The BOSS Network Blog

Jameka S. Whitten, Owner of JSW Media Group, a boutique public relations and brand management firm. Prior to working at JSW Media full time, Jameka served as the Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director for SOTAC (State of the Arts & Culture) Magazine and worked in digital media and events at ESPN.   TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Jameka S. Whitten : Fortunately, I grew up in an entrepreneurial household. My mother worked for herself most of her life, so I was exposed to the life early. My father was also an entrepreneur, so I got the business bug early. Because this is all I’ve known, I was able to side-step many of the pitfalls most small business owners encounter early on in their endeavors. But, of course, I had challenges raising capital and attracting clients with large enough budgets to afford my services in the beginning. Patience and hard work helped me overcome. BN: What ...

Rhea A. Henderson ,  is the Founder and Executive Director of the RH School of Performing Arts LLC. She is a graduate of Chicago State University. Among several other organizations, she is a member of New Life Covenant church and a 27 year member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Rhea A. Henderson: One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the funding to open my business. I didn't have the best credit and my savings was minimal. I learned that if  you “speak” it you will“receive” it. I had several resources right in my direct circle with the ability to assist me with removing these obstacles. Because I had done my best to be obedient to God's demands of me in the past, these folks did not hesitate to do all they could to help. This was only after I “spoke” and made plain the goal I was trying to accomplish. BN: What inspired...

AUNDREA Y. WILCOX , Brenau University MBA, is currently the Executive Director of the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship at the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce, Tenn.   She is also the author of Startup Savvy: Strategies for Optimizing Small Business Survival and Success; and the upcoming book Superwoman Smarts: Activating Leadership and Substance.   The BOSS Network : What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?   Aundrea Wilcox: I have always had in interest in entrepreneurship.   My parents have owned multiple family businesses, so I was introduced to this industry as a child.   They both continue to motivate and inspire me, by always asking, “What’s new?”   When they ask this question of me, I know they are being genuine and they expect to hear something pretty exciting.   BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry?   ...