************************************************* Living a healthy lifestyle is challenging, with many distractions and temptations surrounding us – but it’s worth it! Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to a healthier, happier life: 1. Wake up each day purposefully and set your intentions for the day . Starting each day with a positive attitude and clear goals is essential. Knowing what you want to accomplish makes you more likely to stay on track and make healthy choices. Write your intentions in your journal . You can write positive affirmations, prayers, and things you're grateful for. 2. Eat healthy, balanced meals and avoid processed foods . One of the best things you can do for your health is

Dr. Freda Dubery , an exceptional dream chaser thriving as a wife, mother, pharmacist, and educator, has ventured into entrepreneurship. The founder of Photo Spree, a unique selfie museum, she combines her love for creativity and community. With Photo Spree, her goal is to inspire others to unite, create, and capture lasting memories. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In Fall 2022, I experienced the miracle of giving birth to my first son. I was overwhelmed with new things while still in a state of joyful bliss. However, my joy turned to a feeling of complete terror and overwhelmed when, just two weeks after my second child's birth, I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. That visit resulted in numerous ER visits, hospital stays, and four surgical procedures in less than five months. Despite dealing with lingering health issues and the financial constraints that come along with juggling multiple respons

  Yara Banks , a luminary in entrepreneurship and HR with over twenty years of distinguished service. Honored as Alignable's Local Business Person of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and winner of the Best HR and Finance Consultancy Firm in Florida, Yara exemplifies excellence and innovation in Human Resources. ****************************************************************** What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Starting my own business was really scary because of the fear of losing a steady paycheck and the unknowns that come with venturing out on my own. To handle this fear, I planned everything very carefully and asked for advice from people who had done it before. I decided to see every problem as a chance to learn and get better. I also learned the importance of trusting myself and working with a team that supports each other. Overcoming these fears has been a big part of my success, teaching me to be strong and adap

Dr. Janita Gilliam is a wife, mother of two, and licensed speech-language pathologist for over 13 years. Dr. Gilliam owns a private practice called Jabber Talk Speech and Consulting, PLLC where she is committed to providing intervention services to underserved areas and marginalized populations. Dr. Gilliam believes that her gifts were given to be of service. She prides herself on volunteering locally with her church and professionally at both state and national speech associations. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Will and daughters Layla and Nova.   Many people believe entrepreneurship is the gateway to financial stability and the open door to personal success. However, no one equates entrepreneurship with sovereign service. I am two years, and 6 months into my new life as an entrepreneur. I don’t think I will ever minimize the tenacity it takes to become and remain an entrepreneur. The first year was a challenge in itself. No one prepares yo

We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Invest in Progress Grant, a collaborative initiative by Sage and The BOSS Network . This partnership has seen Sage commit funding over three years to empower small businesses with the resources they need to thrive. The selected recipients stand out for their dedication to community, entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to grow their professional skills.  Each will be awarded a $10,000 grant and gain access to a year-long monthly mentorship program through BOSS Business University. This online platform is designed to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully launch or grow a business. The partnership, in its third year, received almost 12,000 applicants nationwide. This year’s winners also feature four members from each of the Divine Nine sororities—including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated—the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorp