Talking about black women motivated me to get better and bigger every day. Not even because the black population has broken through barriers in recent years to inspire people to keep doing what they do, no matter where they are. Although they are in business and the vision of capitalism pervades their behavior, what they do transcends the economic realm and reaches the social realm, transforming the lives of others.

Black women in their 30s are turning to make dreams come true and support families — Photo: Reproduction/Freepik/ND

There are 3 R’s that define the theme: Rethinking. Rethinking and restoration. Curious information about the act of entrepreneurship is that the rate of potential entrepreneurship, consisting of citizens who do not have a business but intend to open a company within three years, increased by 75%, up from 30% in 2019. up to 53% in 2020. This data is part of the 2020 GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) report produced in Brazil through a partnership between Sebrae and IBPQ (Brazilian Institute for Quality and Performance).

This statistic may be the result of a curious reality: the shortage of jobs caused by the coronavirus pandemic may have prompted Brazilians to more seriously consider starting their own business in a given period of time.

The pandemic crisis has forced thousands of people to take action out of necessity, and they are not alone. The survey shows that the participation of relatives and friends who support these entrepreneurs has increased. But also those who faced big, double or triple problems during this period, but not necessarily because of the financial crisis in the family.

Kelly Silva is one of the family-supported black women entrepreneurs (from left to right: son Eduardo, husband Dudu Brazil and twins Isabela and Gustavo) — Photo: Arquivo Personal/ND

Kelly Silva, 43, a mother of three, is one of the black entrepreneurs who are constantly reinventing themselves and embarking on a journey spanning three periods. Administrator and Executive MBA in Health Management, she has been working part-time in a multidisciplinary clinic for 8 years and for 2 years and 4 months she is in a second clinic helping to run the company.

In addition, even before the pandemic, she helped in the family bar, being a cashier or organizing the financial part. A traditional bar in the Coqueiros area, known for its quality samba and MPB. It’s a hit with sambists and in particular I think Kelly has a lot to do with it. As they say, behind a great man there is always a great woman.

To reinforce the saying, Kelly (surprisingly) doesn’t have a maid, she only counts on the cooperation of her kids in some things, and even so, she manages to be physically active and take care of herself as much as possible. How is this possible?

She says, “I love what I do. I enjoy being with people, managing, learning… it encourages me to grow and seek new knowledge.” It is very proud to talk about women like her and say that the struggle is huge and daily, but it is possible.

Eduarda Mendes, 29, has also changed her social circle. Photo: Arquivo Personal/ND

Eduarda Mendez, 29, an assistant class teacher at the Florianopolis Municipal Network, has also changed her social circle. He has always enjoyed manual labor. She started making jewelry for herself and attracted the attention of her friends.

He recently decided to take on the challenge and set up a semi-jewellery micro-enterprise with exclusive and personalized Italian lacquer bath handicrafts. Combining good taste and the will to be creative, today he has a second profession, which turned out to be successful.

In addition to the brand’s Instagram, the businesswoman herself can see the works on her social networks or personally at the rehearsals of the Dascuia da Capital samba school, where she has been Queen of Drums for 2 years now. 29 years of creativity of this born entrepreneur!

Now back to the numbers. Afro-entrepreneurship is present in the Brazilian economy and remains strong only because companies understand that in order to succeed, they need to support each other. This scenario is visible, especially in the business of black women, since there is an Afrocentric female root in the history of Brazilian entrepreneurship.

Going back in time, this root is born from the need for survival, freedom and response to slavery and violence. While the incentive is small and we have difficulty accessing credit, it is important to highlight what I have already mentioned here. This niche market moves 1.7 trillion reais a year in Brazil, which corresponds to 24% of GDP.

In this scenario, I know incredible stories that only give me more strength. In all humility, it is all too good to know that we have people and that we have managed to break the mark of prejudice, loneliness and lack of a support network. Yes, because a black woman feels like a woman, a black woman, and a black woman, there is often no one around to stay with her children so she can go to work. I am grateful that stories like yours keep me going. And much more to come. Congratulations!