The Souk Chicago

creating a meaningful change through the economic empowerment of black-owned businesses.

[thesoukchicago]

#tbt back when I began the purchasing process for my own #home in #May 2014 heehee! Read over at www.thesoukchicago.tumblr.com our interview of real estate broker @jensimmonstherealtor and see why she says home ownership in the #blackcommunity is so important! Don't forget to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Link is in the bio. #StopTheLeakage

[thesoukchicago]

AUGUST: WHO OWNS YOU?

“Housing is a basic necessity, it feels good to be able to help people find a place to truly call home, after all, that’s where memories are made, kept and often times passed along to future generations.” – Jen Simmons

Jennifer Simmons

Real Estate Broker, Coldwell Banker Flossmoor

[email protected]

http://coldwellbankeronline.com/jennifersimmons

[phone]

The Souk: What inspired you to become a realtor?

Jennifer Simmons: I have always loved helping people and have had an interest in real estate. I just decided that I really wanted to help people, especially in today’s market not only make their home-ownership dreams a reality but also help educate them on how real estate can be a vehicle to create stability in various aspects now and in the future.

TS: How long have you been in business?

JS: I have been a student of the industry for about 5 years now but recently obtained my Illinois broker’s license and joined Coldwell Banker earlier this year.

TS: Describe a typical workday.

JS: One of the things I love most about Real Estate is that there is no true typical day. Every day is different. But I’d say there are some non-negotiables like following up and staying in contact with clients, scheduling appointments with not only clients but also with other parties to any given real estate transaction like attorneys, contractors, title companies, other brokers, etc. I also look for ways to build my business by seeking out ways I can help others navigate through buying, selling and even renting. I am committed to staying abreast of changes in the market and sharing my knowledge with those whom are seeking it.  

TS: What do/did you find most challenging about your work as a realtor?

JS: As someone who has spent most of my working career as an employee, the most challenging part of my job was transitioning to a business owner in that, although I work with a team to get things done, I essentially wear all the hats. With that being said, I have to always be honest and accountable for myself and my business, not that that’s a bad thing. It’s just very different, it challenges me to grow and have a different mindset. As it relates to the actual work piece of it, the most challenging part honestly, I’d say would be not having control over some of the financing challenges that many people are currently facing. Nothing breaks my heart more than telling a client that they may have to wait just a little longer, especially when they have their heart set on something specific or come in with a target in mind. I like to be the person who helps bring it all to fruition not the bearer of bad news, but it’s just something that comes with the territory. Ultimately it’s not that I can’t help, it’s just not always time when they think it’s time.

TS: What do you find most rewarding?

JS: On the contrary, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping take someone through the home buying process and getting them to their closing. It’s even more rewarding watching people learn and get through the process for the very first time. It’s like a proud parent watching their child successfully tackle and achieve a great accomplishment. Not to mention, housing is a basic necessity, it feels good to be able to help people find a place to truly call home, after all, that’s where memories are made, kept and often times passed along to future generations. That in itself inspired me to pursue my career in real estate.

TS: What is your candid opinion of the state of home-ownership in the black community? And your candid opinion of the state of small, black businesses?

JS: Point blank, there isn’t enough emphasis on the benefits of home-ownership in the black community. People have let the “economy” scare them and stop them from even seeking the knowledge about home-ownership. For others, with foreclosure rates at a high, the thought alone of buying is a nightmare. Sure there are all kinds of home buyer workshops, seminars and counseling programs out, but many people go through these classes and do nothing more than that. There has been a shift and we continue to find ourselves combating the racial inequalities through predatory lending as it relates to home ownership but also in our small businesses. Additionally, it doesn’t help that we aren’t staying consistent in supporting our black businesses. Without support we are only assisting in closing the doors of our small black businesses. We have to do a better job at educating our community and promoting our black businesses.

TS: How do you think owning your own home affects the black community?

JS: Owning definitely stabilizes the community. People take pride in home-ownership and make it their business to keep the community they live in (and where they OWN their own property) vibrant and well kept. These are the people who are constantly looking for ways to improve their community for it is where they raise and care for their families and seek to preserve a certain demeanor. Ultimately home-ownership in the black community serves as the backbone of growth and self- development. It is the vehicle that has the capability to either make or break us. If we approach it with the right attitude and mindset we find that some of the most self-sufficient businesses and neighborhoods are homes to business owners within those very same communities.  

