This National Black Business Month, we’re highlighting our Neighbors of Empowerment. Just a short five-minute drive from CHGW's Service Center is the Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak recently opened to Southeast D.C.’s Congress Heights community. The 23,000-square-foot community-led and sustainable development is now home to 13 local, Black-owned small businesses ranging from restaurants to apparel stores. The retail village is creating jobs for Ward 8 residents and serves as a hub for culture, entrepreneurship, and entertainment in the community.
Of the black-owned businesses in the incubator, eight are retail, wellness, and art spots such as Vaya Beauty, a spa and store that sells Black-owned beauty lines and products made for melanated skin; Chris Pyrate & Friends, an art-focused streetwear brand created by D.C.-born visual artist Chris Pyrate; and Soufside Creative, an outpost for the Congress Heights Art & Culture Center. Five of the shops are local food companies, such as vegan hot dog spot Glizzys.
We sat down with the founders of Glizzys DC, to speak about their journey, business ownership, community empowerment, and their hiring and mentorship program for at-risk citizens. Check out the video below.
"What makes me feel empowered is rising above the occasion."
Empowered to go for it...
Building confidence and powerfully positive self-perception is a journey that requires time and effort. Here are some strategies that can help:
Self-Awareness: Start by understanding your strengths, values, and passions. Knowing who you are and what you stand for can boost your confidence and provide a foundation for positive self-perception.
Set Goals: Break down your long-term goals into smaller achievable steps. Accomplishing these smaller goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence along the way.
Celebrate Your Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. This reinforces positive self-perception and reminds you of your capabilities.
Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Encourage yourself, focus on your strengths, and remind yourself of past successes.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Build a network of supportive friends, family, or mentors who believe in you and encourage your growth. Their positive influence can help boost your confidence and self-perception.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of fearing failure, see it as a chance to learn and grow. Embracing failure as a natural part of the learning process can help you develop resilience and build confidence.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, exercise regularly, prioritize sleep, and practice mindfulness or meditation. Taking care of yourself can enhance your self-perception and overall confidence.
Click here to check out Glizzys DC.
Check out Sycamore & Oak and see what other shops and events are happening.