What Celie Taught Me About Entrepreneurship

Let me start by saying WOW! I saw The Color Purple two days ago and was blown away. The casting, cinematography, music, and colors were so vibrant, so captivating, so meaningful, and so real. We know the storyline to be one of joy and pain, family, forgiveness, and resilience, but it is also one of business, Black business at that. Throughout the film we are introduced to entrepreneurs, business owners. Whether it’s Pa’s (Celie’s father) store or the land Mister and Harpo have, we are immersed in the world of Black commerce. But the highlight moment of the film, that shifts the light to Black woman ownership, is when Celie becomes, well becomes informed, that she and her sister have been the sole owners of what we “knew” to be Pa’s store all along. Celie instantly becomes a property owner. Having to think about what to do next, she turns her talents into an idea, her idea into a business, and becomes the CEO of “Miss Celie’s Fancy Pants”. A story of triumph, one of bravery and strength.

Watching the transition of Celie from seamstress to business owner, made me reflect on my own journey to entrepreneurship. There are lessons that are very clear in the film that I feel any business owner or aspiring business owner should pay attention to.

Here is what Celie taught me about entrepreneurship:

1.????? Hone the skill before the sale.

From the early part of the film, we see Celie’s mother teaching her how to sew, “feel the needle, feel the cloth” her mother says quietly by the fire. Over time, we watch Celie constantly honing her craft. Multiple frames show her sewing clothes for the children, patching up a tear, and even providing Sofia with a warm sweater coat for her travels. By the time Celie becomes a business owner, she knows her skill, her value, and product. She knows exactly what it takes to make a pair of pants that clients can’t resist. While the thought of profit is exciting, Celie teaches us to have the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to become profitable.

2.????? Support only Strengthens.

As soon as Celie gets the keys to her place, we see her surrounded by her support system. Shug Avery, Sofia, and Mary Agnes are by her side. They are wearing her product, which I like to interpret as a form of promotion, they are cutting fabric, making sales, uplifting Celie, and doing so with a smile. See, while there may only be one name on the door, or one face in the spotlight, businesses cannot be run alone. Entrepreneurs need a support system that will uphold them when it gets hard. People who believe in their product before one sale is made. People who will complete a task without complaining or wondering “when will my time come?” Support only strengthens a business. It is a must.

3.????? Follow with your Heart.

For almost the entire film, we watch Mister treat Celie horribly wrong. We watch him lie, cheat, and steal from her. Once Celie has proclaimed “I’m Here” by her leaving Mister and through an amazing song that is liable to move you to tears, we see Mister come into her store as a customer. By now we are holding our breath wondering how Celie will respond. But she responds in the purest way. Celie treats Mister with kindness, sets her boundaries, makes the sale, and even cracks a joke. Celie has done the work of forgiveness. Her healing has allowed her to run her business from love, not from bitterness. Her healing has also allowed her to be nice while being stern. Meaning, she is not so nice that she is na?ve. She makes it very clear that her and Mister are to remain friends and that he can make his purchase and go on. Let’s lead our work, our business from our hearts. It’s hard. Customers can be difficult. There is so much that happens behind the scenes that people will never see. But let’s not allow it to take from us the reason why we started in the first place.

I went to the theatre expecting one story and walked out with a whole new look at Celie. Celie the businesswoman, Celie the entrepreneur, Celie the teacher. I am thankful for how narratives have a way of making us look inward and reflect on our own positionality.

Thank you, Celie, for making me a better business owner.

My Business: Ashley Gaddy Enterprises (A.G.E.) | People First. Period