Have you been searching for, wanting to purchase, and use Black owned and created products? Are you a Black Entrepreneur or Business Owner, that is looking to gain more exposure? Want your business to be listed amongst other amazing Black Businesses? Well we have just the right resource for you!
Representing Berkeley, CA (Bay Area stand up!!) Monique Dee is an Entrepreneur, Creator of her very own Black Business Directory, and the Creator of The BLK BOX! (BOSS Status!) With her family and community being the source of her motivation, Monique strives to provide the ultimate resource!
How did the BLK BOX come to creation? Monique tells us that she got tired of hearing people saying that they don’t where to locate Black owned and created products! (We heard that!) So what exactly is The BLK BOX ? The BLK BOX is a box of 4-5 black owned products, provided by different Black owned businesses, from her Black Business Directory!! (BOOM!)
“I wanted all black businesses to be able to be involved, but I realized that not all businesses have physical products, so we created a business directory to be able to service all black business owner.”
Monique tells us that funding was a challenge she faced, with jumpstarting her company. She has investors wo were ready to invest, but they fell through a month before her first product release date. Although it was extremely hard and discouraging for her, considering the last-minute drop of investors and having a small-time frame, Monique pushed through and made her first release a true success!!
“Aside from building the website, responding to emails, getting the vendors, running the socials and packing the boxes by herself, I – A 26-year-old self-employed entrepreneur living in California – also found myself trying to figure out a last-minute budget. Which was totally fine, it’s my business, you know?”
The BLK BOX takes around 2-3 months of preparation for release, sometimes less depending on when it is set to be released. The BLK BOX comes with pre-selected products and interested buyers are not able to select which products they received. Unlike other product boxes, the BLK BOX doesn’t do pre-ordering or subscription boxes, just exclusive releases. The BLK BOX is then available until it is sold out! (Such A Boss!)
“My goal is to release them spontaneously to make sure our followers are on their toes and paying attention.”
Looking to get your product featured in the BLK BOX? Make sure you join her Black Business Directory, as it is the only way for your products to be in the BLK BOX!
Make sure you keep up with Monique and the BLK BOX, as she will be participating in Colin Kaepernick’s upcoming “Know Your Rights” Camp event, and will also be a guest speaker at the Boss Up Magazine’s Entrepreneur event, “Bosses and Business,” in Chicago, IL on July 21st !
If you’re interested in purchasing the BLK BOX, you can do so online at:
http://www.theblkbox.com
To get your business listed in the Black Business Directory, you can do so by going straight to the store on her website or by clicking the banner at the top of “Directory” page on her website http://www.theblkbox.com. Be sure to always contact her first, as she may have discount codes available!
If you’re looking to start your own company or directory, Monique has the following advice,
“Stay passionate, surround yourself with like-minded people and don’t be afraid to support your brothers and sisters. It’s a struggle for all entrepreneurs at some point; We go higher faster when we show each other support. And also, don’t let anyone talk you out of your dream! Let the naysayers be your motivation —What’s for you will always be for you.”
You can follow Monique and the BLK BOX on all social media at:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook: @theblkboxco
Until next time…
“Boss Up and Be Blessed”