Recently empowered women gathered at Sugarfina – Americana in Glendale for the Black Girl Magic Brunch. Created by Marty McDonald, the founder of Boss Women, the event catered to a community that encourages black women to pursue their dreams to become entrepreneurs and escape the 9-5 life.

The morning started out with guest exploring the Sugarfina location as they munched on tasty breakfast treats. Iced Coffee was also provided by La Colombe, as well as protein shakes and Snacks by Owyn known for their plant based allergen free products. Africa’s Best was also there, discussing their new Coconut Creme collection. To nourish all women’s from straight relaxed hair to a big luscious afro, they have products for all black women’s hair needs. Sugarfina also shared their ‘Black Girl Magic’ candy that they created with the help of McDonald.

Not only was this Brunch a great way for like minded business women to come together and connect. Arielle Estoria recited a piece of spoken word setting the tone for the inspiring panels that followed. The first panel featured Paula Hayes founder of Hue Noir a makeup line that caters to women of color, as well as Mom Crush Monday blogger Destiny Green, and CEO and founder of Style & Society Magazine Kinya Claiborne. The panelist shared hardships they encountered when first starting out, for instance Paula from Hue Noir  shared her disappointment when first starting out. As someone with a background in chemistry she knew that the formulas that manufactures were making for her were not right for women of color, so she decided to do it herself. The panelist opened up about using the strife they experienced when starting out to fuel themselves.  

Not only did the panelist share their back stories, they offered advice for the entrepreneurs in the room to take their brands to the next level. “Hiring out your weakness” was point that all of the Green stated was vital. If you have great soft skills, but aren’t business minded; it is best to outsource those responsibilities if you can to ensure the best possibility for elevating your brand. Social media is ubiquitous and you want to make sure that your brand is getting as much exposure as possible. Claiborne shared that making sure you own the rights to your content, so owning a private website and posting your content their first or also offering different content can give you more control of your brand. With different social media platforms popping up everyday and being vulnerable to hackers you want to make sure that your content is safe.

The second panel featuring discussed how discussed how to deliver the perfect pitch! Brittney started the panel saying “you need to know your brand and know yourself. You can’t ask for a seat at the table if you don’t know what you bring to the table.” She goes on to say “ when you know what you bring to the table you realize you are the table and the chair.” Hill and Ahyiana Angel  stressed that you will hear no a lot, but to use those nos as a learning experience. Marty shared that while she was planning for Black Girl Magic her circle changed. Being aware of who is around you and the energy they bring is vital to your success.

After the panel attendees and panelist had the opportunity to mingle and get advice from the women. There was a photo booth set up by Hollywood Photo booth for the ladies strike a pose! Marty McDonalds was also selling Boss Women sweatshirts for women to show the world that they are a ‘Boss Woman’. Women also had the opportunity to try on different makeup looks from Hue Noir. Hue Noir debuted their 10 year anniversary lipstick called ‘All hail the Queen’ that comes in a gorgeous red that compliments any woman. This event was truly empowering and let women of color feel truly heard and share experiences that is common to women and people of color in corporate spaces and as entrepreneurs. Marty continues to travel the country hosting different events to promote Black Girl Magic and grow the Boss Women community.

As the Black Girl Magic Tour continues she hopes that the reach will expand and that Black women can lean on each other to not just get a seat at the table but to have their own table. When why Black Girl Magic she says “There is just so much power in black girl magic, and I don’t think we understand our own power right now. Once we own our power we can educate others about what our power is.”