Today we’d like to introduce you to Soniyah Robinson.
Soniyah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Entrepreneurship flows through my ancestry and Black excellence and innovation run deep in my blood. From my maternal great grandfather owning a club that served as a haven for Black community members to congregate during segregation, to my paternal great grandfather owning one of the only Black funeral homes in his county, to my mother and father owning insurance and real estate businesses, I have always been inspired by entrepreneurship. Specifically, the act of building generational wealth, political power and social justice within Black communities through entrepreneurial endeavors energized me. But, I always imagined my journey with entrepreneurship starting later in life, maybe after college.
But, during the summer of 2020, just before my sophomore year of college, I felt a spark in my soul’s purpose to step onto the path of developing a business. At the time, I was unsure of what I wanted my business and its mission to express. I just knew that I was lifting off in the direction of my calling and was determined to take flight. I wanted to ensure that what I created was going to serve my community, meet community needs and launch a community movement. I started researching, planning and reflecting to create something that fueled my passions, utilized my skills and provided content and services that would uplift those around me.
I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina but have lived in numerous cities and states across the country throughout my life. This exposed me to different communities and allowed me to learn about the mindsets and lived experiences of people of various backgrounds. When relocating every few years, I was losing the stability of being somewhere familiar, but at the same time joyfully finding myself. These experiences made me fall in love with the power of storytelling through writing, speaking and creating. Grappling with racism and prejudice in multiple cities I lived also made me impassioned about social activism, Black liberation and fighting for justice and equity. These passions became the bricks I used when building my business in July of 2020.
Through combining my love for storytelling with my devotion to Black empowerment and social justice, I curated my brand Boundless Blackness – a community movement built to share authentic Black stories and uplift the limitless impact of Black culture. With the slogan “we are limitless” ingrained in me, I launched the blueprint for Boundless Blackness, inspired by the pro-Black activists, creatives and trailblazers that led movements before me. Boundless Blackness would be an extensive and inclusive space for authentic Black stories to thrive and be heard from the lips, hearts and minds of Black people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to entrepreneurship and social justice has been fulfilling, stimulating and awakening. But it hasn’t been a constantly smooth ride, although that is what has made it so valuable. The main struggle I have faced is trusting myself and the process more deeply and getting out of my own way. While building my business, I have been working as the Social Justice Lead Coordinator at the Center for Design Thinking, serving as a project lead for the Black Entrepreneur Initiative, designing my own major centered around social justice and working at an internship. These projects are all through Elon University, the college I attend. I am full of gratitude and enthusiasm about all of these endeavors, as they align excellently with my passions and the mission of Boundless Blackness. But, there have been times when I have felt overwhelmed and questioned how I can do it all. It is often instilled in Black women to grind until we are burnt out, therefore self-care is sometimes neglected. I have applied that pressure to myself. I knew that the work I was doing was impactful and a part of propelling the movement forward. I wanted to do all that I could to ensure it would be successful.
I have learned to appreciate the beauty of slowing down, staying present and prioritizing my self-care. I realized that God’s plan for me includes me working in all of these fields, but also taking time for myself and the things I cherish outside of my work. I hope to fight against the idea that to thrive as a Black woman in various fields you have to sacrifice what’s integral to you. You can have it all! Don’t let anyone make you feel like you can’t. Listen to your body, trust your gut and allow yourself to reach your full potential through nurturing the parts of you that need care. Joy, rest and celebration are all forms of resistance and contribute to the movement just like the work does.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Boundless Blackness, LLC?
Boundless Blackness is a pro-Black brand and community movement built to share authentic Black stories in various forms and uplift the limitless impact of Black culture through community work. Historically, inaccurate and biased portrayals of Black lives in news, media, film and other outlets, have been strategically used to oppress the Black community and justify racist action. These portrayals impact policy, economics and social beliefs. Boundless Blackness works to rewrite the narrative and share Black experiences in an accurate and uplifting way through storytelling, fostering community outreach and connectivity and organizing with community partners. We share stories through articles on our website, interviews and video series episodes on our YouTube and segments on our social media. We also sell uplifting Black culture apparel and items that symbolize the beauty and revolution of our community. Boundless Blackness is constantly looking for ways to grow our community and push our mission forward. If you or someone you know has a story to share that our community would benefit from hearing, fill out our story request form at boundlessblackness.com. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more and join our community work..
What matters most to you?
My faith, family, ancestors and angels matter most to me. Without my supportive tribe and the mountains moved by those before me, I wouldn’t be where I am. I am constantly inspired by the resilience, greatness and authenticity of the history of my people and the community of people who raised and influenced me. When I am uncertain or anxious, I remember that God’s plan for me is one of divinity and prosperity and what is meant for me is unstoppable.
Pricing:
- Revolution Tee – $20
- Revolution Crewneck – $30
- Descended From Greatness Hoodie – $45
- Boundless Blackness Hoodie – $45
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: BoundlessBlackness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boundlessblackness/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3J83MgLzVX1P8IH1Bwh_sQ
Image Credits
Milton Young with Generations Productions Miracle Smythe Paige Wilson
