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A post shared by Black Things UK (@blackthingsuk)

It is so important that we take risks and gamble on ourselves. I guess the reason why I’m writing this newsletter is because someone asked me this question recently: “why do you think Black Ballad is still here?” Of course I said, “my faith and black women”, but upon reflection, It had been because I have taken risks. My first risk, or rather leap of faith, would be even starting this business in the first place. Then we did two crowdfunds and both times legends in and out of our community said black women will never pay for this - it is a bad idea. Yet, I took the leap of faith and in full transparency, if I didn’t we probably wouldn’t be here and marking 10 years.

The Black Ballad Weekender has definitely been another leap of faith in this journey of leading Black Ballad. As we continue to figure out what a media and lifestyle company for black women looks like in 2024. I would be lying if I said I don’t dream of us getting to a point where the Black Ballad Weekender is seen as Britain or rather Europe’s answer to Essence Fest. So many people have asked me if I want the Weekender to be like Essence Fest and I’ve been a little afraid to say yes, because I start to worry that maybe it’s not possible. Yet, I guess that is the beauty of taking leaps of faith, it is doing something you haven’t quite seen before and doing your best to make it happen. Yet, like so many of you reading this, I worry that what if it doesn’t work out? What if this isn’t something black women want?

The truth is taking risks in your career helps you go further. You see it with men who are in no way qualified for the job, but take a swing at it. Besides the sexism and racism, men take their chance to get to the top or dominate in the desired fields. As black women we work so hard and we deserve to take our leaps of faith. I keep telling myself after 10 years, I deserve to take a chance and create the festival for black women I’ve always wanted to see in Britain. After crowdfunds, thousands of pieces of content and campaigns that centre black women, it is time to bring it all to life like never before.

The reason I wrote this newsletter isn’t because I wanted to compare myself to Kamala Harris, (ah no-o) but because this week, someone said I was fearless. I realise sometimes we see people from afar and the work that someone does and we imagine that taking risks doesn’t phase them, but that just isn’t true. At least, it isn’t in my case. When we did the crowdfund in 2021, I was a nervous wreck and as we inch closer to the Weekender, I’m second guessing myself in many ways because this feels like Black Ballad’s biggest leap. Can Black Ballad really be on the path to creating a multiple day live event with thousands of black women under one roof where they can tap into their beauty obsessions, career dreams, discuss their health, eat good food and ultimately find joy in the company of each other? I hope the answer is yes. So while I’m not fearless, I encourage anyone and everyone to take risks in your career in order to pursue that dream - you’ve worked hard for it. So tomorrow as you start the working week, take that leap of faith and see what happens, as you deserve to take risks like any other white man or woman chasing her dreams.