TS: Advice on how one prepares to purchase a home.

JS: My best advice on preparing to purchase a home is simply to start by doing your homework. Learn what the steps are, set your home purchase goal and follow the appropriate steps to get there. It takes some time and discipline but when done the right way, the reward it yields is well worth the sacrifice that one may have to make to see it through. It is also equally important to share your goals with a financial planner/broker and your real estate professional to help you navigate through the process. You will appreciate their assistance in helping you create a plan specific to your goals and helping keep you on track and accountable for everything you do along the way.

TS: Have you heard of the term “leakage”? What changes in spending habits do you think blacks can make to slow down the flight of the “black dollar” from the black community?

JS: My understanding of “leakage,” simply put, is the uneven re-disposition of the dollar, or in this case the “black dollar.” Something as simple as making a conscious effort to support at least one black business a week in some way, shape, or form could make a huge difference. Whether you personally go out or even just tell a friend or family member about a black business that they may be able to support in their everyday comings and goings, every little bit helps. In turn black businesses need to look for ways to support and help sustain each other.

TS: What changes in attitude or thought do you think needs to change amongst members of the black community before we can become economically stable?

JS: For starters, we need to stop thinking only about self. One of the things we are seeing more and more of nowadays is the lack of support and encouragement amongst ourselves. Instead of building one another up, we as a community would rather support other businesses and find all the reasons why we shouldn’t support one another. This is something that is taboo in other communities, like our neighbors in other strong, tight-knit communities, we should be looking for ways to support and share with one another. We have to make a paradigm shift and start giving our black business a fair, fighting chance and keep the “black dollar” in circulation in our own communities. Let’s find ways to employ one another, and stop questioning the quality and work ethic of our people. After all how would you feel if someone came into your job or place of business questioning your experience/competence? Or how would it feel to simply be outright discriminated against and told if there were an option, your white counterpart would be the one to earn the business over you? Oh wait it happens every day, and unfortunately we are the very ones guilty of doing it. So let’s make a conscious effort to promote and support our black businesses. That’s where we must start in order to see some progress and gain some long overdue stability within our community.

Make sure to follow Jen on Facebook to check date of next Open House!

See you next month!

Tai

[thesoukchicago]

Can you guess the topic of the upcoming August newsletter?! I'll give you a hint: it discusses how you can become a #stockholder in your own #community! #comingsoon #StopTheLeakage #Chicago Join our emailing list at www.thesoukchicago.wix.com/thesoukchicago

[thesoukchicago]

Ain't She Sweet Cafe was one of the #blackownedbusinesses featured in our July newsletter. Speaking from personal experience, they have some of the BEST deli sandwiches I've tasted at great prices!! My fave is Da Steve! #Chicago #blackownedbusiness #yum #foodie Located at 526 E. 43rd St Chicago Www.aintshesweetcafe.com

[thesoukchicago]

BIN 36, co-owned by Brian Duncan, is one of the #blackownedbusinesses featured in our newsletter this month! Visit at www.bin36.com #Chicago #winebar #vino #thesouk

[thesoukchicago]

Sweet treats at Kilwin's in Hyde Park! #blackownedbusiness #hydepark #chicago #sweets #yum

[thesoukchicago]

One of our past #BlackBusinesses of the week, @skindeepbodycare, is featured on #GiltCityChicago with HALF OFF their products!! But sale ends TOMORROW 😱 #stackup

[thesoukchicago]

"You want to see the Black neighborhoods be strong, safe, and have the capacity to be self-sustaining too. You want our economy to be just and enable everyone's dreams. You believe in me, because I proved that I am willing to put this mission before myself." - Maggie Anderson

What are you doing to #StopTheLeakage? Join Maggie Anderson, the author of Our Black Year, in her movement to gather 1 MILLION conscious consumers. It's free. Visit www.onemillionconsumers.com to sign up for free.

[thesoukchicago]

Join the 1M/1Y Movement. Maggie Anderson is asking one million conscious consumers to unite for economic empowerment of struggling communities. This yearlong campaign is called The NEW Empowerment Experiment.

What are you doing to #StopTheLeakage? Join the movement.

