Black Forward Episode 3 - Featuring Rachel Morton & Featured Guest Jessica Allen

In this episode, Rachel and Ife explore economic resilience as a pathway to stability and power. Through the stories of Black entrepreneurs like Jessica, who shares her pathway to becoming a business owner as a returning citiczen. 

Recording and post-production by Carlos Casarez / KZFR 90.1 FM, Chico, California. www.kzfr.org

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:06

Hi, I'm Rachel Morton. Welcome to Moving Black Forward, a multi-part series about resilience, leadership, and building a stronger future. Produced by KCFR 90.1 FM and the Black Resiliency Project. On this week's episode, we'll be exploring entrepreneurship, overcoming barriers, and what it means to create opportunities that move Black communities forward. I will be talking with Jessica, the owner of GMG Styles. Jessica, welcome to the podcast. Thank you, Rachel.

SPEAKER_00 0:48

Thank you for having me today.

SPEAKER_02 0:49

My pleasure to have you. I'd also like to introduce you, Ife Saint, who is our outreach coordinator with the Black Resiliency Project. Ife, will you say hello to the people?

SPEAKER_03 1:01

Hello, people. And thank you, Rachel, for introducing me. My name is Ife Saint, and I work for the Black Resiliency Project under Rachel Morin, and I do a slew of things, and I'll leave it at that.

SPEAKER_02 1:15

So, Jessica, jumping right in, can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your business, all those things?

SPEAKER_00 1:23

Yes, of course. So I am Jessica Allen, grew up in a small town, Orville of California. Um, traveled around a bit, been in North Carolina, Texas, um, and now I'm back home again here in Butte County. Um, I am a single mother, um, a small business owner, a student, um, and I do a little bit of community-based work as well.

SPEAKER_02 1:48

Thank you. Can you tell us a little bit about your travels and what you've seen?

SPEAKER_00 1:55

Um, so travels, um, I love to travel for one. So um, I've seen some things. Um, being here in Butte County, um, as a small business owner, I have um had a lot of ups and downs. And um that's just part of being in the business and being a person of color in this county. So um I don't know what to elaborate on a little bit when it comes to traveling, um, but just about my business. I have um seen a lot of the ups and downs. Like a yeah.

SPEAKER_03 2:31

Well, can I ask you what inspired you to start your business?

SPEAKER_00 2:34

Yes, of course. So um it was established in Gastonio, North Carolina in 2009. It was me and two other friends. We were sitting in one of my first cars. It was like a high school friend group. Um, and uh that's where GMG, it does stand for three of us individuals. Um, it was during my rougher times of my, you know, teenage years, and it stood for Get Money Girls. And still to this day, when people ask me what is GMG or what is GMG styles, it means a lot. Um, my mom would call us the God uh God's mighty girl.

SPEAKER_02 3:12

Beautiful. I love that. Can you tell me what it felt like that moment when you first got your brick and mortar?

SPEAKER_00 3:21

So um I actually just celebrated my one year in my own hair uh studio or hair lounge um called the GMG Styles Legacy Lounge, uh located here in Chico off Cohasset. Um before that, I was privileged and you know honored to be in another local braiders salon. So I really appreciate that opportunity. But um to be in my own, it's still pretty unreal. It's not realistic. Like it's it's kind of like a dream come true. I never thought I would be here in this position that I am today. Beautiful.

SPEAKER_02 3:54

Uh so you shared a little bit about the ups and the downs, and really it takes resiliency to get through those. Can you tell me more about how you see resiliency within the entrepreneurial circle and for yourself?

SPEAKER_00 4:10

So um, I I they say the, you know, saying, never forget where you come from. And, you know, I am a person who comes from um not a whole lot of wealth, um, formerly re-um incarcerated myself, um, and you know, a teen mom. And just some of those things. Um, it I always had to look back and humble myself and remember how far I have came um to where I'm at today of being a business owner and just a woman um leading in this community. Awesome.

SPEAKER_02 4:43

And Jessica is very humble. She mentioned uh her small community work. Uh, she is a mover and a shaker and a voice for those uh that need it. And do you want to share about some of your community endeavors here in Butte County?

SPEAKER_00 5:02

I am very proud of you, Rachel, as well. Um, I have been alongside of you watching you. Um, we've had our personal conversations. So I just want to thank you again for being a part of this movement and project that you're doing. Um, I've seen you personally go through some things, and you've seen me as well. So um, when we talk about our community, we have served in the same community and went through different obstacles and struggles. And here we are today in the same room, you know, able to speak about that um loudly and um be a voice for the next person that may not think that they have the voice or um, you know, the chance or opportunity to do the things that they've always dreamed of.

