3 Things THE COLOR OF INGENUITY Features Taught Me
Since I started #TheColorOfIngenuity, I’ve learned a few business essentials that were true “Ah Ha” moments for me. Some things made perfect sense once I heard them while others were straight epiphanies. Thankfully, I now have them in my arsenal for the future. Truth be told, I probably would’ve never considered them if it weren’t for the hour long conversations I’ve been blessed to have with African American entrepreneurs, thought-leaders and innovators that have allowed me to share their stories. I’m a firm believer in sharing information so here are 3 Things #TheColorOfIngenuity Features Have Taught Me!
How To Get Your Product On Whole Foods Market Shelves
I’m sure those of you who have amazing products have walked the aisle of your favorite stores imagining the day that your brand can be displayed within them. Well, if you’ve ever dreamed of having your products on Whole Foods Market shelves, the process begins in-store! Kimberly Clayton-Thigpen, owner of The Bath Place, gave me this tidbit of information during my very first interview for #THECOLOROFINGENUITY.
Now, some thing may have changed since Thigpen was able to secure her spot on Whole Foods Market shelves but one thing remains the same; Whole Foods Market buyers are onsite. Walk into your local Whole Foods Market and request to speak with a buyer, be ready to pitch your product and follow up in whatever way they might direct you.
Related: The Bath Place: From Necessity To Passion
Invest in Your Brand & Hire A Brand Strategist
When you first start any platform no matter what it is, you take on a lot of duties and essentially become an employee of your platform. While there’s nothing wrong with that, at some point that has to change! When it comes to building your brand, no one knows you, your intentions and your brand better than you but…a brand strategist knows people, places and things that you don’t. A brand strategists can get you, your products and services into doors that you may not have known were even possible.
Moni Bee, owner of Moni B. Cosmetics, taught me that in a conversation we had long after I initially interviewed her. Her brand strategist has been able to get her products in the hands of several celebrities and into gift bags distributed at an event at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. There is no greater exposure than that!
Related: Moni B Cosmetics: A Kiss of Confidence
Don’t Conform; Stand Out
Shenette Swann, Singer/Author/Dancer/Advocate/Speaker/Owner of Spark Wonder and New Narratives, won’t allow you to label her and we admire her for that. She’s found a way to share her gifts without being boxed into any one category. The best thing about how she chooses to live here life is that she’s empowering others to do the same.
Related: Shenette Swann: Constantly Evolving
Those are just a few of the gems we’ve picked up along the way. There’s so much more to share but we want to hear from you. Share one piece of information you’ve acquired throughout your journey.
#BUYBLACK #BANKBLACK #SUPPORTBLACKBUSINESS #THECOLOROFINGENUITY
Kimberly Albritton
Kimberly Albritton is the Creator of The Color of Ingenuity and owner of Couture Copywriting. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC. Kimberly spends her time balancing life as a single mother of a talented athlete, working full-time and managing her businesses.
12 Comments
Unique
I love your use of details when you are describing each element of what you have learned from Color Ingenuity. By providing your readers with stories of those whom are like minded with the goals they are trying to obtain.
Kimberly Albritton
Thanks Unique! Each person I’ve interviewed has taught me something or helped to shape or mold my views in one way or another. There is so much to be gained by simply listening.
dopequeensofblackhistory
I’ve learned that most people want you to succeed and will be supportive. There so much negativity out there, and so many haters. It can be scary to put yourself out there. I was surprised by how positive people have been about my project, and how many people are truly rooting for me.
Kimberly Albritton
Absolutely! There’s been a shift and ppl are looking to support worthy causes especially African Americans in this climate.
Cara
Another great post! Super cool info about Whole Foods, I had no idea. My favorite of the three things you mention would definitely be that last one: Don’t Conform; Stand out. It’s so easy to take what people label as best practices and make it a standard you feel you have to live up to or rules you have to follow exactly to succeed. I can say I’ve experienced that internal pressure from time to time. But if we allow ourselves to be boxed in or to become a carbon copy of someone else then how much of a creative or leader are we really allowing ourselves to be? Good stuff!
Kimberly Albritton
Exactly Cara! Being you is the only way you can look back with pride on the things you’ve accomplished at the end of the day. It’s much harder to conform than to be authentically you!
daneen rogers
I’ve learned to use my friends as a source of support. I know they will give me constructive criticism, real advice and a different point of view from mine!
Kimberly Albritton
Nice Daneen! Friends are always a great resource especially when you have a group of friends who understand entrepreneurship.
shaunacoleman79
Love it “don’t conform stand out” reminds me of the bible verse don’t be conformed by this world. Being yourself is def. key
Kimberly Albritton
Amen Shauna! Thanks for reading!
Yeu Doi
This is helpful for everyone, epecially my friends who are in product development.
Kimberly Albritton
Glad you found it of use. Please encourage your friends to stop by, read and subscribe. More business finds to come.