Can you share the story behind your business and what inspired you to start it? How does it align with your personal values and the needs of your community?
The agency began because of a Shelby County Juvenile Court judge who witnessed so many young women entering her court for child support and child custody issues. When she asked how they planned to prevent another unintended pregnancy, they would always say “I’m on the pill”. She would further ask, “have you taken your pill today”. In 17 years, no one was able to answer yes. When she retired, she knew she wanted to do something to give young women a chance to reach their goals without an unintended pregnancy changing or ending their progress. She started a program to offer the most effective and most expensive contraception on the market (long-acting removable contraception), and to offer it at no cost to any woman in need. I was inspired to join the agency because someone in my family had a similar experience, and I witnessed the struggles an unintended pregnancy cause. I want to give young women and men a step ahead in life by getting their education first, and having babies later.
In what ways does your business contribute to the economic empowerment and advancement of the Black community? Can you highlight any specific initiatives or partnerships that promote diversity and inclusion?
By preventing unintended pregnancies, more women are able to complete an education or obtain skills that allow them to work in their chosen profession, contributing to their economic empowerment, and fewer who depend on the government for support. We also educate young women across West Tennessee about their reproductive health. One Madison County initiative is the Empowered Teen Council, which is comprised of senior high schools girls from all public schools. These young women are empowered throughout the school year to make informed decisions, prevent pregnancy, choose their goals, and be able to speak for themselves. The program is comprised of young women of Black, Asian, Latino, and White descent.
How have you overcome challenges and obstacles as a Black business owner? Are there any lessons or strategies you’ve learned along the way that you believe would benefit other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Our biggest challenge has been getting individuals to understand that we are promoting prevention, not involvement. We know the most effective type of birth control is abstinence, but for those who are not abstinent, the prevention methods we offer are the best on the market and can protect them until they are mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to be a parent. One lesson I’ve learned is to never stop, don’t give up, keep doing what you’re doing, someone is listening, and you’re making a difference in someone’s life.
In what ways do you prioritize and support other Black-owned businesses? Do you actively seek out collaborations and partnerships within the Black business community? If so, how have these relationships impacted your own growth and success?
Of course, we always include Black-owned businesses when looking for any type of commodity. We are members of the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce, and participate in any activities they host that are relevant to our agency. We also participate in Juneteeth, the Jackson Equity Project, the African American Street Festival, I-Care, Jackson International Food and Art Festival. These connections allow us to spread our message to more individuals and we are able to help other businesses and programs reach their intended goals.
How do you envision the future of Black entrepreneurship, and what role do you see your business playing in that future? Are there any particular goals or aspirations you have for your business that are aligned with uplifting the Black community?
My goal is for every young women and man to be empowered enough to reach their fullest potential. Whatever their goals are, I want them to reach them, find that true significant other, marry and have as many children as they can afford. Through open dialog and education, we can help young men and women understand the ramifications of having a child when they are not prepared and the benefits of waiting until they are. I beleive if our program is offered in each high school, more teens would choose to abstain or protect themselves from the possibility of an unintended pregnancy. The more prepared our workforce is as Black people, the stronger the community.
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