My Solo Chronicles

What’s Your Why? Barbara’s Journey as a Black Female Entrepreneur—Creating What Didn’t Exist (Part 3)

April Strickland Episode 35

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0:00 | 22:29

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In this new episode of My Solo Chronicles, we explore the question “What’s your why?” through Barbara’s powerful and deeply personal story.

Barbara reflects on her journey as a Black female entrepreneur in the cosmetic industry, in the late 70s, which includes a pivotal moment when she had to travel to New York just to source products/ingredients suitable for women of color, that weren’t available elsewhere. What started as research quickly became clarity—revealing the gaps in the industry and helping define the purpose behind her work.

She also speaks about resilience, representation, and what it means to build your own lane when the system isn’t built with you in mind. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes your “why” is born out of necessity—and grows into the courage to create what doesn’t yet exist.

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