Image courtesy of GirlGang.
A few months ago, I was at a pop-up shop in West Elm (Ponce City Market in Atlanta) for a designer friend of mine, Rochelle Porter, a lovely Atlanta-based designer originally from New York. That day, several friends basically camped out and circulated the West Elm corridor to support Rochelle. Among those who came out was a team of two, who planted themselves there most of the day, taking Instax Pics the entire time for the purpose of documenting the day in a special book to encourage and uplift Rochelle through the harder times of owning a business. This was so unique to me, I had to know more. As I introduced myself and inquired further, I found that Nikki Porcher was the owner of a networking non-profit called, Buy from a Black Woman.
After having committed eight years of her life to the Air Force, Nikki began working at a non-profit for disadvantaged youth. Knowing nothing of non-profits and having no degree at the time, she did secretarial work. As time went on, she realized how she affected the children and wanted to learn more. Soon she realized she needed to go back to school. As an adult learner with a young child and a job, this proved to be quite the feat for Nikki, though she was more driven than ever. She knew she would not be able to do the four-year degree, so she compacted it into two years, taking as many as 7 classes at a time to gain her degree.
“There were some days when I had four classes, trying to do it all. I truly believe that the things you are given…you can handle it at that time in your life.”
Photo of Nikki Porcher, taken by Christine Burney.
The idea of Buy from a Black Woman came on happenstance one day after missing a flight to a race (she’s a runnner, ladies and gentlemen). She knew something was in the air; so she decided to sit still and wait to see what she was about to find. She and her boyfriend decided to go out; along the way, they serendipitously encountered a bazaar, full of beautiful hand-crafted items. Not surprisingly, everything was overpriced ($400 for a pillow) and although they were nice, the wares lacked culture and individuality. She disappointedly reflected, while realising there were only white vendors; yet she knew so many women who could make the same type of things, that would be filled with life, personality – and not to mention, affordable. So, she determined from that day forward to get more black women business owners out there. Hence, the creation of BFABW.
“I was put on this earth to help people. I was given these gifts and talents and skills to help people.”
Relatively new, BFABW started in winter 2015. The nonprofit seeks to support all black women business owners in the region, and eventually more nationally. The site hosts an extensive directory for black woman business owners, a couple of opportunity scholarships for black business women over 25. “I created the Idella Scholarship as a way to help women who aren’t able to afford to go back to school and get formally trained because “life” gets in the way. It is designed to help older women over the age of 25. Those who have to worry about rent, daycare, and other things and paying for a class is the last thing on their mind.” She also hosts events that grow the knowledge and skills of business owners, such as How to Develop a Business Plan, etc.
Currently, Nikki is teaching art at Towers High School in Dekalb County, and has extended an open invitation to any who would like to come speak to her classes. We are currently in the works of developing a type of mentorship, speaking program. Contact scad@hercampus.com for more information on volunteer opportunities.
Lastly, she wanted to share some words of encouragement to the black young ladies at SCAD:
“Don’t ever doubt how great you are. You are capable of all the things your heart desires and so much more. You got this. You are doing great. Keep going.”
For more information on scholarship opportunities, networking and business-skill building, check out the website for Buy from a Black Woman.