Meet Shantelle Patton | Minority Business Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shantelle Patton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shantelle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because it’s the most authentic way for me to express my passions, values, and vision for the future. Art has always been a powerful tool for storytelling and change, and I wanted to harness that power to make a difference in my community. The Brown Bag Minority Business Directory is my masterpiece because it combines my love for creativity with my commitment to uplifting Black businesses. It’s a platform that amplifies voices, showcases talent, and creates opportunities, and I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling way to contribute to the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

My business, The Brown Bag Minority Business Directory LLC, is dedicated to amplifying Black-owned businesses and providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to community and empowerment. We don’t just list businesses; we tell their stories, celebrate their successes, and create opportunities for them to thrive. I’m most proud of the sense of community we’ve fostered and the impact we’ve made in helping minority businesses gain visibility and grow. Seeing these businesses flourish is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. There were many challenges along the way, from securing funding to gaining visibility in a competitive market. One of the biggest hurdles was overcoming self-doubt. I faced obstacles head-on, learned from setbacks, and kept pushing forward with resilience and determination. The journey required hard work, dedication, and a relentless belief in the vision.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Through the journey, I’ve learned some valuable lessons:
1. Resilience is key: There will be setbacks, but staying focused on the goal and pushing through is essential.
2. Community matters: Building a supportive network can make all the difference. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know.
3. Stay true to your vision: Authenticity resonates. Staying true to our mission of uplifting minority businesses has been central to our success.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that The Brown Bag is more than just a directory; it’s a movement. It’s about creating lasting change and empowering Black businesses to achieve their full potential. Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and community. We’re here to shine a spotlight on businesses that deserve recognition and to inspire others to support and invest in minority-owned enterprises.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A trip to Buffalo would include breakfast at Golden Cup Coffee Company, a walk to explore Elmwood Village, Lunch at Buffalo Kitchen Club, a visit to Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Another breakfast or lunch at Sunshine Vegan Eats, live music at Pausa Art House, shopping at the boutiques on Allen Street, time on the water at Canalside, more live music at High Tech Studios or Lucky Day Whiskey Bar, a nice cocktail at Matinee and of course, visits to The Colored Musicians Club and the Nash House for a bit of Black Buffalo history

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my partner and mate, Jay Hawkins Sr. Working alongside him on The Dopeness Project, our first joint endeavor, gave me the foundational tools to begin building what you now know as That Brown Bag. Jay’s support, vision, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in our journey, and I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s been my biggest cheerleader, even when I doubted myself. Seeing him walk in his truth inspires me to do so as well. His dedication and creativity continue to inspire me every day.

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