Tag: DEI

  • Tabitha Brown: Purpose, Peace, and Smart Partnerships

    At InvestFest 2025 in Atlanta, thousands gathered to hear from influential voices shaping culture, commerce, and community. Among them, on the Earn Your Leisure stage, was the beloved Tabitha Brown, who shared her wisdom on building with purpose and protecting one’s peace. Speaking on the panel “Brick By Brick: The Blueprint of Empire-Building,” Brown offered valuable advice for creators and entrepreneurs.

    Choosing Authentic Brand Partnerships

    For creators seeking brand partnerships and sponsorships, Brown stressed the importance of authenticity and alignment. She advises focusing on organic collaborations by centering content around products and brands that are genuinely used and loved. “In the beginning, I would post and just tag, so they would know, ‘Oh, I’m using this product,’” she explained. “That way, they could potentially see me as a partner. But the main thing is knowing if they’re in alignment with how you live your life.”

    Brown cautioned against rushing into partnerships solely for financial gain. “We don’t want to just partner with anybody, just to be partnering. We don’t want to do anything just to make money. We want it to be meaningful and aligned with how we live,” she stated. She also highlighted the critical need to read contracts carefully, warning against exclusivity and perpetuity clauses that could lock creators into unfavorable long-term deals without legal counsel.

    Thriving Amidst DEI Rollbacks

    Addressing the current climate of DEI rollbacks, Brown shared her steadfast perspective. Having navigated partnerships with companies like Target, she remains committed to her values. “Before there was DEI, we were just great people doing great business,” Brown told Black Enterprise. “Remember, you still are great people, Black people, doing great Black business.”

    She encouraged resilience in the face of political shifts, urging people not to let external factors diminish their drive or motivation. “If, you know, we got this crazy person in the White House and Lord knows, honey, the way he’s trying to erase our history, don’t allow it to erase your drive, your hustle, your motivation. Keep pushing forward and just keep doing the work every day.” Her message resonated with the InvestFest theme of resilience.

    Essential Tools for Entrepreneurs

    When asked about financial literacy tools, Brown pointed to Shopify and QuickBooks as essential resources she wished she had utilized more early on. “Everybody should know QuickBooks, because we have to check the balances and make sure. And if you’re doing products, Shopify—because you always want to check your inventory, your sales, and your data,” she advised.

    Brown’s most cherished aspect of InvestFest was the community connection. “I love the people,” she said. “I love to connect. I love to see so many Black people in here who are inspired, who are motivated. They’re hungry and they want more out of life.” It’s this collective hunger, combined with Brown’s authentic approach to leadership, that makes her a guiding voice for entrepreneurs building with purpose.

    What are your key takeaways from Tabitha Brown’s advice? How do you prioritize purpose and peace in your own entrepreneurial journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Tabitha Brown on Target Boycott’s Impact on Black Brands

    Beloved vegan influencer and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown is speaking out about the recent Target boycott and its unintended consequences. In a candid discussion on Earn Your Leisure’s Market Monday, Brown didn’t hold back her feelings about how the situation blindsided her and many other Black-owned businesses that have partnerships with the retail giant.

    The Uphill Battle for Shelf Space

    Brown, who has her own hair-care brand featured at Target, emphasized the immense effort required to get products onto those coveted shelves. She explained that these partnerships are not simple arrangements; they involve significant time and financial investment. “It takes a long time to get on those shelves and a lot of money,” she shared.

    This context makes the fallout from the boycott even more poignant. Brown revealed the gut-wrenching moment she realized the potential impact, questioning if the situation was designed to push Black businesses out. She voiced her concern that when sales numbers inevitably drop due to a boycott, it’s often the minority-owned brands that face the consequences and potential removal.

    Concerns Over DEI Rollbacks

    The boycott itself was initiated in response to Target’s decision to roll back some of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures. Brown directly addressed this, stating, “I still think that Target was very wrong and they have a lot of work to do.” Her comments highlight the broader conversation about corporate responsibility and the importance of sustained commitment to DEI initiatives.

    Brown’s perspective offers a crucial insight into the real-world impact of boycotts on small business owners, particularly those from marginalized communities. It raises important questions about how consumers can support their values without inadvertently harming the very businesses they aim to uplift.

    What are your thoughts on the Target boycott and its impact on Black-owned businesses? Do you think Tabitha Brown’s concerns are valid? Share your opinions in the comments below!