CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – National statistics show that 8 out of 10 black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.
In Southeast Missouri, a growing number of business owners are making it past that point and beyond.
“So even when the going got tough. They made a way, so that’s my motto. Make a way out of nothing,” said Kenitha Pittman.
It’s a motto Kenitha Pittman learned from her parents and uses each day she runs VIP Loc Studio.
After more than a decade as a hair stylist, Pittman says keeping a flourishing business takes work.
“We have to work very hard to stay successful. It’s nothing being successful, but staying successful is the challenge,” Pittman said.
“I’m 63 years old with a brand new startup business,” said Renata Cole. “Not something I planned on that. I was coming in for a landing, but I’m on take-off. On the runway.”
Renata Cole is the owner of Balm of Gilead Skincare. She said black business owners can be more successful by working alongside one another.
“If we could unite, we could do great things. We could do amazing things,” Cole said.
James Macklin has been cutting hair in his shop, Blessed Blades, for the last 10 months. He said to be a successful business owner, you need a plan.
“You have to understand the basis of business and marketing. I think I got a good grasp of it. So I know how to get my face out there, and then you got to actually execute,” Macklin said.
Macklin told Heartland News that he noticed black businesses struggle with exposure. That’s why he focuses on helping others in the same shoes.
“If you are a person that reminds somebody about the business, it might be just enough support to bring them the funds that they need to keep their business alive to go to the next level,” Macklin said.
If you’re looking to start your own business, these owners have some good advice.
“If you are your product, then you just have to start getting comfort in yourself,” Macklin said.
“I say if you still have a dream, it is not too late,” Cole said.
“Keep your faith because God got you,” Pittman said.
According to Pew Research, black businesses have grown more than 20 percent from 2017 to 2022.
Copyright 2025 KFVS. All rights reserved.
