The Power of SHE

Local organization delivers event to help women boss up

By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor

“This work that Jackie is doing is heart work, but it’s necessary work,” opening speaker Stefani Morrow said.

She was referring to SheBoss Unlimited Founder and Owner Jackie Robinson who assembled the “A Woman About Her Business Brunch” that excited nearly three dozen attendees at Glow Event Venue in Dallas, Texas on July 27, 2024.

The women in attendance enjoyed a catered meal from Taste by Chef Kevin, however were fed so much more.

“There’s somebody that needs to see what you’re talking about and what you’re doing,” Robinson said as she encouraged women to “stop being scared to disappoint people” and “be okay with being too much.”

It was a time filled with motivating women to embrace their success, yet learn from and help promote others.

The Pink Ceiling: Things Women Do to Hold Them Back panel discussion featured industry leaders Sparkle Mixson, Sonya Irby and Dee Maddox. They talked about their time in corporate America and their transition to being the boss of their own companies.

“I was raised to be an employee, not a founder,” Maddox said.

The panelists expressed the need to change the narrative on opportunity availability with discussions ranging from getting past imposter syndrome to relying on persons you trust to help you grow.

“If you have not assembled a board of directors, get you a board of directors,” Irby said.

The panel encouraged attendees to move forward in their desires, however detailed the importance of a calculated approach.

“Think about shortening the time from ideation to execution,” Mixson said.

They also expressed the art to asking for and the appropriate way to receive feedback.

“Eliminate the fear of receiving feedback,” Maddox said. “Make sure they have expertise and embrace the idea that there’s going to be some change required.”

Many were feverishly taking notes on the information presented and were invited to ask questions as well. The interactivity allowed audience members to hear several desires of the heart, with others in the audience chiming in to assist persons on their business journey.

SheBoss Unlimited Founder Jackie Robinson delighted in celebrating women as well. She presented her inaugural Community Heart Award to Shalonda Waggoner of LatterHouse Decor, an organization that has decorated nearly 100 homes in Dallas for victims of domestic abuse.

Waggoner mentioned statistics of those who return back to the home of their abuser and her organization’s mission to prevent that because “they have a fully furnished home when they move into their new beginning.”

“We want her to dwell with dignity in their new home, “ Waggoner said.

Robinson also shined the spotlight on a woman business owner, recognizing Xaquita Wicks of Layers of Health and Beauty, LLC.

“They say Black don’t crack, but we do crease,” Wicks said, drawing laughter from the audience.

She shared about services her practice provides in beauty and wellness, including skin enhancements. Wicks also mentioned that she started her practice as a 50th birthday gift to herself and emphasized her commitment to caring for others.

“I may not can save the world, but I can save those who trust me to take care of them,” Wicks said.

In addition to speakers, panelists and awards, the brunch event also afforded attendees an opportunity to shop. SheBoss Unlimited merchandise, including t-shirts, candles and room sprays were available for purchase. Additional vendors included Living My Life Like It’s Golden Travel Movement LLC and Girlfriendz Boutique.

The four-hour event was a master class on commitment to helping women achieve their business goals. The Boss Up was real and the examples and networking was plenty. For more information, visit shebossunlimited.com