A Black, Indigenous, Women of Color Entrepreneur Community that Vibrates Higher, Together.
Sometimes the most transformative thing you can do is Just BE.
We are a community of Black, Indigenous, Women of Color Entrepreneurs (BIWOC) on a journey toward healing, restoration, and shared prosperity. Just BE centers the needs, well-being, and brilliance of BIWOC, co-creating purposeful opportunities for learning, collaboration, and play.
[Our Membership]
It Really Just BE Like That.
Cultivate abundance, joy, and collective wealth with the support of a symbiotic community.
As a member, you can access:
Monthly Business & Wellness Support Circles
Black Women Therapy Circle
Play Days & Retreats
Resilience & Capacity Resources
For the Culture Market Vendor Access
(coming soon)
Nurture your spirit.
[Sustainability]
As BIWOC entrepreneurs, we know what it’s like to work ourselves ragged and put self-care second. And when business slows down, it can feel like we don’t have the support, resources, or community to pivot and overcome business plateaus – all while navigating an extractive, capitalistic economy that doesn’t work for us.
That’s why our Sustainability Framework guides everything we do →
01.
Community
Through COMMUNITY, we forge meaningful connections and build a kinship of support and collaboration.
02.
Spirit
We honor our entrepreneurial journey as an intergenerational one; rooted in the SPIRIT of our communities determining for ourselves how we want to live. We understand that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.
03.
Healing
By embodying our life-long care for self and each other, we disrupt trauma cycles, HEALING into our individual and collective power.
04.
Shared Prosperity
And, by employing the cooperative models of our ancestors - that focus on people, community, and the planet - we can build sustainable businesses that work towards SHARED PROSPERITY.
$250k+
In capital generated for BIWOC Entrepreneurs by Just BE since 2016
17%
of Black women are starting or running new businesses
(compared to 10% of white women, and 15% of white men)*
2.7
Million Black Women-owned businesses in the United States
2,800+
BIWOC Entrepreneurs served by Just BE since 2016
256
new BIWOC-owned businesses are formed daily!
*Sources: Forbes, Deeply Rooted, JP Morgan Report.
[ Meet the Executive Director ]
Hope Henson-Lehman
Hey, community!
Thank you for being here. I’m Hope.
I am a healer, solidarity economist, and black feminist creative with 13+ years of experience in economic justice work through workforce, leadership, technology, finance, and business development.
As a second-generation Black Women Entrepreneur, I’m passionate about building collective economies and community wealth models rooted in healing that holistically resource and sustain BIWOC Entrepreneurs, their families, and communities for years to come.
[Our Partner Ecosystem]
Partners and Sponsors Who Have Contributed to Our Success
[For the Culture Market]
For the Culture Market celebrates BIWOC makers, artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs by providing a thriving online platform to showcase their work and grow their businesses.
For the Culture is specifically curated to meet the needs of BIWOC Entrepreneurs and attract shoppers dedicated to buying Black, WOC, and local.
Every year since 2016, BIWOC have (on average) doubled their revenue by participating in For the Culture Market!
Just BE Membership is not required to join as a vendor. We welcome creatives of all experience levels, from established professionals to up-and-coming artists.
[Just BE & For The Culture]
Featured In
Community
Blessings
My experience with Just BE has been really rewarding as a community member and former vendor of the 2019 For the Culture Holiday Market. Just BE creates magical experiences for Black Women entrepreneurs rooted in a strong sense of community care. I wish every business community could have this energy. I feel seen in Just BE spaces - that are powerful in their centering Black women liberation and healing.
Latisha Baker
OWNER, LATISHA BAKER ARTWORKS[Featured Events]
COBIZY Women
A free coworking day celebrating Black, Indigenous, Women & Gender Expansive entrepreneurs of color for Women’s History Month
Thursday, March 21st, 9 am - 5 pm
Hosted by Just BE x COBIZ
The Kindred Connection
A monthly third space for Black, Indigenous, Women, and Gender Expansive entrepreneurs of color to build community + support outside of home and work
Next gathering > 2/29
Hosted by Just BE x Donaji 
Just BE Monthly Meditation Circles
A community meditation space uniquely curated to meet the needs of Black Women entrepreneurs. Add us to your morning routine!
Hosted by Just BE x Akili Well