This is How Michelle Dalzon is Creating a One-of-A-Kind Experience for Black-Owned Businesses

Over here at TheBlondeMisfit, we have to celebrate black-owned businesses! Not only do we have the power to create culture, but we have the opportunities to make it, dress it up, and continue to support the financial elevation of one another, one product or service at a time.

TBM sat down with Michelle Dalzon, the founder of theBOM, to discuss what theBOM is, how it’s helping black-owned businesses thrive, and her tips on entrepreneurship:

Alright, let’s start with the basics. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Michelle Dalzon and I am the founder of theBOM aka the Black-Owned Market. This is a pop-up market destination that gives you access to your favorite Black brands under the same roof. We are currently based in NYC. I am Haitian-American, from Boston, and currently living in Brooklyn. My plan is to generate a steady stream of wealth building in the Black community.

How did you get into entrepreneurship? Did you encounter any struggles or obstacles along the way?

Entrepreneurship was always in my future… it was just a matter of when. I was forced into working for myself since I was laid off from my job in March 2017. I decided not to look for another job because I feel like theBOM needed my full attention. My 9-5 was literally sucking the energy out of me and I was exhausted trying to work in a place I didn’t love, then coming home and trying to take theBOM off the ground. I believe God set me free for a reason. I am currently struggling, being an entrepreneur is not easy. Trying to figure out how to stay afloat while running your new business is an ongoing battle although life may seem good on the outside.

What are parts of entrepreneurship and running your own business that many people don’t know or see?

You don’t see the tears. People don’t see the amount of time and energy myself and my events team puts in to make sure this event is successful. People don’t see the amount of rejection from sponsors, accelerator programs, vendors that I receive on a daily basis.

Tell us about theBOM. What need did you see in the marketplace and how does theBOM seek to fill that need?

There isn’t currently a platform that supports Black businesses in the way outside of directories or a list. We definitely aren’t your average pop-up. It’s something you have to see in order to understand.

You recently held your second pop-up shop at WeWork. Tell us about the experience and how it is curating a pop-up experience of other vendors.

The second pop-up was truly special. It was important to me that we weren’t just a “one hit wonder.” The second market allowed me to establish the brand and re-introduce theBOM to a new crowd. We got our first sponsorship with ESSENCE magazine this time around and it was amazing to have a brand of their caliber support our mission. TheBOM is creating something that is unique and I am always thankful to the people that support this platform.

How do you go about choosing which vendors will be present at your pop-up shops?

My rule of thumb is if I would not personally shop there than the average person wouldn’t either. It is extremely important for me to support quality Black businesses that make an effort to maintain their brand. We aren’t supporting brands just because they are Black. It is important to provide value to our shoppers. They have come to trust and invest in the consumers they find at theBOM. The interested vendors can email us directly for consideration.

Black Americans have a tremendous amount of buying power. Why are black-owned businesses important in today’s time, and how do you hope that theBOM will help in the increased circulation of money within our communities?

My goal with theBOM is to make sure amazing brands get the exposure they deserve. The reason that commercial products are successful is because they have the resources to pay for the advertising dollars to make sure their products are represented in the proper way. TheBOM introduces you to new quality Black brands so that you will hopefully become a lifetime consumer.

How do you practice self-care while running a business? Do you believe in work/life balance? Do you believe women can have it all?

I’m a bit off schedule right now after the last BOM, but to keep my sanity I wake up with prayer and meditation. I have a light workout schedule that involves yoga and strength training. I absolutely believe in work/life balance. I work hard so I should also make time to recharge and focus on what makes me happy which is thankfully my work, but also my family and friends. [Tweet “I do believe women can have it all as long as she has a dope village around her to get things done.”] Thankfully I can say I have one.

Where do you see theBOM in the next 5 years? What are some upcoming events you’re working on or excited about?

I’m currently planning for our one-year celebration in December and plans for 2018. Please stay tuned.

On TBM, we celebrate the ‘misfit’, or the person who sets themselves apart in society in a unique way. What makes you a misfit?

I am a misfit because I have the audacity to believe that theBOM will change the scope of Black businesses in a major way.

For anyone trying to get into entrepreneurship, what advice would you give? What’s something you wish you had known earlier or something you had to find out for yourself?

Save, save, save. Plan for the unexpected and start where you are. It is important to find people that truly believe in your brand. It is okay to separate yourself from people that do not fit your mission. Since money is scarce in the beginning, it is extremely important to be smart about your first hires. Try to do as much of the heavy lifting yourself and hire against your weaknesses.