Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerome Hurt.
Hi Jerome, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After surviving COVID in April 2020 and attending a protest, I knew my days of protesting in the traditional manner were over. I decided that I was going to create a Facebook Group where Black Business Owners could market their products and services to the community. I named it BuyBlack2020. The group exploded and grew to over 170,000 members in 99 countries. Some business owners were able to sustain themselves and their families via our group. I knew I wanted us to be more than just a group; I wanted to assist new business owners start, maintain and grow their business. I wanted to help business owners with marketing to the community. I most importantly wanted to debunk the myth that Black People could not have profitable and thriving businesses.
The entire time I knew we had to do something with the name, so I did the behind-the-scenes work of changing the name. We settled on BuyBlack4Life for dual reasons. One because survival in our communities needs to be about the Black dollar remaining circulating in the Black community. Second, because this change in spending dollars with business owners that look like us needs to be 4Life. In September of 2020, after getting the green light from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, we changed the name and debuted T-Shirts and Hoodies.
I also listened to my community knowing the platform, Facebook and Instagram, was not Blackowned and they could wipe out the group at any time. So, we began working to create and build a BuyBlack4Life App. We did a soft launch in June of 2022, and just last Friday, we went Live in Google Play App Stores and expect to go Live in Apple App Stores any day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. Not in the least. Early on, there were trends we didn’t recognize that were scams. We had to adjust to that. There were Business owners who asked us for advice but were not ok with the feedback we were giving. You see, you cannot shortcut the process of entrepreneurship. We also began doing live content to highlight business owners, provide them with paths to funding, tax advice, etc. It felt like the community ignored what was good for them. It was frustrating, and at times, I wanted to walk away. Each time the feeling entered my mind, an email or a post about appreciation for the things we shared came through. Even if one person or business owner is taking advantage of the tools we share, we have to be okay with that. It’s not easy when what is shared is what the community is asking for and is needed but doesn’t respond. We need to keep pushing through because what we are doing is helping change lives…
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a 33-year Financial Professional. I’ve worked with Emerging Wealth and Wealthy Clients. I’ve taken this experience to teach young boys and girls in underserved communities economic empowerment and financial literacy.
It’s my years as a professional, watching how wealthy clients utilize their wealth to support policies and politicians that seek to keep underserved communities as they are.
I am very proud that I am able to give back to my community in this way. I mentor 45 young men as I also was an AAU Basketball Coach in Charlotte, NC with the Charlotte Storm. As my Young Men have grown into Fathers, Husbands, Parents, Professionals themselves, I remain committed to them as a mentor. I think it is my ability as a former Coach that sets me apart from others. You see, as a Coach, you have to see ten steps ahead. You have to motivate your kids that the hard work no one sees is what’s going to set them apart from their competition. I speak that into every business owner, I talk to that seeks assistance. My favorite question is to ask them; what is your WHY??? When we tap into that, I can learn how to inspire them. Call it a gift from God.
BuyBlack4Life App went live in Apple App Stores April 26. We are very proud of that. I owe an appreciation to those who supported BuyBlack4Life in its creation; Debbie Young, she is my Big Sis and Ride or Die, Michele Moore, Michele Jones, Jessie M Holmes, Jamise The B Coach Porterfield, and my current advisory team Flawless Shaunna who created out Tee Shirts and hoodies, Dr Jackie Nieves De la Paz, Karen Everett, Kelvin Hall, Jacqueline Jackson, Imelba Martinez, Alfred Sloan and Dushawn Hausley. My Wife Cecilia Nelson-Hurt and all of the BUYBLACK4LIFE Community. I love you.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
My advice to anyone just starting out is do not, I repeat, do not expect your family or friends to always support you, unfortunately. There will be strangers that believe in you more than family or friends. Those strangers will support you by sharing your business with their network, talking to others about your product, and referring business to you. Be okay with that. Don’t let it deter you.
Another piece of advice, tap into those who you share your vision with but doubt you. Their reasons for doubt is a roadmap to solutions you may have in building your business. I used the doubt of naysayers to build BuyBlack4Life.
Contact Info:
- Website: BuyBlack4Life.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/buyblack4life?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buyblack4life/?ref=share_group_link
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@buyblack4life110
Image Credits
Dan Oyie
Missy Varlack
Cecilia Nelson-Hurt
Robert and Kyshayna Blyden