SPEAKER_03 5:41

Can I ask a question?

SPEAKER_00 5:42

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 5:43

Just really quickly. Um, because you do community work and you have a you're a small business owner. How important do you think it is for small business or businesses in the community to invest and serve the community that they're based in, like being more out there and being seen by the community?

SPEAKER_00 5:59

I really like that question because it is hard. Um, being in this community, um, I'm actually expanding right now to Sacramento because of the struggle um that I have in my own community right now with certain things that I'm just facing. So sometimes you do have to step up, but I think it is very important for you to step back into your community to show that it is possible. Sometimes you just need to reset and regroup and get away from certain things. But um, it is important for you to come back, like I said again, um, don't forget where you come from. Um, come back and show the love, you know, pay it forward, let other people know that, you know, there is opportunities and chances out there for people like myself, because I at once was a part of this community, did not see a way out. And um, it is important to come back and show people that there is, you know, those chances and opportunities and ways out.

SPEAKER_03 6:55

I also, like you said, you're you're branching out to also Sacramento. So when you go there, what are you looking for to better make yourself known to the people there?

SPEAKER_00 7:05

So I've already, I've finally got my first client, actually hair client there. And um I have a few certifications. So when we talk about community work, I am a peer support specialist, um, a wellness and recovery specialist, as well as a certified re-entry specialist. And um being in the justice involved population is something that I am kind of venturing off to. I have some projects that I'm working on myself. So um getting the chance to have a bigger network in a bigger city. I am a um small town girl with big city dreams. So I just hopped out there, um, been in Sacramento for a couple of weeks, already gained one client. And um I I don't know what God has in store for me moving forward, but I know that there is a plan and um I am out there to take it all in.

SPEAKER_03 7:54

Hey, by the sounds of it, I'm pretty sure we need people like you in our communities.

SPEAKER_02 7:57

Thank you. Absolutely. So, as a fellow teen mom, um, I love hearing about how your work and passion inspires your children. And if my memory uh is not failing me, I believe your daughter did some entrepreneur. Would you share a little bit about what she's done and give her a shout out?

SPEAKER_00 8:18

Yes, Aleya. Um, so she was actually trying to come up here, but we were running behind and she had to go get her nidos across the street before 5 p.m. Um, but something I would really love to share is she's coming along with me to Sacramento. Um, so it's kind of like a bittersweet moment. She just uh was promoted from Chapman Elementary here, um, going into sixth grade. And so she got accepted to an academy school in Sacramento where they will be teaching her business entrepreneurship pathway up until the 12th grade. So I'm really proud of that that she got incepted into that school. Um, my daughter is always up under me trying to start her own little business. Um, just this past weekend, she made $200 off a pop-up at outside of my hair lounge. Um, she got all her stitch stuff. She kind of grew out of that um stitch theme is onto a more preteen, you know, theme, aesthetic, as we may call it. So she was out there selling her old clothes, all this stuff as we're moving, and made herself $200. She wouldn't even move out of that seat. She just wanted to run the whole thing. She was out there bargaining with people on her own and everything. So it is a blessing to be able to provide that to my children. Um, I also have an 18-year-old son who just graduated high school. So seeing him walk across that stage um was a beautiful moment. Beautiful.

SPEAKER_02 9:38

Yeah, I can't wait to see uh what they all produce into the world. Um, how has your identity as a uh black, multiracial woman influenced uh your work in the community as well as your business?

SPEAKER_00 9:57

Leading with empathy because I understand what it feels like to need support, encouragement, and someone to believe in you. Whether I'm serving clients through my business or showing up in my community, I want people to feel seen, valued, and empowered. I believe business should be about more than profit. It should create impact. I strive to be an example for my children and for other black women who may be watching and wondering if they can build something of their own. I want them to know they can absolutely do it too.

SPEAKER_02 10:26

Beautiful. That word impact. Uh, how would you encourage other small business owners to consider pathways for impact rather than just income?

SPEAKER_00 10:36

Um, creating spaces like these, creating spaces and opportunities, um, humbling yourself, um, knowing that you're not better than the next, um, and working together collaboratively. Absolutely that collaborative point.

