What’s The Biz is a Love Letter to Dayton Black Businesses for The Culture
Never in my 26 years on this here ghetto Earth would I have thought that we as a culture would be celebrating Juneteenth (our ancestors original emancipation holiday) as a turn up celebration that’s widespread, but here we are and I love it.
In the spirit of celebrating Black resilience, pain, struggle, culture and unhinged Black joy, we also have to talk about one of the many multifaceted keys to liberation of Black folks-and that’s the creation, education, sustainment and support of Black business.
Black women are the fastest growing group of business owners (Latinos are up there with us) despite facing severe systemic obstacles like racism, sexism and the inability to secure connected business mentors and outside capital start up funding-especially in the wake of COVID.
28 year old Te’Jal ‘TJ’ Cartwright is highlighting Black business in Dayton with her show, What’s The Biz, a YouTube and social media based show that interviews Black entrepreneurs in the region and educates the community on the power of collective economics.
“It was created over time...I've always wanted a talk show since I was a kid. I remember watching Oprah and really hanging on to every word. Every conversation,” TJ said.
“Later in life when I started understanding more about our oppressive system and how this country purposely chooses what to expose us to...I was upset. I didn't know about The Greenwhich Village in Tulsa aka Black Wall Street until I was 19. Later on, more black communities started boycotting different venues and businesses when there would be an injustice caused in out communities, to our people. It was nice to see the impact but it also made me realize that money is power and instead of withholding our money and going right back to those places that caused us pain or frustration, we could just invest in our own businesses. In 2017, I learned the value of storytelling and how it could connect people, communities and I created WTB.”
One of Te’Jal’s 2019 interviews with Chef Anthony T. Head, owner and head chef at The Chicken Spot in Dayton, OH.
With 56 episodes and on the cusp of dropping Season 3, What’s The Biz boasts 1.7k followers on Facebook and 500 on Instagram.
Te’Jal first learned the power of the Black dollar and the deep roots on Black folks selling goods for money fairly recently, when she decided to support some local girl bosses.
“I had a friend that decided she was going to buy black for the holidays,” exclaimed Te’Jal. “My first intentional support of black businesses was with Twist Cupcakery and KJ Naturals. I remember recommending them so much and being intentional about buying stuff from them. As I saw their businesses grow it was so fulfilling! Naturally I learned more about the owners, (Kate for Twist and Katrina for KJ) and became invested in making sure I did whatever I could to make sure they were successful.”
The beauty of What’s The Biz With TJ is that Te’Jal is inclusive, intentional and consistent. She has a special knack for finding niche Black businesses in Dayton and always posts/interviews a variety of entrepreneurs, from chefs/restaurants owners to nonprofit leaders, journalists, jewelry vendors, firms and more. Sporting a bright yellow circular logo with the familiar jazzy theme song, WTB is a known local staple.
She also highlights mainly Black women, which isn’t intentional but very on brand for TJ.
“It's really hard to find a lot of men that are business owners. I'm looking though! I'm working on interviewing men in season 3 and in any project that I'm working on,” Te’Jal said beaming.
When thinking about Black media, Blackonomics and narratives that are not always controlled by us. Te’Jal aims to combat that by educating the community on we can build. grow and pool resources by supporting our own.
“I feel like other media outlets didn't tell them right,” lamented Te’Jal. “I was always reading stories and thinking...it could get so much deeper than this or dang, that was a great opportunity to ask about this...
I just felt like I could do a better job and tell more stories authentically. I also wanted a space to highlight the customers too! They're so supportive and they matter! Creating a space for them to learn things about black owned business owners was important to me because I know what knowing stories did for me.”
Te’Jal is no stranger to obstacles within creating a space for Black entrepreneurs to thrive.
“The biggest one is believing in myself. What's the Biz is growing. I'm like a superhero first discovering my powers, “ laughs Te’Jal. “Sometimes things get out of control and a moment of doubt comes in, but then I get a handle on everything! I also think that reaching out to people for help was an obstacle- I'm learning the power of collaboration and working with people that are genuine and kind of have the same agenda as me.”
Black motherhood is also a superpower Te’Jal balances with grace, ease and a gentle, calm spirit. It is also a factor in how she runs WTB.
“Without motherhood, there would be no What's the Biz, “ said Te’Jal. “Luke inspired me to turn my dreams into a reality and really do whatever it takes to be apart of building my community. When I tell him anything is possible, I want to believe it for myself too so I can be an example. I want him to know his people, be proud of his culture, and to see how powerful we are and for him to be a leader.
The future of WTB is busy and bright. Te’Jal is building out a production team and sponsorship packages to elevate the quality and content of WTB.
“I would love for it to be something that all black communities adapt, “ shares Te’Jal. “I would love to see this model in more areas if it already isn't. Let's be intentional about sharing the stories of black business owners so we can build our community and strengthen these relationships. They made it! It took so much to get where they are, let's uplift their story and help them build generational wealth and put them in a position to bring economic power to their communities. I see myself partnering with organizations to help them share their story in a strategic way. I'm also trying to grow the platform, take WTB to a national space and maybe global! Imagine if I could connect the global economy!”
One woman, one dream and the goal to uplift others as she climbs. Te’Jal has created a digital space for us, by us that reaches far and wide to celebrate Black culture, economics and the beauty of supporting your own via products, goods and services. She’s a powerhouse in her own right with a multifaceted view of Black spending power, grassroots organizing and homegrown love. WTB is a force to be reckoned with, and the community salutes her now and forever.