In a world where authenticity and empowerment are paramount, Camille Viviana is an inspiration to all black women. As the founder of Black Woman on a Mission, she shares her journey, fueled by a deeply personal quest for purpose and direction. From its inception to the transformation of her vision into a thriving apparel brand, Camille’s dedication shines through.
Through initiatives like “The Facebook Met Gala,” she illuminates the brilliance of Black excellence and celebrates the achievements of her community. Navigating partnerships with purpose.
Looking ahead, Camille envisions a future where Black Woman on a Mission continues to empower individuals to unlock their potential, pursue their passions, and rewrite the narrative of greatness. With each step forward, she blazes a trail for generations to come, proving that the sky’s the limit when authenticity and empowerment lead the way.
Khadijah: Can you tell us more about the journey of founding Black Woman on a Mission? What inspired you to start this apparel brand, and how did you grow it into a successful venture?
Camille: The journey of founding Black Woman on a Mission really stems from a deeply personal place for me. You see, I felt like I was wandering aimlessly in life, searching for direction and purpose. But then, the mantra “Black Woman on a Mission” kind of just clicked for me. It became my guiding light, my north star, always pushing me towards something greater.
I realized that this mantra wasn’t just for me; it could resonate with so many other Black women out there who were on their own journeys of empowerment and resilience. That’s when the idea struck me to turn it into something tangible, something that could be worn as a symbol of strength and determination – clothing.
But starting a business from scratch wasn’t easy. I had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication. I poured my heart and soul into creating designs that captured the essence of empowerment and resilience. And slowly but surely, word started to spread. People resonated with the message behind Black Woman on a Mission, and they wanted to be a part of it.
Through strategic marketing and building a strong online presence, I was able to grow the brand into a successful venture. But beyond just selling clothes, I wanted to create a community where Black women could come together, support each other, and inspire one another to reach new heights.
And that’s exactly what happened. Black Woman on a Mission became more than just a fashion brand; it became a movement. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to empower and uplift Black women through this platform.
Khadijah: Your TikTok series, “The Facebook Met Gala,” has gained immense popularity. What sparked the idea for this series, and how did you manage to capture such a large audience?
Camille: It all started with wanting to celebrate black students in a big way. I saw this opportunity to highlight their achievements and make them feel truly seen. As for capturing a big audience, I think it’s all about authenticity and tapping into something people can relate to. Prom season in the South is a big deal, and I guess folks were just drawn to the glitz and glam, but also the heart behind it all.
Last year, I launched the Lucille’s Kid Memorial Scholarship, named after my late grandmother, Lucille Walker, who was dissuaded from completing her education after being wrongly accused of plagiarizing a creative writing assignment in the 8th grade.
Her teacher refused to recognize her talent because of her skin color. Crushed by her teacher’s rebuke, my grandmother never returned to school and was left with only an 8th-grade education.
Her story shows the power of words to derail or direct you on your mission. Far too many Black students are still facing similar challenges today, often being overlooked and undervalued.
I understand the power of recognition; that’s why I’m passionate about encouraging high school students and empowering them to chase their dreams and unlock their full potential. If anybody reading this shares that passion then I encourage them to visit my website and purchase a scholarship mug or use the donation link to give a monetary contribution!
Khadijah: With features from platforms like BuzzFeed and Ebony Magazine, and even an endorsement from Gabrielle Union, how do you navigate partnerships and endorsements to align with your brand’s message and values?
Camille: Navigating partnerships and endorsements has been quite the journey! It’s all about staying true to the brand’s message and values. When I collaborate with major brands like Microsoft, Google, Shea Moisture, I always make sure there’s alignment. It’s not just about the numbers or the exposure; it’s about sharing a common vision and uplifting each other’s communities. Being acknowledged by someone as amazing as Gabrielle Union, reminds me of the importance of “lifting people up in the light of goodness and holding them there”. That was her call to action to her followers when she made me her WCW and said I was talented; I promise I will never forget that!
Khadijah: Your content aims to offer inspirational humor and practical advice to various demographics, including millennials, mothers, and college students. How do you ensure your content resonates with such diverse audiences?
Camille: Reaching different demographics definitely keeps things interesting! I try to keep my content relatable and inclusive, touching on topics that resonate with a wide range of people. Whether it’s sharing inspirational stories, offering humor to brighten someone’s day, or giving practical advice for navigating life’s challenges, I aim to speak to the human experience in a way that connects with everyone, from millennials to mothers to college students. It’s all about finding that common ground and uplifting each other along the way.
Khadijah: Building a supportive community is essential in today’s digital landscape. How do you foster engagement and interaction within your community, both online and offline?
