Rising ICON #44: Jhaelynn Elam
photo credit: Darin Kamnetz Photography
What name do you prefer to be called?
Jhaelynn Elam
What are your pronouns?
She/ Her
Where did you grow up?
Dayton, Ohio
What city are you currently based in?
Twin Cities, MN
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Social Innovator and Entrepreneur
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
While I currently work in the social sector and as an entrepreneur, my background is actually in Food Science. I spent a lot of my younger years working in S.T.E.M and participating in S.T.E.M related programs. My background and stem couples with my curious way of thinking is what fuels my love for innovation even now in the social sector.
Who do you help?
My focus is largely on the Black community including Black professionals, entrepreneurs and Women.
What are you building now?
As the founder of The B Suite and Sizije Travel, I am working to build spaces for Black folks to thrive both, professionally and socially. It is my dream to have a number of hubs throughout the midwest that cater specifically to Black professionals in a way that affirms their full identities. We do not have enough spaces for US and often times have to make due with very little – that's both challenging and uncomfortable at times.
What were you building ten years ago today?
10 years ago I was building spaces for Black folks to explore, adventure and immerse themselves in something new. It was very similar to what I am building today but on a smaller scale. Its been really dope to reflect on this and witness the evolution of my purpose and passions in real time.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
10 years from now I will have, along with a team and partners along the way, opened several locations of The B Suite along with a collection of other dope spaces for Black folks that center our culture and serve as a safe space and a source of community connection.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
I feel as though I represent so many industries but I am very much invested in the ecosystem of Black entrepreneurship so I will speak to that space specifically because it's truly my passion.
Number of Black-owned Businesses: As of 2021, there were approximately 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Growth Rate: Black entrepreneurship has been growing steadily over the years. From 2007 to 2017, the number of Black-owned businesses increased by 30.9%, which was more than triple the national growth rate for all businesses.
Revenue and Employment: Despite the growth in numbers, Black-owned businesses tend to have lower revenues and fewer employees compared to non-Black-owned businesses. On average, Black-owned businesses generate less revenue and employ fewer people.
Access to Capital: Black entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing capital. Studies have shown that they are less likely to receive loans or investment funding compared to their non-Black counterparts. This lack of access to capital can hinder the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses.
It is also important to note that the lack of and sustainment of Black-owned businesses contributes significantly to the racial wealth gap in America. We not only need more Black-owend businesses but we need more resources to help them thrive and build wealth.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
If we don't create our own spaces and opportunities, who will? It matters that there are people who notice these gaps and create solutions to close them.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I have several mentors both locally and in various cities but I think the best advice I have been given has been to always be clear on values and to always find value alignment in everything that I do.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
I would say my feature on the 2020 Forbes 1000 list. What entrepreneur doesn't want to be on a Forbes list?
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I would love to be featured by Essence Magazine
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Oprah, Morgan Debaun or Issa Rae
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Passion turned purpose: Maximizing what you are good at to make an impact
What award would mean the most to win?
Definitely an award from the NAACP
What makes zero sense to you?
People and organizations who are not aligned to their values
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
My biggest push is for us to say Black when we mean Black. Not BIPOC or People of Color– Black. I think we should reevaluate the context in which we use these terms and be more thoughtful and intentional.
What game are you changing?
I am bridging the gap between social and professional lives of Black professionals and therefore changing the game for Black community connectedness
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
Please be on the lookout for upcoming events curated by The B Suite. We have some really cool and fun things on the way!
Where can we follow you online?
Llcooljhae
The.bsuiteco
Sizijetravel
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Intentionally aligned the organization's actions and goals with the orgs core values
Being an effective communicator and really good at uncomfortable conversations
Extending grace and remembering that were all humans first
Really getting a good understanding of what your teams passions and strengths are and finding the best fit for them as it relates to company goals
Check out Jhaelynn’s work here:
www.b-suite.co
www.sizijetravel.com
www.mnblackcf.org
www.insisterhoodwebrunch.com
www.mnblackcf.org
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Jhaelynn, for sharing your story!
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“My biggest push is for us to say Black when we mean Black. Not BIPOC or People of Color– Black. I think we should reevaluate the context in which we use these terms and be more thoughtful and intentional. ”
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