[thesoukchicago]

What will you do to #StopTheLeakage? Read more about what owner of #blackowned #nailsalon had to say about the state of #blackownedbusinesses at www.thesoukchicago.tumblr.com! Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter to help stop the leakage of dollars from our community! LINK IN THE BIO! @apolishedwork #nails #naildesign #nailart

[thesoukchicago]

Have you checked out our #blackowned #business of the week?! @apolishedwork! Sign up on our website to receive $10 OFF a #classic mani/pedi! www.thesoukchicago.wix.com/thesoukchicago #nails #naildesign #classy #nailart #chicago #blackownedbusiness

[thesoukchicago]

If you didn't see this in your email, it's because you haven't signed up for our #free newsletter! Read more about @apolishedwork, a beautiful #blackowned #nailsalon on #Chicago's south side! www.thesoukchicago.tumblr.com Sign up for our free newsletter to receive a free coupon code to A Polished Work when you set an appointment online! Link is in the bio! #entrepreneur #nails #classy #naildesign

[thesoukchicago]

Wow! Read An Asian Man Tell Black Men About Themselves

Interviewer: "Can you address their concerns Mr. Chang?" MR. CHANG: "The concerns of Black People? Yes I can. The fact is, that we all live under a system of White Supremacy. We Asian people look back at our long history of conflict with the European. We observe their strategies and develop our own, in response and in kind. There's no need for loud mass movements on our part, because we intend to overtake them in time, through action and personal sacrifice".

Interviewer: "And the Black man?" MR. CHANG: "He does not count into our situation. He is simply here. We do not hate the Black man. We just love the Asian man the most. Real love--not cliché. We want to see the Asian man happy, so we employ him. We eat together, we spend time with each other. We want his kids to be educated, so we invest in our own schools that offer our children the technical abilities to change the World's power structure in our favor. We want to see the Asian man safe, so we purchase and organize our own communities. We want him to remain Asian, so we reduce the outside influence of others ideologies and cultures. While he fought to sniff behind the White man, the Black man has had the opportunity and every right in the world to do the same, but he chooses to indict people like me for not hiring him over my own brothers. For me to do this would be foolish and that would not be Asian love. In contrast, the Black man will fight for the right to be under everyone else other than other Black people who he should feel the most love for. If our indifference to their situation make us racist, then what would you call the Black man's indifference to his own situation?

[thesoukchicago]

A Polished Work

I got the pleasure of interviewing the owners of A Polished Work, Fred and Monica Abernathy, in their beautifully decorated shop located off of 76th and Ellis on Chicago’s south side. Below, you can read snippets of our conversation, pick up some wisdom on starting a business, and be inspired to take a trip there for a classic mani/pedi!

The Souk: What inspired you to open your own business?

Monica: The need for it. There’s a lack of certain businesses such as quality black owned nail salons where you can go and relax that’s in your neighborhood instead of going downtown or up north to a spa.

Fred: The work that you do for another company benefits that company. The work that we do for [A Polished Work] benefits us as a people; being able to see an idea come to fruition and being able to see what we’ve built for our children.

TS: How long have you been in business?

M: Since December 2013.

Fred: She was actually doing nails out of our home for 6 or 7 months before that building up her clientele.

*Monica has been pursuing her passion since high school and has been a licensed cosmetologist for over a year*

TS: Describe a typical workday.

M: Well, the shop opens at 10am but every day is different. Any day I could be servicing clients, sharing info and resources, while also thinking about supplies and marketing; and networking.

F: We have the luxury (in his role of marketing) of me working “on” the business while she works “in” the business doing the day-to-day. I’ve had to change my way of thinking. When I have a conversation with someone, I’m always thinking of how to get it back around to “So when you coming to the shop?” It’s funny when I ask a girl “where do you get your nails done and she thinks it’s a corny pickup line. *laughs*

TS: What do/did you find most challenging about owning your own business?

M: The balance of everything. There is no cutoff time. I may have an idea at 2 or 3 in the morning. It’s hard because when you meet people you do want to talk about the shop but you also want to foster those relationships.

F: The biggest concern for me is the safety of my family, our customers and the shop.

TS: What do you find most rewarding?

