When I launched Shea.Delight, I imagined sharing beautiful, natural skincare inspired by my roots and my clinical background. What I didn’t expect was how much my face, my age, and my identity would shape every step of this journey—sometimes in ways that are quietly challenging, sometimes in ways that are deeply motivating.
I’m writing this for anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s really like to be a Black woman business owner in Britain today. I’m also writing this for myself, and for every customer who’s ever paused at my stall—curious about the person behind the products.
The Reality No One Prepares You For
It’s true: running a business is never easy. But being visibly Black, a woman, and over fifty brings a different kind of challenge, one that goes beyond late nights and paperwork. It’s about being seen, but not always fully accepted.
Sometimes customers hesitate. Sometimes they ask if I “really” made everything myself. Sometimes I’m met with surprise that a business like this could be led by someone who looks like me.
I know from research and my own conversations that I’m not alone. According to the British Business Bank’s 2020 report, Black entrepreneurs in the UK face more barriers to funding, less support from mainstream channels, and extra scrutiny from both suppliers and customers (British Business Bank, 2020).
The Black Business Network’s 2023 report found that Black business owners—especially women—are underrepresented in shops, markets, and the press, even when their products are of equal or higher quality (Black Business Network, 2023).
What Black Business Owners Really Experience
This isn’t just statistics. Sharmadean Reid, the founder of Beautystack, shared that even with her success, investors saw her as “niche,” not mainstream—pushing her to keep explaining her value (Reid, 2022).
Freddie Harrel, who runs RadSwan, spoke about people questioning her pricing and assuming Black-owned brands are only for Black customers (Vogue Business, 2021).
Even Khalia Ismain, founder of Jamii, has been given less favourable terms by suppliers, compared to non-Black founders (Evening Standard, 2021).
The impact isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. It’s the fatigue of proving yourself again and again. It’s the uncertainty about how much of your story to share. And yet, it’s also the drive to do better, show more, and create change.
Why Are These Barriers Still Here?
Structural racism is part of it: decades of underrepresentation and less generational wealth in Black communities create fewer safety nets and opportunities (ONS, 2020).
Cultural stereotypes matter too. Many people don’t expect Black women to be leading high-end brands—unless it’s “ethnic” or “niche.”
Everyday bias still exists. Sometimes it’s subtle: the extra questions, the doubt. Sometimes it’s more obvious.
What Can Black Women in Business Do?
1. Build Your Own Narrative
Share your story openly and proudly. Don’t wait for others to define your brand. I put my face on my site and my stall. I talk about my clinical background and my love for nature. That story connects with people more deeply than any label.
2. Find and Build Community
Work with other founders, join collectives like Jamii, and connect with groups that truly value diversity. When you stand together, you’re stronger.
3. Document Your Journey
Celebrate wins, no matter how small. Share reviews, testimonials, and awards. Let your work speak for itself and create a track record people can’t ignore.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Burnout is real, especially when you’re carrying extra weight. Prioritise rest and self-care—your business will be stronger for it.
5. Challenge Stereotypes, Quietly and Consistently
Lead by example. Let your excellence, kindness, and authenticity change minds, one customer at a time.
Turning Challenges Into Strengths—My Truth
I can’t control every reaction, but I can choose how I show up.
At Shea.Delight, I bring all of me: my clinical skills, my years of experience, my creative energy, and my pride as a Black British woman.
I turn hesitation into connection by inviting people into my process—letting them see not just my products, but my heart.
I want every customer, especially those who don’t expect to see a Black woman at the helm, to leave with a new understanding of what’s possible. If you’re another business owner reading this, I see you. If you’re a customer, your open mind and support matter more than you know.
Let’s Build the Future Together
This is bigger than me or my brand. When we tell the truth, support each other, and stay visible, we make it easier for the next generation to take up space—without apology, without explanation.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
References
• Black Business Network (2023). The Black Pound Report. Available at: https://www.blackbusinessnetwork.uk/black-pound-report
• British Business Bank (2020). Alone Together: Entrepreneurship and Diversity in the UK. Available at: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/research/alone-together/
• Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2020). Ethnicity pay gaps: 2019. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/articles/ethnicitypaygapsingreatbritain/2019
• Smith, W.A. (2016). ‘Racial Battle Fatigue: The Unspoken Burden of Black Entrepreneurs’. Journal of Business Diversity, 16(1), pp. 8-15.
• Vogue Business (2021). ‘The reality for Black beauty founders in the UK’. Available at: https://www.voguebusiness.com/beauty/the-reality-for-black-beauty-founders-in-the-uk
• Evening Standard (2021). ‘Black founders on breaking into the British business scene’. Available at: https://www.standard.co.uk/business/black-business-founders-uk-b961954.html
• Reid, S. (2022). ‘Beautystack founder on breaking beauty’s glass ceiling’. Available at: https://www.beautystack.com/blog