ATLANTA — As we reflect on the past and look to the future, the present is a testament to the unfolding history of Black excellence and wealth. There's one initiative in Atlanta ensuring Black business owners not only work together but shine together.
Inside Atlanta's Ponce City Market, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, known as Dr. Key, CEO & President of The Village Retail, is spearheading a movement towards Black excellence and wealth creation within the community.
"I wanted to make sure that I was positioning Black brands to be in front of buying customers from all over the world," Hallmon said. "Many of these brands were so special because they are extremely gifted, and this is their first time in retail."
With more than 30 brands in the store, The Village has become a platform for unique and talented entrepreneurs. The collective effort of these entrepreneurs, known as The Villagers, has resulted in an impressive $8.3 million in direct sales.
"Support is a verb; is a charge; a challenge to the community to put action behind the things that you say you love," Hallmon said. "If we love local businesses, the verb is to buy from local businesses."
And the villagers have seen the support.
"They have been instrumental in increasing my brand awareness and attracting customers from across the globe. Month to month and fourth quarter, my sales have drastically improved," Jai’Leta Colvard, CEO of Just Jai Enterprises, said.
Acknowledging that not everyone is destined to be an entrepreneur, Hallmon sees entrepreneurship as a crucial pathway for Black Americans to achieve economic equality despite systemic challenges.
"When you only have less than 1% of Black people still getting funding, that’s systemic," Hallmon said.
Despite these challenges, Hallmon remains optimistic, highlighting that Black buying power is projected to reach $1.8 trillion in 2024, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth.
"Dreams are made more possible if you are around enough representation that looks like you," Hallmon said. "So I had to bring the right people to the table. So entrepreneurs and some of the finest people in Atlanta, I needed them to go hard after their dreams."
The Village aims to ensure the Black community claims its share of economic power, emphasizing the possibility of achieving wealth collectively.
"What I found to be so special is the support of the other entrepreneurs because you're like, I'm not at this alone. You are, but you aren’t. We're dealing with the same things," said Danielle Gray, CEO & Founder of PAWS.
For those aspiring to create wealth through entrepreneurship, Hallmon assures that The Village has their backs.
11Alive invites you to embark on a journey of unapologetic stories that have shaped Atlanta's past, present and future this Black History Month. Check out our collection of stories: "DREAM x DISRUPT: Black Atlanta's Bold Movement" at 11alive.com/blackhistory.