The beautiful thing about hustle is that you never really know where it might lead you. It can start as a spark of curiosity or a small passion project and grow into something life-changing. The journey often takes unexpected turns, leading to milestones you could never have imagined.
But hustle requires belief—in the process and in yourself. Without it, you risk falling off the ladder before you even realize how high you can climb.
Take our Woman of the Week, Kathryn Finney...
Kathryn Finney:
What started as a hobby in 2003 —blogging about fashion—soon turned into something far greater. Initially just for fun, her blog The Budget Fashionista quickly grew into a thriving media company within a year. Kathryn didn’t stop there.
She became a trailblazer, achieving a series of firsts:
- The first blogger invited to New York Fashion Week
- The first blogger to appear on The Today Show
- One of the first bloggers to land a major book deal
- Ultimately, she was one of the first Black women to sell her media company for a profit
You’d think that’s the pinnacle, right? Not for Kathryn.
In the wake of the 2020 protests and a growing push to support Black-owned businesses, Kathryn set her sights on even bigger dreams. She launched a Venture Capital firm dedicated to helping Black entrepreneurs, raising $5 million in funds before its official launch. She also founded the Doonie Fund, supporting Black women-owned businesses navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
Kathryn’s commitment to empowering Black women didn’t stop there. She founded Digitalundivided (DID), a community that provides Black women in tech with the guidance, support, and connections they need to succeed. DID’s BIG Innovation Center offers an incubation program for Black female tech founders, solidifying Kathryn’s legacy as a changemaker.
Today, Kathryn is a Wall Street bestselling author, keynote speaker, and well-respected investor.
My Takeaway: Kathryn's journey demonstrates the power of starting small, staying persistent, and embracing opportunities to evolve. She turned her personal passion into a thriving business and continuously sought ways to uplift others. Through her journey, she shows that hustle can lead to personal success. It can also create impact and opportunities for others.
Question for you:
What step can you take today to turn your passion into value?
Book of the Week
If you are reading this then I am guessing you are not a white guy. This week’s must-read reminds us that we can break through the world’s limitations. "Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business If You're Not a Rich White Guy by Kathryn Finney" combines practical lessons with personal stories, inspiring readers to chase their dreams—no matter how impossible they may seem.
Video of the week
In the spirit of action and empowerment, check out Brittany Packnett Cunningham’s inspiring talk, How to Build Your Confidence… and Spark It in Others. As Brittany says, “Confidence is the difference between being inspired and actually getting started.” In a world that often hesitates to give Black women permission to exist, let alone succeed, confidence becomes a lifeline. Her words will encourage you to trust yourself and your journey.
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Affirmation of the Week
As you begin your week, remind yourself every day, that:
"I choose to trust the process and embrace the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, everything is possible."
Monetize Your Passion with Ease
Have a great week ahead!
Natalia.
Xo
Women In Digital Business (WIDB) is committed to empowering Black women in the digital space, offering the tools and training necessary to break through barriers. Whether you’re creating content, building digital products, or navigating the world of business, our mission is to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. Through coaching, training, and a strong community, we help Black female entrepreneurs navigate both mindset and technical challenges, enabling them to achieve the success they deserve. Join Our Community Today
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