"You’ve Been Selected: Black in Business X New York Stock Exchange."
This was an email that instantly caught my eye earlier this month, while wrapping up work late one evening. I had to reread it several times to fully comprehend what it meant for me, Besida, and my entrepreneurial journey. It was one of those life-changing moments that took me back to when I first stepped foot in the U.S., 24 years ago, fresh off the plane from Nigeria, filled with dreams.
Although I already knew I was part of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women scholars, this invitation to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was an entirely different level of honor. To ring the bell at the NYSE—the heartbeat of global business and finance—was nothing short of a dream come true. And here I was, the founder of Besida, a brand rooted in African heritage on September 10, 2024, standing on this iconic stage.
The opportunity to ring the bell at the NYSE wasn’t random—it was directly tied to Goldman Sachs’ commitment to highlighting and celebrating Black women entrepreneurs through their One Million Black Women initiative.
So when I received that email, it was not just an invitation but a culmination of everything the program represents—empowering Black women entrepreneurs and elevating our businesses to new heights. It was Goldman Sachs’ way of recognizing the impact that women like me, and brands like Besida, are having on the broader economy.
The Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative is a $10 billion commitment to advancing economic opportunities for Black women across the United States. Through a combination of investments and philanthropic capital, the program seeks to provide Black women with resources, education, and support to thrive at key moments in their lives. Whether it’s funding startups, improving access to quality healthcare, or enhancing educational opportunities, the goal is to impact the lives of one million Black women by 2030.
And this is where I come in…
A Step Toward Growth
I founded Besida to bridge cultures through fashion, creating pieces that honor my African heritage while speaking to global styles. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of seeing my brand grow beyond anything I could have imagined. The journey has been filled with highs, lows, and countless lessons, but the opportunities offered by the Goldman Sachs program have been truly unique.
When I was first selected as a scholar in the program, I felt both excitement and nervousness. After all, this isn’t just any program. It was a commitment to fast-tracking my growth, providing me with the tools, strategies, and networks to take Besida to the next level.
The 8 week curriculum, designed in collaboration with the NYU Stern School of Business, is rigorous and intense. It is pushing me to think beyond my current business framework and ask difficult questions: “Am I really ready to scale? Do I have the infrastructure in place to support massive growth? What am I willing to change to make it happen?”
But every challenge in my past has always been worth it. I'm eager evaluate my transformation after the program comes to a close in December and I walk across the stage during graduation.
Ringing the NYSE Bell
The moment I stood on the NYSE platform to ring the bell was indescribable. Standing at the epicenter of global finance felt surreal. I was representing not only Besida but all the Black women entrepreneurs who have fought to have their voices heard and their businesses thrive.
On Day 1 of orientation, I wore Besida’s Green Mafarki Kimono, paired with an off-white jumpsuit I had bought on a trip to India. It was important for me to stand out, not just through my work but also through what I wore. The kimono, with its bold green print, represented my African heritage, while the jumpsuit reflected my journey as a global entrepreneur.
For the Ring-the-bell occasion, I wanted to wear something that spoke to both my African heritage and my strength as a businesswoman. I chose Besida’s signature Cheetah Jumpants (Jumpsuit To Pants) paired with a sleek vest from Revolve. With tall heels adding an extra layer of confidence, I felt unstoppable as I stood there, ringing the bell for all the world to see.
It’s funny how clothes can do that, right? They aren’t just fabric and seams; they carry energy, intention, and power. That’s what I hope to instill in every woman who wears Besida—to feel bold, empowered, and unapologetically herself, whether she’s at a business meeting or on a global stage.
As a Black woman in business, I encourage you to seek out programs like this that challenge you to grow. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, invest in your development, and always remember the power of your own story. And, of course, don’t forget to wear something that makes you feel like the powerful woman you are!
Stay In Touch
The deadline for the Goldman Sachs application was on Monday, September 16th. I had shared this opportunity with my newsletter subscribers in advance, giving them a chance to apply before it closed. If you want to be among the first to hear about exciting offers, exclusive updates, fashion inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at our growth journey, scroll up just a bit and sign up for our mailing list. You’ll be joining a community of fashion lovers who stay in the loop!