Celebrating Black History Month with 9 Forge Members
In Black History Month Forge is honored to shine a spotlight on the narratives and contributions of our black-owned business members. Within the walls of our coworking space, entrepreneurs create stories of resilience, innovation, and success.
In celebration of diversity and entrepreneurship, join us and discover the dynamic businesses that call Forge home. In February, we are not just reflecting on history; we are amplifying the voices and stories that shape the present and future. Welcome to a celebration of black excellence, a tribute to these small business owners crafting their own history within our community.
Kimberly West of Kimberly West Agency
Kimberly West Agency is a boutique public relations firm specializing in image consulting, crisis management, media relations, social media planning, and special events planning. Some industries they serve include Small Businesses, Healthcare, Nonprofit, and Technology. The key ingredient that sets their firm apart is the ability to infuse style and flair into most campaigns.
How has being a Forge member impacted Kimberly’s business?
“Being a member of Forge has impacted my business due to several benefits and collaborations. As the Founder, it has allowed me to collaborate and network with other members. In addition, our agency has experienced growth by attending the Forge-hosted events and of course, the opportunity to be fully productive through the different types of workspace.”
Can you share any specific success stories, achievements, or milestones your business has reached?
“Our agency has received excellent reviews. One of the most recent achievements has been recognition by the Birmingham Business Journal as Who’s Who In Diversity and Inclusion for 2023. Additional success stories include making a community impact while serving on nonprofit boards.”
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
“Absolutely! Being a business owner does not have a straight path. A few of the challenges our agency has overcome include securing funding, navigating changes during the pandemic, and maintaining strong customer relationships.”
Follow Kimberly West Agency on Facebook and Instagram.
Jarvis Escott of First Impressions Marketing Group
Magan Battle of Battle Realty & Company
Battle Realty & Company helps their clients in buying, selling, or investing in property. They offer personalized consultations. At Battle Realty & Company, the mission is to redefine the landscape of real estate. They aim to empower individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership, while setting new standards for service excellence and community impact. With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and integrity, they strive to create a nurturing environment where every client and agent feels supported, valued, and inspired to make their real estate aspirations a reality.
Can you share any specific success stories, achievements, or milestones your business has reached?
“As a realtor, I accumulated over one million in volume in less than 30 days. Holding a degree in Business Administration, I am also a member of the National Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. In 2018, I was named Birmingham’s rising star of real estate by the Birmingham Business Journal. I was named Top 5 Single Agent at Keller Williams Vestavia in 2022, as well as the Birmingham Boss Award in 2022. I also received my brokers license in 2023 and started my own Real estate brokerage this year in 2024.”
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
“One of the challenges I encountered was balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal responsibilities, and self-care. To overcome this, I prioritized self-care practices, set boundaries, and learned to delegate tasks effectively. I also cultivated a support system of friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs who provided encouragement and perspective during challenging times.”
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“When you feel called to pursue a new path or challenge, take action and move forward with confidence, trusting in your abilities and the guidance you receive. Use your knowledge, skills, and experiences to serve others and make a positive impact in their lives. Seek to add value and contribute to the success and well-being of those around you. Remember to stay humble and grateful for the opportunities and blessings that come your way.”
Terrell Oliver of Life Insurance and Retirement Planning
Terrell Oliver helps people protect their family’s legacy by passing down generational wealth through the power of life insurance and retirement planning.
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
“When our office closed down in Homewood, I was challenged to either work from home or find an office space. I looked over a few options, but Forge was my best because of the environment and the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone (especially being at home) to network with all kinds of people.”
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“My advice would be to never give up. Find your purpose and your passion and run with it. Have faith but also put the work in behind the faith.”
Dreson Russell of Project EMS
Project EMS dreams of a future where educational resources and opportunities are available to every student, regardless of their background. Their mission is to empower and uplift students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, guiding them towards academic success.
Project EMS achieves this through dedicated tutoring, offering scholarships and assistance in finding them, engaging students in career-oriented activities, providing mentorship, and facilitating interactive experiences in STEAMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Medicine). By doing so, they strive to level the educational playing field, ensuring every student has the chance to reach their full potential.
How has being a member of Forge impacted your business?
“More than the tangible benefits, it’s the spirit of Forge that has left a lasting mark on us. Kim, in particular, has been a cornerstone of our experience. Her personal commitment and the welcoming atmosphere she nurtures at Forge have deeply enriched our journey. We’re not just renting a space; we’re part of a community that celebrates success, encourages innovation, and supports one another through challenges. Our gratitude for Forge and Kim runs deep. This isn’t just a place where our business resides; it’s where our mission finds support, encouragement, and camaraderie.”