M: The fact that people are pleased that we brought something to the community that wasn’t here before and that we are able to educated our clients [on healthy nail care].

*I asked an off-topic-ish question concerning the harmfulness of acrylic and this is what Monica had to say:

M: The products in themselves aren’t harmful. It’s in the process that they’re applied so acrylics and gels can all be applied to healthy nails and your nails can remain healthy. It’s when corners are cut and non-quality products are used that make the difference. Unfortunately, some nail shops that are in our community cut corners and use non-regulated products. They’re trying to get you in and out so they’re going to use the fastest way like the electric file that speeds up the process but doesn’t take into consideration your nail care.

TS: How many hours do you typically work in a week? Has it changed since you first began?

M: In the beginning, I was working 10-12 hours a day (Fred interrupts, “Nonstop! *laughs*). It has changed since then; I’ve incorporated an off day and work about 5 days a week scheduling around my clients.

F: It has been interesting. When we first opened, I gave her the 3 months where I didn’t say anything because I knew that this was her baby.

*being a married couple, I asked how they maintain a work/life balance.

M: We look at it like we’re in this together so be both know when there are some things that need to be done. We communicate.

F: For me as a husband, it’s rewarding to know that my wife is not stressed out working for some other company. It’s definitely times when we just don’t talk about the business.

TS: What is your candid opinion of the state of small, black businesses?

M: I think they’re limited. There are different factors that go into that of course. I think many of us don’t see [entrepreneurship] as an option anymore because so many others have come in and run the businesses in our community and we have just accepted it.

F: With the state of black businesses, we have that stereotype that we’re going to be late or we’re not going to be courteous. It’s funny because when I’m marketing I get asked a lot of questions after they’ve asked if it is black owned. So I asked a lady one day, “When you went into the Korean nail shop, did you ask them all of these questions beforehand?” And she said, “Well, no.” So why would you do that to me? But I get it because some of our businesses have built that reputation but we’re not all built like that…just like not all Korean shops are bad nor is every Asian-owned nail salon cutting corners. However, we tend to develop some self-hate [and self-doubt.]

TS: How do you think owning your own business affects the black community?

F: It affects it tremendously. When I think of community, I think of home first. My daughters see that we started a business. They will understand that you don’t have to go to college just to go work for someone else. And then there are the kids in the neighborhood who see us in here every day and see that it’s all black.

TS: What changes in spending habits do you think blacks can make to slow down the flight of the “black dollar” from the black community?

M: We can be more knowledgeable about the power we have with our dollar and where we spend it.

F: We have to become more aware.

TS: If there’s one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to start their own business, what would it be?

M: Proper research. Make sure there’s a need for the business you’re looking to start. Research the sources that are available. Network with someone in that business.

F: Don’t be scared. You cannot be scared of success. Other piece I would give is do your due diligence to provide a good product or service that people want.

TS: Lastly, where do you see your business in the next 5 to 10 years?

M: I hope to expand to a broader array of services like a full service spa adding massages, facials and more.

*A Polished Work currently has a mini facial on the menu*

F: Opening a 2nd location on the other side of town.

But now you can visit at:

A Polished Work

1000 E. 76th St

Chicago, IL 60619

www.apolishedwork.com

Instagram @apolishedwork

Facebook: facebook.com/APolishedWork

Tel [phone]

  *As a gift to The Souk Newsletter subscribers, A Polished Work has included a special discount code. Sign up HERE for free to receive the weekly newsletter!

[thesoukchicago]

What will you do to #StopTheLeakage? #SupportBlackBusinesses #OurBlackYear #support #Chicago #business Sign up for our free weekly newsletter at www.thesoukchicago.wix.com/thesoukchicago! LINK IS IN THE BIO

[thesoukchicago]

[thesoukchicago]

A dollar circulates amongst banks, shopkeepers, and other businesses for nearly a month in Asian American communities before that money flows out of the neighborhood? It is roughly 20 days in Jewish communities, and in predominantly White Anglo-Saxon Protestant communities it is 17 days. IN THE #BLACKCOMMUNITY, IT IS 6 HOURS. 😐 What will you do to #StopTheLeakage? Sign up for our free newsletter that raises the awareness of #quality #blackowned businesses. LINK IS IN THE BIO. #didyouknow #entrepreneur #TheSouk #chicago