Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Byrd.
Hi Brandy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
DFWBOR was initially started during a major time out of, unfortunately, many injustices against the African American community. Specifically during the George Floyd protests. With all the mayhem happening in the world, what tends to bring people together besides music, food. Randomly a group of friends wanted to find where we could go to support black-owned restaurants etc., and circulate money back into the black community. So DFW Black Owned Restaurants was created and exploded like rapid wildfires. This also started a movement of #dfwbor, and can’t forget a lot of imitators and duplication.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
NO! lol, It has not been a smooth road. But honestly, what worth having really is. There has been a lot of ups and more downs than most may or will ever know. Not only due to COVID, which has impacted everyone in some way or another but also personally to now the inflation. Some main struggles have been being able to build sufficient capital to truly expand beyond just social media and to also do some other community-based things I would really like to do. I’m just hoping that we can expand and build more momentum to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In a nutshell, I assist with advertising/promoting black-owned restaurants, food trucks, chefs/caterers, bakers, and some home-based. Late last year, I added advertising and promotion of black-owned bars, lounges, and events. We started as a Facebook group; DFWBOR is one of the fastest growing noncelebrity or big corporation-related groups in the DFW area. We started a movement and #dfwbor. Although it is geared towards patronizing black-owned, we do NOT discriminate. We are open to ALL who want to join the group and patronize black-owned. As a matter of fact, we have members from all over the world. As well as some from other states that have reached out wanting help to launch something similar to DFWBOR in their own state. I’m very proud of the major impact that we had in such a short period of time. From being told that due to what started as just a Facebook group that we caused a major positive economic impact in the DFW area. Which sold out and (due to selling out) shut down many black-owned brick and mortars and food trucks. Chefs, caterers, and bakers were overwhelmingly booked and busy. By the way, there are some amazingly talented black-owned bakers and chefs; their work and services are bananas! Seeing the videos of lines out the door. The signage posted by various restaurants that they had to close early because they sold out. The news articles and interviews. I was so proud when some of the owners would come to me personally and tell me how DFWBOR saved their business. Or some were able to expand. That is such an amazing feeling; to know that my group (business) is a part of that! It was also shocking when people would see me out and recognize me and tell me how they’re a member of the group and a fan! I’m like, oh wow! This is wild! I’m simply in awe most times. Also, how thankful they were to know about so many black-owned restaurants etc in the area. If I must say, it was very surprising for me as well.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Being a small business owner is not easy. There’s so much information online it can be a bit overwhelming but still do your research. There will be a lot of sleepless nights. Make sure ALL business documents and financials are in order. If you have a team please delegate, and make sure you have a strong team. Meaning once you have delegated, everyone is truly doing their part and can assist in other areas if need be. Remember, you’re only as strong as your team. Try to get at least one good reputable, and honest business mentor. You may encounter some shrewd people that will try to take advantage of you. Know that everyone you meet is not always against you but not necessarily for you. One thing I always say when it comes to not just DFWBOR but myself, in general, is that I lead with integrity. At least, I do my best to do so. Be resilient. If the fire and passion for it is in you, keep pushing, keep striving! It is true that all it takes is that one, YES!!! Last but not least, remember to Breathe! Keep breathing!
Contact Info:
- Website: dfwbors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfwbor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/273683103834282/?ref=share
- Other: https://beacons.ai/dfwbor/
