Brittany Onley and Shinika Crawley Co-Founders/CEOs of Madeherselfaboss. Read their story as this month’s #BlackBusinessMonth Feature!
What inspired you to start your business?
Our inspiration came from the relationships we built and our shared passion for helping women start their own businesses. According to Wells Fargo, the average Black woman generates $47,000 per year, compared to $192,600 for white women. While this statistic is disturbing, it has fueled our commitment to helping female entrepreneurs defy these numbers with grace, ease, hustle, and determination. As we've grown more confident in who we are, what we want to be known for in the marketplace, and who we are excited to serve, we've become even more inspired to help female entrepreneurs build businesses that not only support them financially but also prevent them from experiencing small business poverty.
We offer business growth training and implementation parties that help women shift their mindset to achieve the growth they desire. Through our framework, which breaks down structure, strategy, systems, and support, we provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed. This is delivered through our annual conference, Madeherselfaboss Live, our signature social event, The Bossy Picnic (happening on September 7, 2024), as well as our workshops, intensives, and our membership program, The Society. We aim to give female entrepreneurs the support they need to see their businesses grow with grace and ease.
Have you faced any challenges as a Black business owner? If so, how have you overcome them?
We've faced many challenges, from mindset issues—such as seeing ourselves as worthy or deserving—to understanding what we offer, pricing our services, and even questioning whether we wanted to continue with our business. These challenges have been real.
Brittany: For me, ironically, the hardest part has been managing my time properly. As a business owner, especially a creative one, you often find yourself working beyond "business hours." Balancing the demands of running a business with other important aspects of life is a challenge I welcome as I’m always seeking ways to simplify my money-making process, self-care, and social life. Making money is something anyone can technically do, but it takes knowledge, determination, and confidence to "show up." Finding balance is a common struggle among many new business owners.
Shinika: The challenges has been reminding myself at every new level of growth that I am worthy and deserving of it all. We often think that reaching the next level is pure bliss and free of fear, but in reality, the fear only grows louder. It can be hard to remind yourself daily that you deserve to play at a higher level, especially when you find yourself playing small due to nerves. That has been the hardest challenge for me. #Mindset
Can you share a success story or memorable moment related to your business?
Brittany: There's no single moment that stands out above the rest. Every time a woman comes to us, thankful and touched by our content or events, it’s a win for me. Seeing them get emotional confirms that we are transforming lives. If I had to choose an event, I’d say it was our Bossy Picnic last summer for existing and aspiring girl bosses. The event sold out so quickly, and the demand was so high that we had to squeeze in a few extra attendees. Women love being around other like-minded women, and that sense of community makes me happy.
Shinika: I couldn’t have said it better! For me, the most memorable moments are when women implement what they’ve learned and see results, or when they experience mindset shifts during our events. Hearing things like, "Thank you for creating a space where women like us feel safe and supported," means everything to me. I cherish the memories of women coming up to us, saying, "I did what you suggested, and it worked—I saw results!"
A few interesting facts about us:
When we first started, our business was supposed to be a small workshop for female entrepreneurs who wanted to start a business. But it quickly grew into the conference and brand you see today. God had bigger plans for us. Our business is now five years old.
“We were business partners before we developed a personal friendship.”
What advice do you have for aspiring Black entrepreneurs?
First, be very clear about who you want to serve, the problem you’re solving, and the solution you’re providing. Secondly, price your services based on the value of the transformation you offer, not your worth—because no one can ever pay you what you’re truly worth; you are priceless. Thirdly, know your WHY, because when you know your WHY, your WHAT makes more sense! Work on the six inches between your ears so you can see and feel the figures you desire in your hands. Finally, work on your relationship with money and God, while unlearning things that do not serve you and keep you from abundance.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your business?
We are passionate about community and currency. Providing a safe space for female entrepreneurs to feel seen, safe, and heard, and to know that they matter, is a priority for us. If you have the desire to grow a business that serves you financially and funds your freedoms, know that there is a part you must play in showing up fully to do the work.
“Team Madeherselfaboss will show up and show out for you! But will you show up for yourself?”
As you continue to shift your mindset, you will begin to see more financial success in your business. Are you ready to grow your business with grace and ease? Let’s talk about it.
Please feel free to provide additional anecdotes about your journey, life, or experiences as a business owner.
An amusing part of our journey was when we decided to go all-in with the Madeherselfaboss brand. It felt like a leap of faith—one minute we were planning small workshops, and the next, we were running a full-blown conference! That transition taught us so much about trusting the process, embracing growth, and staying open to possibilities.
Looking back, we laugh at how we thought we could keep things small, but the demand from the community kept pushing us to think and play bigger. That’s why we say community is so vital—they showed us more of who we could be even when we didn’t see it. That’s the power of The Madeherselfaboss Community.