Accurate representation is power: That’s what Renae Bluitt realized when she launched a blog called, In Her Shoes in 2009. At the time, she was living and working in New York City during a recession, but she noticed how Black women around her were still building businesses despite the bigger-picture challenges. Their hustle was daring and exciting, but where were their front-page stories? Instead of waiting for someone to cover Black women entrepreneurs for audiences to read, Bluitt launched In Her Shoes to prove that she was the person for the job. And once she did, Bluitt became a successful Black woman entrepreneur herself.
In the decade since her blog transitioned into a full-blown brand, Bluitt is now fielding reporters’ questions. In Her Shoes has been named the “Best Business Blog of the Year” and got Bluitt to star in a one-page Pantene advertorial. She’s also won the 2016 Entrepreneurship Award from the NAACP Brooklyn chapter, and partnered with nationwide brands like General Motors and Johnson & Johnson.
And yet, despite all of these accolades, Bluitt’s goal to portray Black women within a dimensional spotlight never faltered. In fact, her platform has only gotten bigger. Last year, Bluitt was credited as creator and executive producer of She Did That, a documentary about Black women entrepreneurs that’s currently streaming on Netflix. It is a continuation of In Her Shoes, as well as the culmination of a decade’s work. But Bluitt knows the job isn’t over yet. That’s why she’s only working harder to get more Black women the representation—and power—they deserve. The more she does, the more doors will open.
How did you make your first dollar and what did that job teach you that still applies today?
I made my first dollar babysitting. Not taking a first step is one of the most common reasons why people remain unhappy and frustrated. We are too hesitant to do things that are outside of our comfort zones because we fear failure. Kids don't think that way. They are so enthusiastic about everything new, and they take the leap without any hesitation. There is something fascinating about how they take risks and learn from them—both if they get hurt or if they love the experience.
Not only are you a successful PR specialist and the founder of Crush Media who has worked with household names by the likes of Verizon, McDonald's, Exxon Mobil, Kraft Foods, and Coca-Cola, but you're also the creative mind behind the blog In Her Shoes, which you created to empower, enlighten, and uplift women to realize their dreams. What was the lightbulb moment for your blog, and what compelled you to launch it?
I launched my blog in 2009, shortly after the recession really began to hit small businesses. Living in New York City, I was surrounded by so many creative and talented women who were rising above the challenges they were facing amidst a struggling economy. I grew up in a family of male entrepreneurs, so seeing so many powerful women building legacies and being the faces of their brands was beyond inspiring. I wanted to share their stories far and wide. At the time, there wasn’t a destination online for Black women entrepreneurs to tell their stories. I decided it was time to change that, and I was the one to fill the void.
An extension of your In Her Shoes blog, your documentary "She Did That," which offers an intimate peek inside the lives of four Black women entrepreneurs and addresses topics like the funding gap for Women of Color, premiered on Netflix in February (congratulations!). What was the inspiration behind this project and how did you choose the women to spotlight in the film?
The blog was the inspiration behind the film. After blogging about Black women entrepreneurs for over a decade, I was ready to dig deeper into our stories and explore a new medium. I’m a huge fan of documentaries, so after realizing there weren’t any business documentaries centering Black women entrepreneurs, I knew I was the woman for the job.
Why is this documentary so important for Black women entrepreneurs, and how is your work making a difference and pushing your industry forward?
This documentary is important because representation matters. I want young girls and women to see what’s possible with hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence. “She Did That” is pushing the industry forward by showing self-made Black women breaking barriers, thriving in business, and disrupting their respective industries.
2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads and switch gears toward your new version of success?
2020 has definitely been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. This year has inspired me to redefine my own success. For so many years, I associated my worth with what I was creating and producing. During this season of being still, or at least not moving at the rapid speed we’ve all grown accustomed to, I’ve realized that I’m so much more than my work. While it brings me immeasurable amounts of joy, it doesn’t define me. Beyond the blessings I’ve experienced in my career, I have so much to be grateful for.
Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?
I am blessed to have parents who instilled a healthy sense of confidence in me, and their support really created a strong foundation. When I went out into the world, I knew what I was capable of and had quite a bit of confidence to tap into. Like most women, I definitely have times where my confidence wavers, but I surround myself with people who inspire me to my highest potential.
It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?
Over the years, I’ve seen time and time again that when things don’t work out as planned, I’m being rerouted to a better destination. When things seem to be falling apart, they’re actually coming together, and I find peace in that. I might be disappointed at first, but I’m also trusting the journey.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? How can they achieve the same success you've experienced?
My advice for other entrepreneurs is to never lose sight of how your dream is impacting others. Ava DuVernay is quoted as saying, “If your dream is only about you, it’s too small.” I live by this and encourage other entrepreneurs to do the same.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to trust the journey. I spent a lot of time looking ahead and not truly enjoying the chapter I was in. If I’m honest, I’m still guilty of this sometimes. This ride we call life is short, why not look out the window, take in the beautiful views, and enjoy the entire experience?
What is the #1 career or money book you always recommend and why?
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. This title isn’t exactly categorized as a career book, but it has definitely helped me in my professional life considerably.
Fill in the blanks:
The three qualities that got me to where I am today are…
Integrity, stick-to-it-ness, and just a strong desire to build a powerful legacy for my community. When I feel fear, I do it anyway.
The best career advice I always give…
Trust the journey. To be successful, you need to be willing to get uncomfortable.
The change I’d like to see in my industry…
An increase in the number of women-led businesses getting access to funding and other financial resources.
