Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Brown.
Beth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I founded The Big Black Book NYC under the umbrella of my business, Babs Photography LLC. In July 2016, I became very upset by what felt like an escalation of murders, mostly of black men, but also of women by the police. Protesting has its place & clearly has changed the course of history. But as an artist/photographer I wanted to create something visually powerful. Something that would strengthen communities, dispel stereotypes, show power in numbers & change the way People of Color are portrayed in the media. I had the desire to build something at a foundational level.
I believe entrepreneurs & small business owners are part of the solution to the complex problems our communities are experiencing these days. So we are now creating a distinctive small business directory, The Big Black Book NYC. Currently, the directory is on Instagram @thebigblackbooknyc and we are working toward an official website. The launch event was held August 12, 2017 & our 2nd-anniversary event was recently held on August 17, 2019. Through directory building events we are joining forces & presenting ourselves as a strong, interconnected community of entrepreneurs!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has absolutely not been a smooth road, it has been the most challenging thing I have done professionally thus far. Before the launch of the directory in 2017, BBB did not exist. So most people had no idea what I was trying to accomplish & getting entrepreneurs to attend took a lot of time & persuasion. Also, finding venues to host events with no budget, has been particularly rough. Doing the PR for BBB has also been very challenging & often feels like I’m hitting a brick wall.
Please tell us about The Big Black Book NYC.
The Big Black Book NYC has three goals.
1. Create a visual impact of power & unity in the community that will change how Persons of Color are portrayed by typical media outlets.
2. Connect small businesses with one another, as well as provide the greater NYC area community with a directory of small businesses that will match their product or service needs.
3. Strengthen both developing & established small businesses through business workshops because knowledge is power.
While there are many directories of black & brown owned businesses that can be found on social media, BBB uses IG in an organized, Rolodex format like no one else.
I am most proud that the directory building events are allowing small business owners to connect & collaborate in an organic way that is making them stronger.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Been wiser & have done more research with who I hired to build the BBB website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.babseyes.com
- Email: thebigblackbooknyc@gmail.com
- Instagram: thebigblackbooknyc
Image Credit:
Behind the scenes photo credit Natalie P. Hall
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