SPEAKER_02 10:52

Um, what about for someone young that's watching the interview today? If you could hand them just uh a tip, a note card, what what would be on that?

SPEAKER_00 11:02

If I could hand a young black entrepreneur a note card, it would be so it would kind of all tie in together. It would for number one, it would be never let anybody trick you out your spot. Um, number two, it would be um that you cannot take everybody with you. And then number three, I would have to say, go for it, do it, you know, stay prayed up and protect yourself.

SPEAKER_02 11:29

Can you tell me a little bit more about you can't take everybody with you? Our young people struggle with letting things go when they outgrow them, and would just love to hear some tips. I mean, as an adult, we face that. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 11:43

So if you could dig deeper there. Oh, that's really deep, right there. That's a deep one. Um, and that's something we, like you said, as an adult, and I still struggle with that. Um, you know, just with me discussing moving to Sacramento, I got people, hey, show me this, show me that. And it's like, these are the same people I'm trying to take a little time away from so I could reset and regroup myself. And um, realizing that you're setting that boundary so that you can move forward and come back to your community and be the person that you want to be and can be for others. Um, you got to really pour into yourself before you can pour into other people. Um, it could really make or break you as a person in your identity, your personal life, your business. So um, whether that's a big homie or um a friend group, you you might want to provide them that same opportunity, but that opportunity is not for them. That is for you, and you will fail over and over again trying to bring those same people along that are not meant for that opportunity. Girl, you better preach.

SPEAKER_03 12:49

That sounded similar to actually what another person that we interviewed said. Um, analogy he gave was really powerful because it's like when you're on a plane and it's going down and they drop those those air, the oxygen masks down. Would do you know what you're supposed to do first? You're supposed to the adults should get that mask on their face and then before after that tend to the children and the other people that would need your care because it's the people that are well-bodied and able to help that need to be taken care of first. Yes. Before they can take care of, you know, everyone else.

SPEAKER_00 13:22

Yes, most definitely.

SPEAKER_03 13:23

Can I ask you about maybe the risks that you had to overcome in starting your business? Like, was there any um were there any obstacles?

SPEAKER_00 13:31

Man, yeah, there was a lot of risk, a lot of obstacles. Um, I've always been obviously a a go-getter, get money girl, you know. So I'm very money motivated and driven. Um, so stepping away from that nine of five um to feed my own dreams was scary, especially as a single mother. Like, you know, um, hey, am I really gonna make enough money um to feed my family and take care of these bills as I'm stepping away from this consistent paycheck to pour into my own dreams. Sounds very scary. It was.

SPEAKER_01 14:05

It was.

SPEAKER_00 14:06

And um, I I had some learning curves and lessons where I step back into the work field just because it's a passion of mine and I need consistency. Um, so I was able to tie that in. And as I mentioned, um, I do have um GMG Styles is not just a business. It is, you know, more than that. It means a lot to me. And um, I do want to branch off, and that's where I have started my legacy lounge, you know, to provide business academies and mentorships to um younger people like myself that went through similar struggles.

SPEAKER_03 14:40

That's powerful.

SPEAKER_02 14:41

How did uh the returning process after incarceration, how did that influence your work?

SPEAKER_00 14:50

Um, so that influenced my work in a very positive way, actually. Um it was a very dark time where you feel very alone and like you have nobody, and that really motivated me to show myself that I'm capable. Um, it wasn't about showing others because showing others is what got me into that situation. So I had to go into those dark moments and come out and be stronger than ever to show myself. And it really, it really did something to me. And it was like a life-changing moment.

SPEAKER_03 15:24

Like what kind of moment? Like the moment that you decided you were gonna change the direction of your life? If you look back, like was there a moment like that?

SPEAKER_00 15:31

I would say um I have a fellow coworker or a pre-past coworker who always who told me one time we are always in transition. So I can't say that there was one time. Um, yes, that may have been a time, um, but I'm always in times of trying to improve myself and or transition into a better version of myself. Um, so yes, that was a time that um made me. Yes, you know. Yes, most definitely.

SPEAKER_02 15:58

You shared a little bit about the legacy lounge. How does someone get connected to the um academy and the supports that you offer through that?

SPEAKER_00 16:08

Just reach out. I am always on the clock 24-7. Um, you can I do have a GMG Styles Facebook, um, an Instagram, which is GMG underscore styles464. Um, I do have an email, GMG Styles at Outlook.com. Um, I'm also on Google. So feel free to reach out anytime. I am always open, arms, and open-hearted to helping anybody.