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
“An early and critical lesson was recognizing that the issues we aimed to tackle were previously unsupported. If the community had rallied around these issues beforehand, the need for our organization might not have been as pressing. This realization pushed us to think outside the box in terms of garnering support not just for our mission, but for our supporters as well.
We learned that fostering support isn’t just about seeking donations or sponsorships; it’s about engaging with our community in a way that encourages active participation, be it through volunteering or other forms of involvement. By doing so, we’ve found innovative paths to not only sustain our mission but to enrich and empower our supporters to contribute in meaningful ways.”
K’la Inman of Getting Started Acting/Modeling Workshops
Getting Started Acting/Modeling Workshops helps parents learn how to get their kids in the acting and modeling business while getting paid and avoiding scams. She offers a DIY course, and a done for you VIP program where her team works to help kids land modeling contracts.
How has being a member of Forge impacted your business?
“Forge has allowed me to have a quiet place to work, while not feeling so alone! I have literally increased my revenue by 23% since joining. I’m usually the last to leave and the only one here on Sundays!”
Can you share any specific success stories, achievements, or milestones your business has reached?
“I have grown to over 7,000 clients in 42 states and 3 countries. We are officially a 7-figure business as of 2022. My clients have booked jobs for Nike, Target, Disney, Sesame Street, Macy’s and more. I also have a ton of celebrity clients that come to me for their kids.”
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
“I have overcome a myriad of challenges, but one of the hardest was actually the rapid growth I experienced in 2021. Having to make quick hires and even quicker fires was difficult for me, and made me evolve into the leader I am today.”
Debra Nelson of Elevate Communications
Elevate Communications is a professional development and communication services company that provides customized training, coaching and consulting in leadership and organizational development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and program and performance management. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations achieve their highest aspirations.
How has being a member of Forge impacted your business?
“Forge incubates like-minded individuals who want to grow, network, and thrive in an supportive business environment. The Forge team is always helpful and professional, and the facility is immaculate. It is a great place from which to execute our business operations.”
Can you share any specific success stories, achievements, or milestones your business has reached?
“Elevate continues to expand our footprint to serve clients throughout the U.S. and in diverse industries that include finance, automotive, banking, higher education and energy. Also, our professional and philanthropic interests are complementary, enabling the company to establish the Elevate Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama to support the higher education aspirations of financially-challenged young women who do not have mothers.”
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“It is important to discover your passion, educate yourself, and take the necessary steps to fulfill your dreams. There is room for everyone in the ecosystem. While the entrepreneurial space can be challenging, it is an effort worth pursuing. Keep going, don’t stop. If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Valyncia Johnson of Images Management
In 2024, Valyncia M. Johnson became one of the few black female certified NFL agents, which underscores her commitment to guide athletes through the intricacies of the brand development, business management, and contract negotiations to ensure their image and careers are safeguarded.
In 2019, Valyncia took her passion and expertise to new heights by launching Images Management, a boutique PR and Management Firm, focusing on ideation, representation, and negotiation. This entrepreneurial venture reflects her dedication to deliver personalized services and impactful solutions to brands that desire to command their paths, culminate change, and leave a legacy of impact.
Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how did you overcome them?
KaLyn Williams of All Eyes On You Branding
All Eyes On You Branding’s done-for-you marketing systems are proven to generate leads and allow their clients more freedom through automated content. Done-with-you strategy sessions serve as accountability calls to build confidence in business owners aiming to expand their audience online.
All Eyes On You Branding has a social mission to empower minority owned businesses with networking opportunities and learning resources. They have collaborated with the leaders of these companies to assist them with navigating through the unique barriers that exist. KaLyn is dedicated to educating underserved organizations. They are commit to providing affordable agency fees and marketing strategies that reduce expenses while increasing profit. All Eyes On You Branding has been able to support over 300 minority owned businesses since 2016.
As Black History Month draws to a close, we reflect on the narratives and achievements of our black entrepreneurs at Forge. Beyond this dedicated month of celebration, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every member’s journey is recognized, celebrated, and elevated.
Forge is more than a workspace; it’s a community of collective stories. We extend our gratitude to the black entrepreneurs who grace our community and continue to inspire us daily. Here’s to forging ahead, together!
