“Life Is About Balance” (February 22, 2023).
Local Black female business owner, Carlise Campbell, regaled several Black Student Association members of CTMS in the art of life, family, and making money. She is the creator, owner, and operator of the Ranson Business Center. Exhausted by corporate hierarchy, Carlise set off to invest in herself and the rest, as they say, is history.
The granddaughter of Black sharecroppers she grew up in the Chicago area. This unique experience gave her an environment and experience to shape her business expertise. From the age of ten she worked selling family grown vegetables to neighbors, families, and friends.
Her best advice to our children was, “Life is about balance”. Don’t just go to school. Don’t just get a job. Do both. She believes children who acquire foundational work skills, along with a solid school education, will place themselves on a fast track towards success. This was her comprehensive guidance for all aspiring young Black business owners. Carlise shared her lived experiences with CTMS students to encourage them to understand it is not easy becoming your own success. She relayed to her audience how she often had to overcome her gender and race in order to succeed. The sociopolitical path is often more problematic for African-Americans entrepreneurs in Jefferson County. “One plus one is not two. One plus one for Black couples who are in business together is like two squared.” [AfroTech]
Overall, Carlise encouraged us to “get involved!” Try things you might like for a career…not just to make money. Don’t just chase a degree, MAKE a life. “Design a future where people work for you; not just you working for them”. Like one of the earliest Black entrepreneurs, Frederick D. Patterson, who created his own Black car company, did over 100 years ago. Carlise sees some of his pioneering journey similar to her own.
Thank you, Mrs. Campbell, it was a highly motivating, and experiential learning day.
Archie R. Green, BTA/BSA Faculty Advisor BSED, MAPC, doctoral candidate Ed.D. PCCC