SPEAKER_02 16:37

And something we didn't mention, uh Jessica's also a published author. Can you tell us a little bit about that project and how someone can find your book?

SPEAKER_00 16:46

Yes, thank you. So the um the person who uh produced that book, Keisha Haney, um, very much respect um to her. I really appreciate that opportunity to be in the book um Anthology, I believe that's how you say it. I always get tongue-tied with that. So I am one of the eight women who wrote a story in there. And um, it talks a lot about what we're talking to today. So I encourage anybody to really uh read that book or um it is on Amazon and um it talks about my struggles of incarceration and how I turned that into my business. So it does tie into that. It is about resiliency. Oh what?

SPEAKER_03 17:31

No spoilers, not even a little bit. I guess I'll I'll go buy the book.

SPEAKER_00 17:36

And where can they buy the book? On Amazon. Yes.

SPEAKER_03 17:39

Can I ask you about incarceration specifically? Were did you have to deal with any misconceptions about you or struggles with people's reactions to finding out that you had a maybe a criminal record and maybe that would prevent them from or maybe you felt limited with that with that on your in your history?

SPEAKER_00 17:57

I actually, yes. And I actually got it expunged and um to be very real, it was a felony. So it was a really big charge. And um it did tarnish like things that I was trying to do immediately when I got out. I got a job within the first 30 days. Yes, and then right then um I was actually let go from that job because the background came back later. So, you know, the employers, and I know there's different laws changing on how you could go about recruiting and hiring now, but backgrounds are usually done after sometimes the hire. And so you can be let go. And that did happen to me, and it was very discouraging.

SPEAKER_03 18:42

Did they even allow a conversation, or were they just like, oh, we just found out something you've got to look at?

SPEAKER_00 18:46

I was actually honest. I brought it to the table. I received a letter in the mail saying that I could not work around certain populations of people, and I was serving that population. So I went to the supervisor and I said, Hey, I received this in the mail, and I was let go the next day. And that goes to why I'm so passionate about this justice involved and this certification that I got and utilizing that. Um, that is something this county lacks very much so is re-entry programs. Um, and so I am working with um people in Sacramento in hopes to um do that here. In my previous employment, I did start the Justice Involved program. Um, I'm always working with people that are coming out of incarceration. Um, you got to think, you know, a lot of people are thrown back on the streets with no rehabilitation. They could have done five years, eighteen years. You don't know what they went through during that time being incarcerated, whether it's losing family members, times change so quickly, as you can see, not knowing how to work cell phones, not knowing how to do everything in hand. So I'm really happy to see that there's a lot of growing uh programs for that population.

SPEAKER_03 19:59

Another question. So if you were to if you were to run into someone that say was in the exact same shoes you were as you were re-entering society, um, what what do you think they would need the most if you were to help someone that was in your position? What do you need the most in re-entry?

SPEAKER_00 20:16

Patience and prayer. Patience. Yeah. Patience for them. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 20:19

In prayer.

SPEAKER_00 20:19

Yeah. Yeah, it's not easy. There's always gonna be whether you are the person helping them or the individual themselves, um, it's gonna be times where life just is not always easy. It's not always cupcakes and rainbows, you know. So um there's gonna be those times where you feel like giving up and um just knowing that there is possibilities, there is people that care.

SPEAKER_03 20:43

Um that's fair because some people really feel like their life was over. Yeah. And so getting a chance to start again is maybe a little bit less maybe more intimidating and less because of just the baggage that you maybe might feel.

SPEAKER_00 20:57

Yes, yes, being labeled, of course.

SPEAKER_02 21:00

Labeling. Yeah. As we think about the vision for black economic power, moving black communities forward, communities of color, all communities forward.

SPEAKER_01 21:12

Uh what comes to mind when you think about uh next steps for us?

SPEAKER_00 21:20

Um creating safe spaces, um creating opportunities, paying it forward, and um being kind. I see a lot of that. Um people are burnt out in this world right now. And um I have been saying it a lot. Anytime I go into a grocery store or I'm in a um any kind of service and somebody's kind to me, I always say thank you for being kind because I'm often, you know, rushed and uh with being in front of people that are irritated. And it's just like, why did you show up to work today? I understand life is. Hard, but you know, when I do come across those few that are kind, I just want to tell them thank you for being kind today and making my life a little bit easier. Whether I'm at the library, you know, it's thank you for giving me that free print. You know, you made my life just a little bit easier today.

