The BOSS Network Blog

Nancey Harris  is the Co-founder and COO of Vontélle Eyewear, which celebrates cultural diversity through fashion, fit, and function. Formerly a sales executive at Paramount and BLACK ENTERPRISE, she is a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Program ambassador, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, and advocate for her son with Down Syndrome. **************************************************************************************************************** When Tracy and I first launched Vontélle Eyewear, we had grand dreams of breaking the internet. We envisioned our brand going viral and capturing widespread attention. However, we quickly realized that achieving such a feat is far easier said than done, especially when you're not a well-known celebrity. From October to December 2020, we made about $7,500 and we were over the moon. For us, that initial success wasn't just about the numbers; it was about being taken seriously in the marketplace and proving that we were filling a signif...

Alexandria Latimer , a business intelligence professional and Entrepreneur with 15 years of  experience in media and entertainment, holds degrees from Drexel University and Virginia  State University. She was born and raised in Harlem, NY, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ************************************************************ What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? The biggest obstacle I’ve faced, and sometimes continue to face, was self-imposed –  Imposter syndrome. In my career, it was working overtime and ensuring I was always a  high performer as a means to justify or validate my hiring. In starting my business, it  looked like questioning if I had what it took to take things to the next level or if I instead  needed more time. What inspired you to break into your industry? My desire to accept myself as a multi-passionate individual is what first attracted me to...

Dominiquea Richmond has over 20 years of business experience. From managing small businesses of her own to now; consulting new eager business owners. Dominiquea enjoys every component of the business.  Education: MEd & MBA - Grand Canyon University & University of Phoenix  Specialties: Dominiquea enjoys assisting clients in forming the entity of their choice. Once the entity is formed, Dominiquea has reported looking forward to crunching the numbers. She says "This is the fun part" because she loves reducing her client's tax liability or ensuring that they get a refund.  Dominiquea enjoys spending time with her kids in her spare time and traveling. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Obstacles that I faced breaking into my industry were time management and equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the industry. Tax preparation was completely new to me – outside o...

  Nancey Harris is the Co-founder and COO of Vontélle Eyewear, which celebrates cultural diversity through fashion, fit, and function. Formerly a sales executive at Paramount and BLACK ENTERPRISE, she is a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Program ambassador, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, and advocate for her son with Down Syndrome. The journey of entrepreneurship often mirrors the tale of The Wizard of Oz, where appearances can be deceiving, and reality is much more complex than it seems. People often assume that because Vontélle is now featured in America's Best, appears in multiple interviews, and has even landed TV ads with FIVERR, we are multimillionaires living the high life. However, we are still climbing our way to Mount Success. Entrepreneurship is multi-faceted and demands relentless hard work, dedication, and perseverance. While it may seem like there are tens and tens of people working behind the scenes to keep the magic alive, the reality is that it's just a...

Ms. Nancey Harris is the Co-founder and COO of Vontélle Eyewear, a transformative, luxury brand that celebrates the diversity and beauty of different cultures, with an emphasis on fashion, fit, and function. Prior to launching Vontélle, she was a sales executive at Paramount (BET, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon), and BLACK ENTERPRISE. She worked as EVP of Wendy Williams Productions and was also Executive Director of The Hunter Foundation. Nancey graduated from Morgan State University with a bachelor’s in mass communications. Nancey is actively in the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Program - cohort 40, an active member of Goodie Nation, 2022 2022 Tory Burch Fellow, 2022 Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Access Network alumni, 2022 NY PACE alumni, Amazon Black Accelerator, BOSS Network alumni, Future Collective by FIVERR alumni, JP Morgan Chase’s Advancing Black Entrepreneurs program graduate and Fearless Fund alumni. Nancey is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Luminary, In...

Paralee Massie-Armstrong is a Mathematician, HBCU Creativity Partner, and the innovative owner of Cardciety, a unique greeting card company that specializes in creating HBCU greeting cards that can be used for graduation, commencement announcements, and alumni engagement. Paralee’s mission is to harness the power of greeting cards to foster connections in our HBCU communities. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? One of the main obstacles I faced in the beginning was transitioning from a background exclusively in public pensions to entering the print, marketing, and greeting card industries. Being a newcomer in these fields was challenging, as I had to quickly learn the nuances of each area, build new networks, and establish credibility. Overcoming these hurdles required perseverance, continuous learning, and adapting to a steep learning curve. What inspired you to break into your industry? A vivid dream inspired me t...

Victory Okorie , CEO of Mobile Health Team Inc., is an experienced RN and healthcare entrepreneur dedicated to improving healthcare delivery through innovative staffing and concierge services. In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, entrepreneurship in the medical field presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As the CEO of Mobile Health Team Inc., I have navigated these waters, turning my vision into a thriving business. Here are some key insights for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs: 1. Understand Your Market : Identify a niche where your skills and expertise can make the most impact. For me, it was providing high-quality staffing and home nursing services. Understanding the specific needs of this segment allowed me to tailor our services effectively. 2. Build a Strong Network : Success in healthcare entrepreneurship often hinges on the strength of your professional network. Engage with other professionals, attend industry conferences, and join relevant a...