Nashville, TENN – The 4th annual Black Entrepreneurship Week kicked off Monday evening off with Conscious Conversation: The Healthy Entrepreneur, a discussion on the concept of health and business ownership. Presented by Conscious Conversation, a group focused on galvanizing the general public around issues of community and economic development in metropolitan communities, the event consisted of local entrepreneurs and medical professionals that focused on various aspects of health on a daily basis.
Black Entrepreneurship Week is a program of The Hub for Urban Entrepreneurship (HUE), a Nashville, TN 501(c)3 nonprofit that promotes minority business growth. Each year during Global Entrepreneurship Week, HUE and the Nashville Business Incubation Center work with local organizations and business owners to celebrate Black Entrepreneurship in Nashville.
The event took place at 80/20 Fitness, a health and fitness company located in East Nashville. Along with a panel discussion were Nashville based vendors and healthy food options to sample.
Local business owners were invited to learn how living a healthy lifestyle can help not only them but also their business. The event began with opening remarks by Kevin and Jade Bazile, the co-founders of 80/20 Fitness. Jarrett Strickland, Wealth Planning Associate for UBS, took questions from the audience, while Isaac Addae, Assistant Professor, College of Business, Tennessee State University moderated questions to the panel of entrepreneurs.
Running a business poses many challenges and requires a great deal of time and energy. Because of this, many entrepreneurs find it hard to prioritize their health and maintain a balanced lifestyle. “We are well aware of the health disparities faced by people of color, in addition to the health impacts that are associated with entrepreneurship,” explained Addae.
Panelists included:
Marcus Whitney – Serial Entrepreneur (Briovation, Health:Further, Jumpstart Foundry, Nashville Soccer Club)
Tonya Lewis – Co-founder of NuSachi, Owner of The Post East cafe
Ashley Brooke James – Co-owner of TRILUNA Wellness + Events
Events such as Conscious Conversation: The Healthy Entrepreneur continue to bring the Black Business community together to learn from one another. “This discussion was a very informative and engaging discussion with the community on an issue of critical importance to business owners,” said Addae. “Tonight’s event provided entrepreneurs with resources to better maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure long term success in business.”
In November 2016, HUE launched the inaugural Black Entrepreneurship Week, consisting of events that highlight Black businesses in urban communities. HUE ‘s goal is to bring recognition to the efforts of urban entrepreneurs and seeks to leverage partnerships in local communities. To learn more or to register for upcoming events visit: www.blackentrepreneurshipweek.com.
