Today we’d like to introduce you to Enjonette Baker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Enjonette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At a young age I began to experience what we call nowadays between girls, “hating” I began to experience this type of controversy at a young age, dealing with issues at school, summer camp, & even at birthday parties. I made a decision at a young age that I no longer wanted to associate with other girls as friends, except my selected few. Fast forward to my adult years, I realized much hadn’t changed. While starting my Event Planning Company I want to say around 2011, I began to attend networking events but continuously came across the issue of not connecting with the other women at the events. I began to feel frustrated from the disconnection & competition. In 2009, while I was sitting in my “Public Relations” course at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, God said clearly “You’re going to create an organization for women where you will change the atmosphere, the energy, & the conversation. It was at that point the seed was planted for me to change the game and create my own environment. I mean it was so clear even down to the name Women Blessing Women. I ran from it for a few years. For the simple fact that I had experienced so much tension, backstabbing, & conniving actions between other women. I barely associated with women so I wasn’t sure how or even more so WHY He would tell me to do such a thing. The vision remained in my spirit over the years although I tried to keep running lol. Fast forward to 2014 I finally said let me give this a try And invited other like- minded, entrepreneur women to my home for a meeting to connect network and share their businesses with one another. With a total of 8, we gathered in my home & blessed one another. Through many life obstacles, setbacks and challenges, in 2015 I was ready to let go of #WBW, after experiencing 8 deaths in a years’ time frame. With the support of the women who valued the organization and stated “I need this!” #WBW continued to grow reaching 100’s of women through events & workshops. The name speak for itself… at the beginning of this year we successful converted to a 501c3 nonprofit organization and will be hosting our 2nd annual fundraiser “The Mixer”.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A smooth road?!?! Tuh! I WISH!! I’m still rolling over bumps, dips, and potholes! Well as mentioned, I never wanted to start #WBW lol. One of the toughest times in my life was in 2015 I was ready to let go of #WBW, after experiencing 8 deaths in a 1 years’ time frame. Not only was it rough, but I hit a brick wall… I lost myself, my confidence, my drive… just everything! But by the grace of God, prayer warriors, and the love & support of my family and friends… along with some professional counseling, I was able to overcome that roadblock. But of course, when building any type of business or brand, it’s a tough journey. Not many people are handed the wealth & the success and boy when I tell you I work very hard! I was once told by a guy friend that I work harder than a lot of men he knows…. But back to the struggles, currently I would say the biggest struggle or downfall I’m facing is not having enough capital… not having enough money to make things happen the way I want them to. I have a full time job, which I am so ready to walk away from, but I still have to make sure I can eat and pay bills until the brand I am building begins to make money or itself. So while at work, I work on my business & brand during my downtime. During my breaks & lunch I’m sending emails and making calls, or even catching a quick nap on my 15 min break if needed. Then once I get home from work, I jump into the work for my brand. So work is not 9-5 for me… it’s more like 9-12/1am… Work never stops for me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Women Blessing Women is a global sisterhood that is committed to creating a supportive, impactful, and rewarding environment for woman entrepreneurs, Founders, & CEO’s. Our mission is to enhance the way women conduct business with one another as we aspire to build an impact and create a legacy for our youth and our communities. We provide educational, financial, and self-care resources through events, workshops, and retreats. Also, we have a weekly live internet radio show called “Hustle Rehab Radio” which serves as the voice of WBW. Hustle Rehab focuses on the struggles and the accomplishments of the everyday entrepreneur. We provide a platform for entrepreneurs to come on and tell their story and get exposure for their brands & business.
Being that our focus is women empowerment, our motto is Collaboration vs Competition & we truly believe in that. Unlike other women empowerment projects, we are more than just an event. We are a member based organization where we don’t just talk about it, we actually execute. As our VP Bridgette Marie always says, “We are more alike than we are different” So I am excited and so proud to see the connections & collaborations as well as the success that some of the ladies have had just by being a part of WBW. One of our ladies was able to get her book into the hands of Steve Harvey, while another got a chance to enter her short film but won the “Director’s Choice Awards” in the Diversity in Cannes Showcase. These type of accomplishments and success stories that happened because of the ladies in my organization stepped in the help one another out, is what keeps me going and makes me humbled and grateful.
What were you like growing up?
Umm growing up I wasn’t as outspoken or outgoing as I am now. My confidence wasn’t there. Because I faced so many challenges with other young girls, I kind of shut down around girls. I didn’t know if I said something or did something if they would like me or not. Now I was interested in making money at a young age. When I was maybe in 5th grade, I had my mom go and buy candy and snacks for me to sell to the kids on the block during the summer time. Then once I got to middle school, I sold the candy and snacks out of my locker. I’ve always been good in school and kept up good grades.
Contact Info:
- Address: Compton, CA
- Website: www.womenblessingwomen.org
- Phone: 3107664083
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/womenblessingwomen/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenblessingwomen/
- Other: www.hustlerehabradio.com/podcast
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
