We tend to focus our attention on moving forward and what's next. But in building a better future, we must also draw upon the stories of the past. Where we are now – and often who we are now – is a culmination of the influence and efforts of the women who came before us. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the stories of influential Black women past and present. Meet the inspired women who are inspiring women – modern-day history in the making.
SHAY SWEENEY
Founder, Sweenshots X Shay Moné Studio and Co-Founder, Influencing in Color
Name three traits that describe yourself
Loyal, hard working, God fearing
As a Black woman, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of just that, being a Black Woman! I am comfortable in my own skin, I am comfortable with my hair, and everything about me!
What Black woman from history has been an inspiration to you?
There are so many to name and hard to just pick one. All of the black women before me that have fought so that I can have a better life - I am forever grateful. One that comes to mind in particular is civil rights activist and journalist, Myrlie Evers.
How did her influence change your life or inspire you?
Myrlie Evers husband was assassinated because of his activist role during the civil rights movement. After his death she continued to fight for change and has so many accomplishments. She helped secure money for the Nationals Women's Educational fund, the 1st female chair of the board of directors for the NAACP, and even delivered the invocation for President Obama at his second inauguration! Her journey just shows that the fight doesn't stop! We must use our voice and keep fighting for justice and never let up. I admire her perseverance and dedication.
What question would you want to ask her, if you could have the chance?
I would ask her how did she find joy through living through so much? Her husband was assassinated because he was a black man wanting equal rights; I would want to not only give her a hug but want to ask her what her thoughts are on what is going on in society now as we are still fighting for change.
Why is it essential to empower other women?
I think women are so strong and powerful and we have to lift each other up and support one another! We are stronger together, and I live by collaboration over competition. We have to cheer each other on, support each other's wins, and show out for each other when needed!
“Don’t let what you see around you dictate what your future looks like. Dream, dream even bigger, and make it happen for yourself!”
SHAY SWEENEY
Founder Sweenshots X Shay Moné Studio and Influencing in Color
What advice would you give to younger Black women today?
Believe in yourself and be comfortable in who you are! Many times we don't look how others want us to look, our hair is not what they deem to be acceptable, and the list goes on! We have heard it for so many generations that at times it's easy to believe that we will never make it and we don't know our worth. Well I'm here today to tell you that you have to believe in yourself, black is beautiful, and never let anyone tell you otherwise! Walk in power!
What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
I wish I would have known to just start! We often think that we can't do certain things until we are in a certain place in our lives. When the idea comes to mind, jot it down and come up with a plan. Don't wait! The only person often holding us back from doing things is the fear that we have for ourselves. I would have started my blogger journey earlier and started with the resources I had at the time. Don’t be afraid to start, and don't be afraid to fail and pivot! It's all part of the journey.
How do you hope younger Black women view you? What do you hope they can learn from your experience?
I always say that I hope that people see a petite black woman that has conquered so many things that are not normally done by people that look like me. I've modeled, I've been in ad campaigns for major brands, I've started businesses, I've finished grad school with kids and while pregnant. None of these things were things I ever saw anyone doing that looked like me because I was never the ideal person for those roles and was even the first in my immediate family to even get a masters degree. Don't let what you see around you dictate what your future looks like. Dream, dream even bigger, and make it happen for yourself!
What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your business/brand that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?
One of the challenges I've faced being a Black woman is often being overlooked and underpaid. Also, when working with brands it's not always about the money. I like to challenge the brands to see what commitments they have for change, what are their long term goals for working with women that look like me, and try to make sure I am not a check box for their campaign. By doing this I feel like my job is to push the needle, and keep the conversation going so that future black content creators can have an opportunity and not be overlooked. (Our Influencing in Color mission)
How do you prioritize self-love and care?
I have a super busy schedule and life! I make a point every morning to drink my hot water, read my devotional and Bible, and journal. I feel like this is my only time of the day where it's peaceful and it's part of protecting my mental state.
RANTI ONAYEMI
Founder, Ranti in Review
Ranti Onayemi wearing Vince Camuto Animal-Print Cropped Pants, Animal-Print Puff-Sleeve Blouse, and Aslee Two-Strap Mule
Name 3 traits that describe you:
I am resilient and tenacious, incredibly loyal and supportive of those I love, and a bit of an introvert (not shy).
As a Black woman, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and culture. Nigerian women, especially, are amazingly strong and resilient and I would like to think I inherited some of those wonderful traits. In my early Lagos upbringing, I was surrounded and supported by amazing female role models, which gave me a strong foundation and empowered me to dream big. Hailing from such a culture, one almost has no choice but to be independent and fearless.
What Black woman from history has been an inspiration to you? How did her influence change your life or inspire you?
My first, most profound and lasting inspiration is my Aunt Juliet. As a child, I remember she embodied everything that I wanted to be, poised, driven, stylish and accomplished. She was the first female entrepreneur I knew, I idolized her. She was very encouraging of my passions and dreams, even at an incredibly young age. Her presence in my life introduced me to fashion and nourished my creative side.
What question would you want to ask her if you could have the chance?
I can remember her seeming so confident and collected. Having worked in this frenetic and often overwhelming industry for some time now, I always wonder when she felt she had things figured out or when she felt a sense of stability. I must say, I am hoping to get there one day.
Why is it essential to empower other women?
I just think back to the many struggles I have faced and the many walls and barriers I’ve confronted along my journey into entrepreneurship and so I guess I feel a sense of duty. If there is anything I’m able to do to give the next generation even a small advantage or insight, I feel it is my responsibility. We are part of a continuum in that way, so I do what I can today, and the next generation passes this good will along. This industry is especially tough and unforgiving for young women of color, so I feel a special commitment and responsibility to help young black and brown women when I am able.
“I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and culture. Nigerian women, especially, are amazingly strong and resilient and I would like to think I inherited some of those wonderful traits.”
– RANTI ONAYEMI
Founder, Ranti in Review
What advice would you give to younger Black women today?
To be tenacious, never take no for an answer, and understand that you may have to reach out 100 times before you get that first opportunity. Be driven and most importantly, if you get an opportunity, put in the work and deliver!
What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
I was a bit naïve in thinking that working hard is all you must do to succeed and grow professionally. Along the way, I’ve certainly learned there are many other factors and dimensions that are out of your control. To be completely honest, as a black woman, I can remember seeing some friends and peers from different backgrounds seemingly find opportunities and success without facing many of the obstacles and barriers I’ve discovered along the way. Coming from a different culture, I was less aware of how impactful race can be while trying to carve my career path in this country. I hope we are all working to help level the professional playing field for black women and women of color.
How do you hope younger Black women view you? What do you hope they can learn from your experience?
I am not perfect. Social media has this way of painting that perfect picture, I am far from that. I have my struggles, I have my fair share of challenges professionally and in my day-to-day life. I have also had my share of failures. I hope I can be an example of someone who faces those challenges, never gives up, keeps pressing forward and does not let setbacks get in the way of the bigger picture.
What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your business/brand that speaks to your experience as a Black woman?
Knowing my worth and finding the self-confidence and conviction to ask for what I know I’m worth. Perhaps the hardest part of this is knowing when to walk away from an opportunity when you feel you’re not being appropriately valued, even if it is something you really want or are excited about.
How do you prioritize self-love and care?
This one is a work in progress. Don’t get me wrong, I do love myself, but this industry often feels like a 24-7 adventure, and sometimes this comes at the expense of prioritizing my health and wellness. From time to time, I do have to power down and take some time away from social media and work in general. It took me a while to realize and accept this, but today, this is essential to my mental health. For me, it is always important to pay close attention to what my mind and body are telling me.