The Rise of Black Women Entrepreneurs in the PR & Communications Industry — A Year Two Reflection

A Surge in Black Women-Owned Businesses

Black women are rapidly becoming a driving force in entrepreneurship across the United States—especially within the public relations and communications industry. According to The Wall Street Journal, Black women are starting businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic in the country. With a 13% increase in Black women-owned businesses since 2025, this growth signals a major shift toward ownership, innovation, and long-term career independence.

But beyond the data, there’s something deeper happening—something you feel when you’re in it.

From Corporate Roles to Entrepreneurship

This rise is closely tied to the experiences many Black women face in corporate environments. Limited advancement opportunities and a lack of support in traditional roles—particularly in communications—have led many professionals to explore entrepreneurship. Many are taking the skills they’ve developed in PR, media, and brand strategy and building something of their own.

That decision—to step away from what’s “secure” and into what’s possible—isn’t always easy. But it’s becoming more common.

Growth in PR and Communications Businesses

As a result, the PR and communications space is seeing a steady increase in Black women-owned agencies and consultancies. Storytelling, media relations, brand strategy, and audience engagement are no longer just job functions—they’re the foundation for building impactful, sustainable businesses.

And for many of us, those skills don’t just translate—they evolve.

Shifting Mindsets Around Career Stability

For years, the narrative was clear: pursue higher education, secure a stable job, and minimize risk. Entrepreneurship often felt like the outlier.

Now, that mindset is shifting.

More Black women are redefining what stability looks like—realizing that fulfillment, ownership, and impact can coexist with financial success. That building something of your own isn’t just a risk—it’s an opportunity.

The BrandNEWS Story: Year One vs. Year Two

This shift is exemplified through my journey building BrandNEWS.

Year one? That was the honeymoon stage. Everything felt new, exciting, and full of possibility.

Year two said, “hold my beer.”

This is where the real work began.

Year two brought growth—but it also brought challenges. I’ve lost clients. I’ve gained clients. I’ve had moments where everything felt aligned, and moments where self-doubt quietly crept in.

But there have also been full-circle moments I couldn’t have imagined—like being featured in publications that I once worked behind the scenes to secure for other brands. That shift—from pitching stories to becoming part of them—has been both humbling and surreal.

The Power of Community and Relationships

One thing that has remained constant throughout this journey is the power of people.

My network. My friends. My family.

The ones who have supported me, encouraged me, and said my name in rooms I wasn’t even in.

And then there are the people I’ve met along the way—other founders, creatives, and builders—who understand this journey in a way that only comes from living it. We’ve shared “war stories,” lessons, wins, and everything in between.

That community has been just as valuable as any business milestone.

Passion, Even on the Hard Days

If I’m being honest, self-doubt doesn’t just disappear in year two. It shows up in new ways.

But one thing has remained consistent: my passion for storytelling.

That’s the anchor.

No matter how challenging things get, I still believe in the power of a well-told story. I still believe in helping brands find their voice, connect with their audience, and show up with intention.

And that’s what continues to drive me forward.

Reshaping the PR Industry

This journey isn’t just mine—it reflects a broader movement among Black women in PR and communications.

We’re no longer waiting for opportunities. We’re creating them.

We’re building platforms, amplifying diverse voices, and reshaping the industry from within—on our own terms.

Celebrating Growth and What’s Ahead

As BrandNEWS enters year two, this milestone represents more than longevity.

It represents resilience. Growth. Community. And a continued commitment to doing meaningful, impactful work.

The honeymoon phase may be over—but the vision is clearer than ever.

Work With BrandNEWS

BrandNEWS is built on the belief that strong storytelling and strategic communications can transform how brands show up in the world.

If your business is ready to stand out in an oversaturated market and connect with your audience in a meaningful way, let’s build something impactful—together.