What My Job as a 'Momager' Has Taught Me About Entrepreneurship What entrepreneurship and performing arts careers for Black and Brown artists have in common.
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As an entrepreneur, CEO and momager for my two children — phenomenal actors of color — there's a lot I'm thinking about these days. In my career as a CEO and in my influencer career, I've come up against major adversity. There've been hard lessons learned and many stumbling blocks along the way. But it wasn't until my two kids went into show business that I started to put the pieces together. All this time, I've been my own business ally as a businesswoman of color, and performers must do the same.
We're going to explore what entrepreneurism and performing arts careers for Black and Brown artists have in common. There are so many parallels. The very act of being an entrepreneur is a struggle at times. But I've found that when you jump those hurdles, there are amazing things to be gained on the other side. This is for all the performers of color out there — you brave and courageous ones that have set your hearts to dance, theater, music or anything else that puts your talents on display. All while combatting those who make you feel different.
Know what you're up against
When I founded my company, I knew that I had Mount Everest to climb. I sensed this huge journey in front of me, but there was nothing else I could do. I had to create the business of my dreams. That's the amazing aspect of having a calling. You're 100 percent compelled to do it, even when you know the challenges. Did I fully realize what I was up against? I had a sense, but no, it was harder than I thought.
There is so much adversity facing performers of color. Whether it's sidelined for not being Caucasian, or the dreaded fear of becoming a token performer — far more degrading than anything else. The reality is that it's impossible to not have the color of your skin be a factor in your casting. Know what you're up against! Brave souls, you have so many challenges ahead of you. When you take the time to wrap your head around this and come to the decision that you're willing to beat the odds, then you have an entrepreneurial mindset.
Have all the conviction at first
Begin by believing in yourself, because no one else is going to do it at first. You must be the one that lights your own fire of conviction, propelling you through the challenges to come. It's the same as an entrepreneur. You have a new idea that no one has come up with, you put all your time and money behind it and when things get rough, you continue to believe in your path. This is so important for performers of color to nurture within themselves. Yes, there will be challenges, but when you decide to believe in yourself first, others will get onboard. I promise that you already have this skill. People of color know that some days, they have to be their own ally, rock and support. This is doubly true when you're entering the performing arts.
A great method I've found to connect to my own conviction and self-empowerment is to listen to that feeling in my gut. Say you want to be an actor and everything inside is crying out for you to be in front of a camera or on a stage, that's your intuition cheering you on! If you're a musician that dreams of Carnegie Hall or a dancer that fixates on your favorite ballet company, your entire body is screaming that you have a passion you need to pursue. Listen to this and hold onto that amazing feeling!
Related: Coping Strategies to Lead & Succeed As A Minority Woman | Ellevate
Hire the right team
This can be anything from agents and managers, or role models and teachers. You need to be around people that support your vision for yourself. There is so much toxicity that entrepreneurs and performers of color have to endure. You need a safe haven, and that means those that you surround yourself with who are geared to bolstering your career.
Choosing my team continues to be one of the most important aspects of what I do. It does take a village. If you sense that your acting agent is pigeonholing you or your teacher is making you feel low, these are the people you don't want around. That being said, you don't want an entourage that is blowing too much wind up your sails. You want honest, supportive, hardworking people that share your conviction. This is absolutely essential for performers of color.
Always trust your instincts
Sometimes I step into a situation and just know deep down it isn't right. In my experience, people of color haven't had the privilege to trust their instincts as much as they should. We're often in survival mode and don't understand why. I always go with my gut in business, and I teach my children to do this in their acting careers.
Trusting your instincts could look like stepping into an audition room and not appreciating the way the people behind the table are judging you. It could mean having that warm, glowing feeling when you come from a class that inspired you to do your best. It could be hiring someone on your team and sensing they suck the energy out of you. It's hard to trust our instincts because we naturally want to find the benefit in everything. But sometimes your career will flourish when you know what to let go of, and what to embrace.
Related: How to Market Yourself Like an Artist
Prepare yourself for adversity, micro-aggressions and setbacks
Yes, the micro-aggressions are real, and the adversity is guaranteed. People say you have to have a thick skin to be a performer, but to be a Black or Brown performer, you need skin of steel. So, what do you need to master to get through this? Self-care. You are responsible for your mental, physical and spiritual well-being in the face of adversity. This sounds like a lot to handle, but if you're wearing that skin of steel, you need to protect your warm, creative heart.
For me, my team and my family lift me up when I'm down. I've also built a self-care routine for myself that ensures I'm in the best condition when things get tough. If you have a vision that you're bringing into the world, you need to preserve that beautiful part of yourself that wants to do amazing things and leave a mark on our society. The only way to preserve this is to be your ultimate support system.
Celebrate yourself today!
I would never have made it as far as I have without celebrating my accomplishments as an entrepreneur, CEO, wife and mother each and every day. Being a boss or performer is stressful enough. Being a boss or performer of color offers ten times the stress. Know that your artistic soul and courageous spirit are making the world a better place. Every time I watch my kids memorize lines, explore their emotions and practice for auditions, I'm sure to tell them how wonderful they are. They're gorgeous stars already, they're fighters and I love giving them the strength to be their own allies.
Related: Entrepreneurs With This Mindset Are Most Likely to Succeed
