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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith.

Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support.
Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.
Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders.

Key Takeaways

Origin of The BOSS Network
- Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools.
- Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide.
- Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth.
Impact & Achievements
- Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants.
- Trained 50,000 women on business strategies.
- Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses.
- Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs.
Pivot During COVID
- Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital.
- Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant:
  - $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients.
  - Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability.
Challenges & Mindset
- Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support.
- Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth.
- Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.”
Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make
- Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market.
- No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business.
- Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success.
Unique Marketing & Partnerships
- Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.”
- Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement).
Core Philosophy
- Motto: Believe, Plan, Win.
- Quote: “Those that show up, go up.”
- Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community.

Notable Quotes

“I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.”
“Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.”
“Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.”
“If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.”
“God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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