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If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve probably wondered what it would be like to go into business with a friend. After all, how hard can it be to join forces to run a profitable business, rather than communicating on your own?
Indeed, entrepreneurship with a friend can be a rewarding experience, and two Queen City entrepreneurs are a great example of that.
In the year In 2020, after six years of dating, Brandi Neloms and Demetra Harris launched Sipping Black, a Black-owned community of drink lovers committed to elevating Blackness one cork, one sip, and one sip at a time.
I recently asked the two to share their personal perspective on their journey as friends and business partners.
Q: How did you formalize your business arrangement?
DemeterAt first I wanted it to be 50/50 ownership, but Brandy wasn’t having it. She felt this was my view and it wouldn’t be fair to have equal ownership as a founder. We decided to move forward with an LLC and a 60/40 ownership split – myself 60% and Brandi 40%.
BrandyWe have decided to outline the ownership structure in our employment agreements. While I was on board with the first Sipping Black alone, it was important for me to show obedience to the vision given to Demeter. We wouldn’t be here without her sharing her vision and mobilizing the network to implement that vision.
Q: How often do you meet regularly to review business metrics and strategic strategies to ensure you stay on track within the business and with each other?
DemeterWe normally meet every two weeks, but with so much progress, we are now moving it to weekly. This does not include our constant communication about everyday events or activities.
Brandy: We discuss current activities, key performance indicators and long-term strategy. At least once a quarter we engage in strategic planning and goal setting. We use a variety of devices and apps to keep us connected, organized, and informed, which is important because we both juggle full-time jobs, family commitments, and other businesses. Demeter and I respect and trust each other, so we don’t want super frequent check-ins. We keep our to-do lists in check and know what we do within the community of Sipping Black Only and the brand owners and consumers we serve.
Q: How do you ensure that when a conflict arises, whether on the business or personal side, that conflict does not bleed into all aspects of your relationship?
Demeter: When a dispute arises in business, it is brought to the front in a methodical way. We shared our ideas through texts, virtual meetings and in person. If I don’t understand something, before I agree, I ask more questions about Brandi’s perspective on the matter. Being as close as we are allows us to be friendly and strict at the same time. Respect is very important, and this is how we manage our business and personal relationships.
BrandyLove and clarity. We sincerely love to be honest when something doesn’t sit right. And even if a message or question is expressed with that trademark black-girl sah, it’s delivered with love. We make a point to be clear about our personal priorities and bandwidth. We suggest when we need help and when tasks need to be changed. We also focus on the mission. There are so many people who find black sipping to help us not push ourselves into conflict, discomfort, and frustration. These feelings are temporary. The change we are trying to make will be permanent.
Q: What is the most challenging part of owning a business with a partner, and how do you overcome that challenge?
Demeter: The most difficult aspect is to balance friendship and business in conversation. When we first started, I realized that I turned 90% of my conversations into business. I had to change that because I didn’t want it to be a major part of our relationship. We will now begin our regular business meetings with personal updates. We’re a hands-on family, so it’s important to check things outside of business.
BrandyThe most challenging part is the elimination. Ha! Sometimes I don’t want to hang out with my homegirl and talk about the business. That’s impossible because we’re both burned out by what we do. We’re also in the liquor business, so even in social settings, at restaurants, we ask them which black-owned spirits brands they carry. We are obsessed with that topic. Ha! More seriously, the most challenging part is respecting boundaries. In everything we do independently, we need to be sure to set boundaries and respect them.
Q: What do you like most about being in business with a friend?
Demeter: What I like the most is that I don’t have to beat around the bush when I’m talking to her, which leaves her free to do it. It’s good to hang out with a friend while fulfilling your goals and needs at the same time. We don’t just go and visit for fun. We experience the life of running a business together, which includes some of the same activities and more.
BrandyI love learning more about my friend Demeter. I love seeing how her mind works and seeing her flourish in the work we do. I think back to the call I got from her in 2020 to talk about this business idea, and I think about all the things we’ve accomplished since then, and it’s so exciting. I’m not just a co-owner. I am also a major cheerleader. I love watching my friend grow and being a part of that journey.
Q: What are your future plans for drinking only black?
DemeterBlack brewing alone has a lot in store, so stay tuned for more #SipBlack users where consumers can sip and learn about Black-owned beverages. There will also be more tours of black-owned wineries and food factories, and we’ll be attending more local food and beverage industry events. Our collection of teas is definitely something everyone can look forward to adding to their daily routine this fall, so please check out our website to find out more about which tea is best for you.
Brandy: We continue to build our community of black-owned brew enthusiasts in Charlotte and beyond. We host events that expose people to the many beverage brands created by black innovators. I’m excited that we recently launched the #SipBlack Challenge to encourage consumers to take action to increase awareness and sales for Black-owned beverage brands. We have opened nominations for the inaugural #SipBlack Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant. From where we stand, 2023 looks great!
Let’s talk about it!
How motivated are you to see how personal friends can come together to execute an entrepreneurial vision with passion, purpose and commitment to service and success?
Does this make you think about starting and growing a business with a friend or acquaintance? It has unique challenges, but as Brandi and Demetra show us, it can be a fun and fulfilling adventure.
Be sure to visit their website at SipBlackOnly.com and shop apparel, beverages and specialty teas and catch up more from these two inspiring Queen City entrepreneurs.
what do you think?
Send your questions and comments to donnamaria@qcitymetro.com.
I would love to hear from you!
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