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Money Tip: Her personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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).
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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 anyt
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