The Truth Behind Success: No One Does It Alone
Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of The Village Market, is on a mission to change how people think about success. She believes the idea of being “self-made” is a myth. Instead, she highlights the role of community, mentorship, and reinvestment in building sustainable success. Her latest book, No One is Self-Made, challenges the narrative of individualism in business, offering a fresh perspective on wealth-building.
In the book, Hallmon emphasizes that behind every entrepreneur’s success is a network of supporters. Whether through mentorship, financial backing, or community encouragement, she argues that success is always a collective effort. “We have to shift our mindset back to coalition building,” she says.
Why Community is the Foundation of Success
Hallmon explains that Black entrepreneurs, in particular, thrive when they work together. “Community has always been the place for us,” she shares. Drawing from history, she notes that major achievements in the civil rights movement happened because people built strong networks of support.
Research supports her claims. Studies show that 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health challenges, often due to isolation and burnout. Hallmon sees this as a sign that the “self-made” mindset is harmful. Instead, she encourages business owners to surround themselves with people who uplift and support their vision.
The Village Market: A Blueprint for Collective Growth
Hallmon’s own journey proves that community-driven success works. The Village Market, her platform for Black entrepreneurs, has helped countless businesses scale and sustain themselves. By providing mentorship, exposure, and funding opportunities, she ensures that business owners don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
“Everything I’ve done may have been my vision, but the execution happens through collaboration,” she says. Hallmon stresses that true success comes when leaders surround themselves with people who believe in their mission.
Building a Strong Village: More Than Networking
Hallmon distinguishes between networking and truly building a village. Networking can be transactional, but building a village requires intention and consistency.
“The biggest component of building your village is setting good intentions,” she explains. “You need to be clear on why you want a community, what you expect from it, and what you can contribute.”
Rather than attending every event, she advises people to choose opportunities that align with their values and long-term goals. “Say yes to what feels aligned,” she suggests. “Not every Eventbrite invitation is for you. But when something speaks to who you are and where you want to go, show up.”
The Power of Showing Up for Others
A thriving community requires mutual support. Hallmon stresses that success is not just about receiving help but also giving it. “There’s nothing like looking into the audience and seeing people who showed up just to support you,” she says.
She encourages entrepreneurs to check in on others, even when there’s no immediate benefit. “That level of social currency is powerful,” she explains. “For us to build lasting communities, we need to consistently nurture our relationships.”
Her message is clear: No one achieves success alone. By investing in others, business owners can create a network that fuels sustainable growth.
