Entrepreneurship and business ownership experiences

In Our Words

In this episode, host Rajon Hall talks with Robin Scott, Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center in Green Bay and Jamila Riley of Milwaukee, owner of J.Riley, a crochet brand that uses vibrant and unusual accessories, garments, and home goods to encourage self-esteem and build confidence.

Listen in to hear about their personal journeys and being a business owner in Wisconsin.

Highlights:

08:51 I've grown in so many different types of ways. I've been stretched in so many different types of ways. But I've learned a lot on this journey. I continue to learn a lot. I think mentally I am learning and I think it's a lifelong process that we must delegate. In roles of leadership, we must recognize that leadership is a pretty lonely role.

22:08 I'm learning to just enjoy it. And to pick up on other things later. And to say, This is my investment in my business, right? This is something that at the end of the week, now, I can give myself a little bit of pat on the back and say you know what, I did something that is going to be beneficial to my work.

29:51 Authenticity. I think about code switching. Conversations that I've had with folks. And having to code switch, I've learned, doesn't necessarily mean that you're not being authentic. Code switching is a safety for some black people.

39:22 Last year, in 2020, my son was murdered. And I'm like, would I change that? Obviously, because I would want him to still be here. But there are so many things that I learned from that, and so much growth that has taken place from that and so many connections that have been forged because of that. So, that's the only reason I hesitated on that question.

Contacts:

Rajon Hall, MSW - Podcast Host and Real Estate Agent

Instagram: @BigDreamsRealty

Robin Scott - Executive Director at We All Rise: African American Resource Center (Green Bay). The vision of We All Rise is to create and help restore a vibrant African American community. Through uplifting, skill building, and intentionally targeting root causes of systemic oppression, and actively promoting the healing of all.

• Website Link: https://www.weallriseaarc.org/

Jamila Riley - Is a crochet brand that builds self-esteem and boosts confidence through bold and unique accessories, apparel, and home goods. Housed in the lower level of Sherman Phoenix (Milwaukee).

Website Link: https://www.shermanphoenix.com/