SPEAKER_02 22:17

I love that. You definitely reap what you sow. And sowing kindness and the community is one of the best ways to serve. Uh, because like you said earlier, you don't know what people's experiences or how long they experience something and how it's affecting them. Um that's beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. Uh, is there anything else that you'd want our listeners to walk away with today that you've shared? Just keep going. Just keep going. Jessica, can you describe to me what the next five years and then 10 years looks for you and GMG Styles?

SPEAKER_00 22:58

So things move so fast. What can I do in five years? Or what would I like to see that in 10 years? Um if I could have it my way, I'd be off the grid for the next five years. Um, no contact with anybody. Um, just really focusing on everything to get to where I want to be within that 10-year frame. Um, five years would look like being away. That 10 years would look like being coming back to my community, um, showing what, you know, solitude and just um focusing on yourself and pouring into yourself looks like. Um, so that's what I would have to say. It wouldn't be living in a mansion or driving the nicest car. It would be coming back and being at peace. Describe to me three things that you'd be bringing back to the community. Hope, encouragement, and empowerment. Beautiful. Why those three things? Because I feel like we are lacking that right now. And I could say, you know, life is not perfect in my world either. And if I could bring that back, it would be not only bringing it back for the community, but for myself and my children and uh the future generation of Jessica, Allen, and GMG styles.

SPEAKER_02 24:15

I can say for sure, each time that we've connected, you've definitely inspired me with hope, with encouragement, and left me feeling empowered. And so, without a doubt, the next five years while you buckle down, uh, I know that that's what your energy is going to be bringing to each space. And so not surprised on any level that those are things that you plan to come back with, with a boldness.

SPEAKER_03 24:44

My question basically is what kind of legacy did you imagine you want to leave behind for the people of community? And also for people closer to you, like what do you want maybe your kids to say about you years from now about how their mom helped the community?

SPEAKER_00 24:59

Starting off with my kids, um, they are the reason why I keep going. And that is, you know, my legacy. And I just want them to know and be able to say that my mom did everything that she could for them. Um I even watched my mom myself pour her all into her community, into her family without taking care of herself. So um it didn't have seen it firsthand. Yes, it did do damage. And um I I want to I want to correct that. Um I don't want to take away from what my mom instilled into me, but I want to, she always said, Don't be like me, be better than me. And um, I want my children to be able to do the same. And I want my community to see that, you know, that no one's perfect, that we all go through things. You might not get it the first time, the second time, it might take that tenth year, that five-year um getaway or off the grid to get it right.

SPEAKER_03 26:00

And it's probably never too late, is what I hear.

SPEAKER_00 26:02

Yes, I love that it is never too late.

SPEAKER_02 26:05

Awesome. Thank you so much, Jessica, for just giving up your time. Uh, we know that it doesn't uh that you've got a a lot on your plate. And so we don't take it lightly that you carved out this time to sit with us and share about who you are, uh, the work that you've done, the work that you hope to do, and about your business. So um, if you will share how someone can contact you again, um, because I'm sure there's gonna be follow-up questions of people wanting to get your book.

SPEAKER_00 26:38

Yes. Um, I also have books on hand. I forgot to mention that. And thank you, Rachel, so much for this opportunity and um KZFR for hosting us. Um, I really appreciate you. Um, I am located, my hair lounge is um in Chico, California, 660 Manzanita Court, Suite Five. Um, I'm on Google, I'm on Instagram, I'm on Facebook. So you that hashtag GMG Styles, you can find me right there.

SPEAKER_02 27:06

Awesome. Thank you for joining us for Moving Black Forward. To learn more about the Black Resiliency Project, please visit blackrp.org. That is B-L-A-C-K-R-P dot org. Until next time, keep moving forward.

SPEAKER_00 27:32

So um I I they say this, you know, saying, never forget where you come from. And you know, I am a person who comes from um not a whole lot of wealth, um, formerly re-um incarcerated myself, um, and you know, a teen mom. And just some of those things, um, it I always had to look back and humble myself and remember how far I have came um to where I'm at today of being a business owner and just a woman um leading in this community. Awesome.

SPEAKER_02 28:05

And Jessica is very humble. She mentioned uh her small community work. Uh, she is a mover and a shaker and a voice for those uh that need it. Moving Black Forward, produced by KZFR 90.1 FM and the Black Resiliency Project.