How A Passion Project Grew Into A Platform For Black Voices
In my first solo episode, I’m sitting down to share the story I probably should’ve started the podcast with when I first launched; why this platform exists and what it means for our community.
What The Kickback Is Today
The Kickback platform has grown into three core components that support Black entrepreneurs and celebrate our community:
The Newsletter – A monthly curated publication opening with affirmations and packed with stories about Black-owned businesses, brands to shop, and important resources for the community.
The Podcast – Interview-driven episodes featuring Black entrepreneurs that go beyond the headlines to share the real stories behind Black-owned brands and businesses.
Community Events – In-person gatherings throughout the year that support nonprofits in Maryland and bring our community together.
How We Got Here
Three years ago, I didn't have a plan to start any of this. I was in LA pursuing a styling career, working my nine-to-five while building my fashion portfolio. Then COVID hit, and I felt God redirecting my path. I moved back to Maryland without a clear next step; unusual for someone as Type A as me.
After a year of focusing solely on work, a friend's newsletter project sparked an idea. I had maintained an email list from my styling days and realized I could transform it into something meaningful. I started sharing articles from sources like Because Of Them We Can, Black Enterprise, and Afro Tech, introducing subscribers to businesses, brands, and stories they needed to know.
The newsletter evolved, and soon I realized The Kickback didn't have to stop there. I added community events, then the podcast emerged as a way to dive deeper into the stories behind the brands we see online.
Why This Matters Now
We're living in what the National Urban League has called a state of emergency. Our civil rights and economic mobility are under attack. That's why platforms like The Kickback aren't just content, they're essential safe spaces.
This platform exists to:
Celebrate who we are through affirmations and storytelling
Support economic progress by highlighting Black-owned brands
Build community when we need it most
Keep us informed about resources and opportunities
How to Support Black-Owned Businesses Through The Kickback
Here's something I tell people all the time: whatever you need, from detergent to candles, a Black-owned business has probably made it. The Kickback helps you discover these brands and shift your shopping habits to support Black businesses first.
Through the podcast, listeners have discovered and purchased from brands like JLANI Jewels and Dosso Beauty. Others have taken action on important matters like estate planning after hearing relevant episodes. This is exactly why supporting Black-owned brands and businesses matters; it creates real economic impact in our community.
Community will save us. Community is what we need.
Looking Ahead
As we head into Season 3, I'm excited about the conversations ahead with community-centric guests. I may even throw in more solo episodes to mix things up. I don't know exactly where we're going, but I'm here for the ride.
Thank you for tuning in, for sharing episodes, for leaving reviews on YouTube, and for being part of this community. Whether you've been here from the beginning or just discovered us, I appreciate you.
Let's continue this journey together and build the economic legacy our community deserves.
