I remember feeling disheartened after President Obama’s first election victory, especially with how my husband reacted when I accepted Obama as my Commander-in-Chief. Adding to my sadness, a few African American friends and family disowned me for voting for Obama’s opponent.
At that time, I was running a small online business that wasn’t large enough to require filing taxes with the IRS [Internal Revenue Service]. I had heard Barack Obama felt there should be a cap on how much money a person could earn on internet sales before falling into a tax bracket. Because of this, I supported Mitt Romney for president, believing he wouldn’t impose taxes on online sales.
I immediately recognized Barack Obama’s intelligence and polished image as a politician, along with the significant support he garnered from influential figures like Oprah. As a result, my main concern with this particular election was voting to ensure Barack didn’t win! Again, he was a. strong opponent, and his victory would affect how I reached my goal of becoming a large retailer.
Sadly, my fears were realized. As President Obama took office, he implemented changes to increase government revenue, including taxation, that impacted my small minority business. Yes, I could have applied for a business loan for minorities, but that would have placed me on several radars, something I wanted to avoid. Yet, despite my worries, I found success during his presidency. I was determined to demonstrate that I could thrive despite challenges.
At one point, I was making at least $70,000 a year, and yes, it went untaxed. As stated, the money was well spent and reinvested within my small company.
I ran my business using a name that didn’t show I was a Black woman, a strategy I learned in my college business class. My priority was to ensure my customers felt confident that their orders would be shipped quickly, rather than focusing on the owner’s identity.
As I mentioned, I didn’t want Obama to win because I believed he and his administration would hinder my growth as a business owner. Honestly, my voting decisions aren’t influenced solely by party affiliation; I also consider campaign promises. I would have voted the way I did, regardless of whether the candidate was a Democrat or a Republican.
As a Black American, I prioritize campaign promises over party affiliation when I vote. My main focus is on achieving financial stability and fostering generational wealth. I believe that determination should serve as the foundation for success, rather than being swayed by who is leading the nation. After all, promises are often like pie crust—easily made and easily broken.
The closure of my flourishing business cannot be attributed to Obama; rather, it stemmed from my own decisions and my struggle to prioritize family obligations beyond just my husband and children. Ultimately, I lost sight of my goals while seeking emotional fulfillment and acceptance from those who didn’t recognize me as part of their community or family.
As a result, I found myself flat on my back and no one to help me get back up. My husband and my children were sick and tired of me and the whole lot that steam from wanting to be a part of where I came from. My husband and children love me, sadly, none of them knew how to operate my business; therefore, they couldn’t help me as they watched my dream die helplessly because I wasn’t mentally available to guide them. Now I see why it’s essential for companies to have handbooks outlining their procedures and protocols from the start. These documents ensure consistency, clarity, and efficiency in the workplace.
I recognize that I am in a period of growth, gradually gaining strength as I move away from experiences that once constrained me. Today, I find myself in anticipation of a business call that holds significant potential. I am currently engaged in the process of relaunching my online business, with a focus on promoting my designs, which I firmly believe are of great value. While my objectives are still in the early phases of development, I am encouraged by the initial signs of momentum and support for my endeavors despite who is my Commander and Chief.
Now that we’ve reflected on my past experiences, let us turn our attention to the important issue at hand: achieving financial security. Despite the obstacles we may face, we have the resilience to navigate through them. I encourage you to be mindful of how confusing or negative information can cloud judgment and potentially impede progress. It is vital to remain optimistic and not be swayed by those who amplify fear. The pursuit of what we truly need as individuals is a commendable endeavor that sometimes involves telling people to mind their business. God’s word say’s we should strive for “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we express our gratitude for the blessing of this day. We humbly request the strength to navigate life’s challenges as we include the leaders in every capacity in our prayers, regardless of their rank or responsibilities. We ask that you be with them continuously and guide their hearts and minds in making decisions that impact those under their leadership, for they serve as stewards. We seek protection for all through your mighty hand of grace and mercy. Amen.
Black Women Have It Going On 