We recently chatted with Renata Black, the founder of Empowered By You, for our Member Spotlight series.
This member of New York City’s WeWork 175 Varick St is first and foremost a philanthropist through her commitment to eliminate poverty in the world. When she was spearheading a microfinance program in India, she discovered her passion for helping women start their own businesses. Black started her own lingerie company with a simple mission – to enable underprivileged female entrepreneurs by selling an everyday panty. With her focus to make a positive impact and her fearless mindset, Black is one inspiring social entrepreneur.
Here’s what she shared:
I got inspired to start my business after a trip to India. While I was spearheading my first microfinance program in that country, I developed a deep understanding of the respect sari-covered women held for something as intimate as their lingerie. With this newfound appreciation, I returned to the U.S. with a mission to reposition lingerie as a tool of empowerment as opposed to one of seduction. I knew I wanted to help women through microfinance, but I didn’t want to depend on donations.
Our tagline at my company is: “Whatever empowers you, empowers women everywhere.” I always teach my women to create sustainability in their lives by creating their own business and not depend on handouts. One of the best things about Empower By You is that 20 percent of our net profits go to fuel the empowerment of women through microfinance.
My aunt and uncle adopted me when I was one and brought me to the U.S. from Colombia. When I was 15, I moved to Colombia to discover my roots, and I discovered that a large portion of the population lived in extreme poverty. It seemed clear to me that this could have been my life and that I was given my first break as a child. I made a commitment then to give a “first break” to as many women as possible.
One female entrepreneur who inspires me is a woman named Chitra in India. With a $50 loan, she started her own business. Her husband died of cancer and his sculpting business had died with him. She had to bury her husband, learn how to sculpt, revive the business, and raise her two children. This is all while the male sculptors would harass her for doing a man’s job. Every time I would visit Chitra, she would always wear the biggest smile and tell me, “You can’t take yourself so seriously.” Women like her are always my daily inspiration and heroes.
The thought of giving up has crossed my mind. One of my hardest moments was when the stress of my divorce was at an all-time high and my investor was also threatening to pull out. I remember sitting on my couch and thinking, “Oh my God, I’ve dedicated everything to help women with microfinance for ten years, and I’m about to lose it all.” Failure is not an option for me, so I got up the next day, and I just hit the pavement harder. I now look at challenges and say, “Bring it.”
Entrepreneurs can get stressed out, but I surround myself with people who are in it for the vision. I’ll also work out like I am trying to create electricity with my elliptical and eat at least one chocolate chip cookie every day.