Chicago native Sibyl Holloway comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. From age 12 she worked in her father’s local store, game room and restaurant. This background of understanding the importance of Black businesses led to SIB’S Breakfast Club. SIB’s Breakfast Club was originated by Sibyl and her sister Sylvia Holloway in 2008. This shared office space is dedicated to professionals having a work and lifestyle-based facility to work, share ideas and relax. The Club has over 100 members and growing. SBC has since grown to become a reliable day party that business owners can depend on to get the word out about the services they offer. The SIB’S Breakfast Club Day Parties are typically held monthly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the sole purpose of supporting the hosting business.
SIB’S Breakfast Club is a group of individuals who understand that it is essential to patronize Black businesses. 2018 is the 10th year of this successful organization. Holloway’s #20SLASH18 campaign is asking that everyone spend 20 percent of their dollars with Black-owned businesses. (Pictured below: Holloway and her longtime supporters are joining in on the #20SLASH18 campaign.)
Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?
Behind every strong, leading Black woman is a strong Black man. Whether that man is her brother, uncle, friend, son or husband he is somewhere. Black women have been strategically placed to lead to keep our men down. When we as women lead and do our part we are truly helping the entire family dynamic. This also gives our little girls a positive image of the Black woman. When we create a positive image in our society everyone wins.
How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition?
I like the concept. I think it’s necessary.
What qualities or values do you deem indispensable in your business partners or collaborators?
I have met so many talented individuals. I have learned that collaboration does not always mean we link up and do something together. If Person A is great at this, Person B is great at that … let me not try to do the job of person B. What person B is doing is their niche/ gift and not mine. Let me utilize their gift and pair it with my gifts so that this respective project wins. This is my way of saying, stay in your lane.
What are your thoughts on taking risks?
I feel there is no true success without taking risks.
Making mistakes?
Mistakes are blessings.
How did you determine your career path?
I worked in corporate America for over 15 years and I experienced racism and hate by some of the most unintelligent people. I knew that this was not my path. I chose to support my own and make that my life path.
What are the do’s and don’ts for young women in business?
Do know that you can do anything that makes sense to you and does not hurt others. Don’t think that you can be successful if you do not help others and learn to take advice from people who have walked the walk.
Name three successful female role models and explain why you admire them.
This is a tough one because I am around so many amazing women. As I stated earlier I am simply in awe of Oprah Winfrey and I probably don’t need to elaborate because it’s self-evident. I admire Margo Strotter, owner of Ain’t She Sweet Café in Chicago because I watched her work hard, always respect others, build a business, build a brand, raise a family and get through a lot and stay on top. My mom is my favorite woman in the world. She chopped cotton as a young girl, excelled in school, graduated from college, married, raised children, divorced and always remained beautiful inside and out.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
You learn from your mistakes ASAP and keep it moving.
