Studio 189: Sustainable Fashion in Africa with Abrima Erwiah & Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson on Building an Authentic Brand & Empowering Black Women in Business
Table of Contents
(Image of Studio 189 basket: https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2023/04/04/Studio18962986810a6130762986810a6347.1600337662986810a6347_9d08a964-1e14-47f3-9b34-99319788be17.jpeg)
Studio 189: A Brand Rooted in purpose
Looking for a lovely, ethically-made piece that also supports a powerful mission? Look no further than Studio 189. This stunning brand, featured in EBONY, offers handcrafted goods like this elegant Hand-Woven Market Shopping Basket (Price: $95). But Studio 189 is more than just a purveyor of beautiful objects; it’s a testament to the power of authentic branding and a commitment to social impact.
Behind the brand is Rosario Dawson, actress, activist, and entrepreneur. She’s not just a face; she’s deeply involved in the vision and execution of Studio 189, and her insights into building a successful and meaningful business are invaluable, especially for aspiring Black women entrepreneurs.
rosario Dawson’s Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs
Rosario Dawson’s journey is a powerful example of staying true to your values while building a thriving business. She emphasizes that entrepreneurship isn’t a race, but a journey, and offers a wealth of wisdom for Black women looking to make their mark. Let’s dive into her key pieces of advice.
Embrace the journey, Not Just the Destination
Rosario’s favorite quote, “the journey is the destination,” is a powerful reminder to savor the process. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing goals and milestones, but it’s crucial to be present and appreciate the lessons learned along the way. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, and recognizing the value in each experience will help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories.
Authenticity is Your Superpower
In a world saturated with trends, authenticity is what sets you apart. Rosario stresses the importance of building a brand that genuinely reflects your values. Don’t chase what’s popular; instead, dig deep and identify what truly matters to you. What problem are you solving? What impact do you want to make? Let those answers guide your brand’s identity. And, crucially, avoid simply copying others. Innovation and originality are key.
Build for the Long Term
Quick wins are tempting, but Rosario cautions against focusing solely on short-term gains. Instead, she encourages building a brand and creating products that you’ll be proud of for decades to come. Think about legacy. What do you want your business to stand for in 50 years? This long-term outlook will inform your decisions and help you create something truly lasting.
Prioritize Craft & Continuous Learning
Don’t rush the process of perfecting your craft. Take the time to learn your industry inside and out,and continuously seek opportunities to improve your skills. This applies not only to the product or service you offer but also to the business side of things – finance, marketing, operations, and so on.Never stop learning!
Put People First: Customers, Team & Employees
Your success isn’t just about profits; it’s about the people you impact. Rosario emphasizes the importance of putting your customers, team, and employees at the heart of everything you do. Treat them with respect, listen to their feedback, and create a positive and supportive environment.A happy team leads to happy customers, and that’s