Cherese Spand, 43

Financial Lifestyle Concierge

SHE Wealth

Mercy College

Best advice to an African American just starting out?

You can do and accomplish great things in your life. No matter what limiting belief you may have. Reach outside of the norm and push limit of every doubt, fear and obstacle. You will win if you NEVER EVER QUIT!

Cedric Scott, 43

Senior Advisor

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions

Mars Hill University

Best advice to an African American just starting out? 

Try all opportunities even if they intimidate you. Self-doubt is normal, but what helps you thrive is honing your skills and learning first-hand by doing something different or new.  Eliminate fear of doing things perfect the first time you try it. Own your personal short comings, be proud of your life experience and use it for fuel to make the most of your life.

Kareem Miller, 25

Owner

We Clean Dumpsters – Charlotte/Lake Norman

Johnson & Wales University

Best advice to an African American just starting out?

My best advice to any African American is to not ever give up on your dream. Starting a successful company is one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences you will ever have. There isn’t a right time to start a business or even a perfect business. You must learn from obstacles, build upon successes, adapt to the market as well as your customer needs.

Dontavious Thomas, 32

Owner

Schooley Mitchell

Belhaven College

Best advice to an African American just starting out?

CONNECT! It’s not what you know, it’s who you know! Get out there and make meaningful connections with everyone you can. Invest in people and your community, and your business will grow.

Tracy Alston, 37

Founder and CEO

New Mentality and Mental Edge Fitness Solutions

Wake Forest University

Best advice to an African American just starting out?

No matter what you look like, where you are from or the things you’ve been though, if you can tap into who you are and who you are called to be, there is nothing you can’t do.