Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher.
Purpose of the Interview
- To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
- To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.
- To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways
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About Black Ambition
- Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
- Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.
- Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.
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Competition Structure
- Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications.
- Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice.
- Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies.
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Unique Approach
- Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance.
- Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.
- Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.
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Challenges for Entrepreneurs
- Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.
- Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts.
- Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.
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Pharrell’s Motivation
- Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
- Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.
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Felecia Hatcher’s Journey
- Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.
- Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.”
- Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.
Notable Quotes
- “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners.
- “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle.
- “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence.
- “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth.
- “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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