TeQuila Shabazz is a social entrepreneur, capital coach, sales and marketing director and creator of The Brij (Building Relationships in Justice) Embassy. Shabazz is focused on the community and making definitive steps that will shift the tides toward true independence and freedom. We spoke with her about what she does and what steps she takes to establish success.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The impact my work has on the daily lives of our people, our businesses, our institutions and organizations and our long-term socioeconomic well being. Also, the hard work and consistency of my colleagues with very few resources but an abundance of passion. Those things keep me inspired.
How did you determine your career path?
When I left my cushy corporate sales position five years ago, I didn’t have a plan on what was going to happen next. The only thing I knew was that it involved helping the Black community. It wasn’t my intention to start a business, but instead insert my skills in an existing organization or institution that shared the same passion about my people. I studied and volunteered for an entire year before discovering my career path as a social entrepreneur. What I found is that there was no one facilitating serious collaborative efforts outside of their networks that would impact the economic landscape of our communities in a real way. I discovered exclusivity, arrogance and nepotism amongst various groups in organizing that did nothing but divide our efforts and further hurt the communities we were supposed to help. So I started a cooperative with the collective focus of eradicating poverty and building wealth in Black America through the intentional and strategic redistribution of our capital, i.e, time, skills, dollars and resources amongst people from all walks of Black life. Now, I track, measure and manage the way we redistribute our capital; negotiate collaborative efforts and build programming based on this data; and teach on the power of using capital for powerful collaborations that impact our communities.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
Being ahead of trends and changing technology that impact your field of work. Understanding the importance of DIY, Cooperatives, Multi-Media and Collaboration in a time of limited resources. The intersection of work and life that was once reserved for celebrities has spilled over to everyday people with the emergence of social media.
Define innovation methods you apply to your business and life.
I’ve become my own guinea pig. I test the power in getting the most with very limited resources -so I live way below my means. I’ve become a master at bartering, time-banking and using human capital collaboratively in the most efficient way. I use free tools like Google, Facebook, Canva and Adobe Premier to effectively do my work of driving awareness, data collection, media-making and marketing. I’ve also faced more challenges than any human should be subjected to since living in purpose. So flexibility and creativity are necessary, along with a great support circle of people that understand your plight and will not discourage you further or try to convince you to go back to building someone else’s dream.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
I set a goal and monitor my progress or stagnation. I find the patterns of success or failure and give myself a grade. I refocus based on my findings then start again.
Name three books that changed how you saw life and you recommend to others.
Invisible Capital by Chris Rabb showed me power beyond money.
The Philosophies and Opinions of Marcus Garvey by Garvey and Edited by his wife Amy Jacques-Garvey taught me the power of self-determination and self-sufficiency.
Collective Courage by Jessica Gordon Nemhard taught me the history of cooperatives in Black America.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
When you stop learning, you’re dead. There is no more growth, you are stagnant and stuck in a period of time that has long surpassed us.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Understanding your feminine strengths and playing those things up, i.e nurturing, persuasive and charismatic.
Not taking the actions and words of others personally.
Go harder than your peers because people expect less from you.
Willingness to learn what is necessary to get the job done.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
It is everything. All of my digital spaces are connected to my phone. If my phone and computer goes down, so goes the organizational structure of my business.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
Facebook and Google are equally as important in my work. Facebook has driven 90% of new members into the BRIJ Embassy and serves as a space for members and supporters to connect around real time support of Black people and places. This is where I derive majority of my data and leads. Google helps me to keep multiple projects in order and communicate with various people in one space.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Economic and civic equity for Black people. All power to the people.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
I’m like the Brain, there are no failures, only challenges that get you closer to the goal. Cry, vacation, write, scream, just keep going no matter what.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Implementing and sustaining work/life balance. That’s my greatest challenge.
Who or what motivates you and why?
The collective work of people because that’s where magic is made.
What are the do’s and don’ts for young women in business?
Don’t sleep with the boss unless he is your husband/wife.
Defy stereotypes that are placed on women.
Keep gossip to zero.
Focus on becoming an asset to your business or team.
Ask yourself is my relationship with this person appreciating or depreciating my wealth? Be selective with your inner circle.
Name three female role models and explain why you admire them.
Nina Simone because of her willingness to sacrifice her career as a classical artist for the liberation of her people.
Mellody Hobson because of her rise from poverty to an Ivy League to helping Ariel Investments, a black owned investment firm become a household name that believes in reinvesting back into Black community. She is eloquent, authentic and brilliant.
Shirley Chisholm because of her tenacity, bravery and articulation on the conditions of women and Blacks in America. Plus, she ran for President, gotta love that.
