Breaking records and glass ceilings: how black women athletes are changing business – Essence

The journey from sports star to business tycoon is not easy – it’s more like a grueling marathon with unexpected obstacles.

However, Black female athletes are overcoming these obstacles to create empires that reach far beyond the sphere and court. Their transition is not only a game changer; it’s rewriting the algorithm for fulfillment.

Report on the state of women-owned enterprises for 2023 he dropped a bombshell: Between 2014 and 2019, the variety of Black women-owned businesses skyrocketed by 50%. It’s not only growth – it is a boom that is shaking up the entrepreneurial landscape. And guess who’s leading the charge? The same women who break records and shatter expectations in sports.

Serena Williams: Serena aces at Venture Capital

When Serena Williams steps onto the court, everyone pays attention to her. Now he commands the identical respect in boardrooms. By Serena Venturesdoesn’t invest only in start-ups; is revolutionizing the VC game.

With over 60 firms in her portfolio, Williams doesn’t just write checks – she modifies lives. In 2022, she raised a staggering $111 millionbut here’s the most effective part: it’s focused on founders who’ve been marginalized previously. From beauty disruptors to ed-tech innovators, Williams embraces diversity. And let me inform you, this bet is paying off.

Remember when Allyson Felix and Nike had that public spat? Instead of letting this derail her, Felix tied his shoelaces and jumped right into entrepreneurship. Enter Saysh, its originator within the sports footwear space.

This isn’t one other celebrity brand. Felix saw a niche available in the market – athletic shoes designed for women’s feet, not only smaller versions of men’s shoes – and rushed to fill it. Thanks to Series A funding of $8 million Saish it is not only a brand; this statement. Felix says, “If you don’t give us what we need, we will create it ourselves.”

Renee Montgomery: Changing the sport from the owner’s box

Renee Montgomery not only retired from the WNBA, but additionally stepped up. As co-owner of the Atlanta Dream team, she not only initiates actions – she initiates decisions that affect the complete league.

This move isn’t only historic; it’s revolutionary. Montgomery’s transition from player to owner is like going from reading a book to writing it. She’s not only in the sport; it changes how it’s played, who can play it, and who advantages from it.

Let’s not beat across the bush – the road to entrepreneurial success is steep, especially for black women. The ProjectDiane 2022 report exposed the ugly truth: Black women founders received a paltry 0.27% of total enterprise capital investment in 2018-2019. It’s like running a marathon in cement shoes.

But that is where athletes shine – they are used to defying adversity. Take Candace Parker. Not only did she collaborate with Adidas; she signed a contract for her own signature line, and to top it off she even became president Adidas women’s basketball. In a world where female athletes in statement shoes are as rare as unicorns, Parker doesn’t just play the sport – she modifies the consequence.

There can be Nneka Ogwumike – WNBA star, Adidas athlete and trade union president. He’s not only fighting for higher pay on the court, he’s fighting for equality within the boardroom and leading the best way within the media. Her moves are a masterclass in harnessing athletic prowess for long-lasting results.

It’s not nearly individual success stories. It’s about making a plan for the following generation. Young athletes watching these women don’t just dream of gold medals – they imagine constructing an empire.

Ripple effect

When these athletes-turned-entrepreneurs make waves, they do not just disrupt industries, they transform them. They prove that skills honed over years of sports discipline – resilience, strategic considering, teamwork – are invaluable within the business world.

Their success isn’t just personal; it is common. By breaking into spaces traditionally closed to them, they open doors for others to follow. They don’t just construct firms; they create a legacy that can outlast any sporting record.

The impact of those women goes far beyond balance sheets and financial results. They change narratives, challenge stereotypes and redefine leadership. In this fashion, they not only change the foundations of the sport – they create a very recent field of activity.

As we glance to the long run, one thing is evident: the following generation of game changers won’t just appear on our screens and stadiums. They will serve on our boards, lead progressive firms and spearhead social change. They can even have the chance to thank the pioneers, athletes-turned-entrepreneurs, for showing them that the trail to victory doesn’t end after they leave the court – it is just just starting.