Chicago native Sibyl Holloway comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Her father owned several businesses in which she worked from age 12. She observed how each business near her father’s store and restaurant helped each other, and understood early that Black-owned businesses were often each other’s only support system.
Educated at HBCU Texas Southern University, Holloway supported herself through college by teaching tap, an unexpected benefit from years of forced dance and piano lessons growing up. Comfortable in academic environments, some 15 years of her career have been spent in the education field, 10 of which were with the Career Education Corporation. “Children should see how hard adults work to bring money home to take care of families,” she said, and has expressed her intention to continue to do her part to support black owned businesses, thereby helping to build strong black communities.
Those who know Holloway are intimately familiar with her strong belief that people, any people, not just minorities, cannot do things alone. To achieve lasting and sustainable success requires a commitment not only to goal setting and follow through, qualities Holloway nurtures in herself and in those within the community whom she has helped find jobs, but the aid and support of those around us.
“We must help each other succeed,” she explained. “Nothing makes me happier than giving back to the Black community. I am truly humbled and blessed to continuously be able to give back and be surrounded by so many wonderful business leaders, innovators and game changers.”
We recently sat down with Holloway to find out more about her burgeoning SIB’s Breakfast Club and what’s to come in the future.
For those unfamiliar, can you give us the general idea behind SIB’s Breakfast Club.
SIB’S Breakfast Club was founded by my sister, Sylvia Holloway, and me. This is a group of individuals who understand that it is essential to recycle the black dollar. The idea behind SIB’S Breakfast Club is simply to provide quality events that have one purpose only and that is to support black entrepreneurship. I work diligently to provide a space full of fun and positive energy to keep my supporters constantly happy about supporting black business.
To what do you attribute your longevity in keeping SBC going for so long?
I attribute the longevity to having a strong support system of individuals that believe that my mission is absolutely necessary.
Tell us about your annual list of Game Changers.
My annual list of Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers is a list of African American men and women who have made a marked difference in their respective businesses, organizations and communities.
What are some of the exciting things attendees can expect from the upcoming seventh annual celebration event?
They can expect to enjoy a great meal, meet new entrepreneurs, hear great music, check out a few artists, authors and wonderful people. I chose the Gene Siskel Film Center because of the rich history they have in regards to supporting the arts as a whole for African Americans. You’ll leave this event with a sense of accomplishment. When you invest your time and money into your own, nothing but good can be the end result.
Name three principles you try to abide by in your business dealings.
Integrity. Realism. Truth.
Is a certain book you recommend to young entrepreneurs?
The Wealth Cure by Hill Harper
What’s in the future for Sibyl Holloway and Sib’s Breakfast Club?
Trips, seminars, concerts and more black business focused weekends all over the country.
For more information on SIB’s Breakfast Club, please visit www.sibsbreakfastclub.com/