Camille: Building a supportive community is like nurturing a garden – you gotta give it love, attention, and maybe a little fertilizer now and then! Online, I’m all about sparking conversations, sharing valuable insights, and being there to lend an ear whenever someone needs it. Whether it’s through sharing everything I get accomplished before 7am as a stay at home mom or soliciting opinions on my next look, I create spaces where people feel heard and valued. And offline, well, it’s all about those face-to-face connections, from speaking at Dartmouth college to being a vendor at Black on the Block in a few weeks, I’m always looking for ways to connect with people in real life. It’s like building a resilient family, where everyone has each other’s backs through thick and thin.
Khadijah: In your opinion, what role does authenticity play in building a successful personal brand, and how do you maintain authenticity while also managing a business?
Camille: Building a successful personal brand is like crafting a masterpiece – it takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. Authenticity, in my opinion, is the secret sauce that makes it all come together. It’s about showing up as your true self, flaws and all, and owning your story. But here’s the kicker – staying authentic while running a business and especially being an influencer is like walking a tightrope in stilettos. It takes balance, finesse, and a whole lot of courage. But when you stay true to your values, inject doses of humor and humility into everything you do, and never lose sight of who you are, that’s when the magic happens.
Khadijah: As an entrepreneur and content creator, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Camille: As an entrepreneur and content creator, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. One big hurdle was finding my voice and carving out my niche in a crowded digital space. It’s like trying to stand out at a buffet – there’s a lot of options, but you gotta find that dish that makes people come back for seconds!
Then there’s the whole rollercoaster ride of self-doubt and unpredictability. It’s like having a constant game of tug-of-war with your confidence, but I’ve learned to silence that inner critic and remind myself of my worth and capabilities.
Of course, there are the practical challenges too, like managing finances, navigating partnerships, and staying ahead of the ever-changing algorithms. It’s like playing a game of business Jenga – one wrong move, and the whole tower comes crashing down!
But hey, I’m not one to back down from a challenge. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, pivot when needed, and lean on my resilience like a trusty sidekick. Because at the end of the day, every obstacle is just another opportunity to grow, learn, and come back even stronger!
Khadijah: Your brand encourages women to embrace their potential and stop overthinking. Can you share some practical tips for individuals looking to unlock their potential and pursue their passions?
Camille: Unlocking your potential and pursuing your passions can be especially challenging for Black women, who often face unique obstacles and systemic barriers.
Here are some practical tips tailored to address these challenges:
- Change your mindset: Many Black women struggle with feeling like they don’t belong or aren’t good enough. Recognize that these feelings are often rooted in societal biases and stereotypes, and challenge them by affirming your worth and accomplishments. You deserve to be in every room you’re in so act and think accordingly.
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with allies and mentors who understand your experiences and can offer guidance and encouragement. Community is key to navigating the ups and downs of pursuing your passions.
- Set clear goals and priorities: With so many demands and expectations placed on Black women, it’s important to prioritize your own dreams and aspirations. Set specific, achievable goals that align with your values and passions. I know that’s easier said than done but it’ll never be the right time, you just have to do it.
- Practice self-care: In a world that often demands so much from Black women, self-care is non-negotiable. Make time for activities that replenish your energy and nourish your soul, whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or creative expression. I love a good journal but find that thing that makes you feel like you and do it daily!
- Embrace resilience: Black women have a long history of resilience in the face of adversity. Draw strength from your ancestors and the powerful legacy of Black women who have overcome incredible odds. Remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning.
- Seek out resources and support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources that can support you on your journey. Whether it’s attending workshops, joining online communities, hiring someone to clean your home, or using meal subscription services, there are plenty of resources available to help you unlock your potential.
By incorporating these practical tips into your journey, you can navigate the challenges and obstacles that often accompany pursuing your passions as a Black woman. Remember, your potential is limitless, and the world is waiting for you to shine your light brightly!
Khadijah: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Black Woman on a Mission, and how do you plan to continue empowering and inspiring your audience through your content and brand?
Camille: The future of Black Woman on a Mission is brimming with possibilities! My goal is to continue empowering and inspiring women to embrace their resilience, chase their dreams, and unapologetically own their greatness. I plan to expand our reach through even more engaging content, whether it’s through workshops, webinars, or maybe even a podcast! And of course, I’ll keep curating empowering merchandise that serves as a tangible reminder of the strength and potential within every Black woman. Together, we’ll keep shattering ceilings, breaking barriers, and rewriting the narrative. The sky’s the limit, and with each step forward, we’re blazing a trail for generations to come!
Article Done by: Khadijah Phillips | Khadijah Phillips is a highly driven woman who was born to break barriers. She proves that when powered by purpose, women are unstoppable. She’s built her storied life and career brick by brick, fighting fears, failures, and setbacks to have the success she’s always known was hers to claim. Today, she personifies what it means to ascend above adversity while inspiring countless others to do the same through her media company and strategic partnerships. You can follow her on instagram @bestiesmedia and check out her website www.bestiesmedia.com.
