Kyonna Michelle Gray from Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce is most likely working in one of her many offices. She owns several businesses, including a prenatal company. She also sells cars, rents bounce houses, runs a special needs child care center, and assists others in starting their own businesses. Grays also runs Men to Millionaire Mentorship, where she helps teens and adults get back on track.
“I take those men and I turn their life around and we do entrepreneurship from start to finish and I help them open their business,” said Gray. “I help them every step of the way.”
Gray is driven to succeed. She wasn’t always so focused.
“All of this streamed from one bad event I’ve had,” said Gray. “I was in a car accident that took my mobility for about six to seven weeks. My job would not cover my medical expenses, so when I get back on my feet, I’m going to go extra hard.”
She stated that being a female Black entrepreneur is difficult. That’s why she valued the assistance of her former teacher, Ruben Hopkins, who is now a mentor. He is the CEO of the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, an advocacy organization for Black business owners.
“This man has been there from day one,” said Gray. “He has no problem showing up. He walked me through processes I thought was over.”
Hopkins said he founded the organization 13 years ago out of a desire to help the Black community with economic development.
“The mission is to make Black people the largest employer of Black people,” said Hopkins. “In order to do that, we need to create a lot more businesses in our community.”
Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce has over 900 members. The membership provides networking, education, workshops, and other services to business owners like Gray. While August is National Black Business Month, he encourages his members to treat it as any other month.
“We’re Black every day,” said Hopkins. “I know the whole concept is around trying to highlight it and elevate it, but we’re Black every day. So I tell people everyday get after it and go out and compete. But again, trying to compete, you have to have resources.”
Gray is described by Hopkins as a flower growing through concrete because of her rare passion and drive to succeed. He hopes that other entrepreneurs will learn from her and help to build the Black business community in Wisconsin.
source : spectrumnews1
