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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More women are becoming entrepreneurs, and Black women are becoming an increasingly large part of this group.
According to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact Report, there are approximately 14 million women-owned businesses in the country. This was an increase of 14% compared to 2019.
The report also notes that Black women account for nearly 15% of all women-owned businesses and outpace the market in employment and revenue growth.
During the pandemic, Vonetta Mickens left the corporate world after 25 years and returned to her hometown of Charlotte with the goal of starting her own business. She now has a team of employees, which she said allows her to better serve the community.
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“I never thought I would have my own business,” Mickens said. “I really wanted to come to Charlotte to do that. I thought, what better way to do that than give people jobs and fair wages and an opportunity to do some good in the community?” I did.”
Sarah Lathan Enterprises LLC, named after Mickens’ grandmother, is running the business.
“That doesn’t give me any ground,” Mickens said. “It really gives me her attitude of thinking about her and doing her best and moving forward.”
Mickens, a third-generation Charlottean, is behind the wheel of the delivery operation. The business started in October 2021 with five vans and 10 people.
“I have grown to over 65 people and eight leadership positions,” Mickens said.
Related: Understanding the impact of race on the gender pay gap
“She cares about her people,” said driver Akisa Gowans. “She always makes sure we’re safe and does what she needs to do when we’re out.”
Mickens was able to build business with Amazon through Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner Program.
“I learned a lot about insurance, whether it’s health insurance or vehicle insurance,” Mickens said. “How to pay people from an ADP perspective…something I would have had to learn all on my own.”
Amazon’s Charlotte delivery station processes approximately 70,000 packages each day. Partners like Mickens and her team ensure that packages reach the right homes, with the right support.
“They rely on our infrastructure, which includes assistance in arranging vans, training drivers to be safe on the road, and world-class technology that provides all of the tools needed to successfully deliver parcels to customers. Structure is being received,” the delivery office said.
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Mickens’ advice to people looking to venture out and own a business is to be flexible, ask for help, and do what you love.
“My family is on this soil, my parents were born here, my grandparents were born here…so it’s important to do it here,” Mickens said. “But for me, [it’s also about] All I want to do is grow my team, make sure they are happy, and be able to see them bring the fruits of their labor home to the people they love most every day. ”
Her business is growing one mile at a time.
Please contact Jesse Pierre. jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her Facebook, X and Instagram.
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