Nia Long is encouraging Black entrepreneurs to keep building, even when the road gets difficult.
The actress recently shared how her grandmother turned a small home-based hair business into a salon in Brooklyn. Her grandmother had immigrated to the United States from Trinidad. She was born in Grenada.
Long shared the story while partnering with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp. The partnership celebrates small business owners making a difference in their communities.
Her grandmother’s story also shaped Long’s view of ownership, hard work, and community support.
Nia Long’s Grandmother Started Doing Hair in a Brooklyn Kitchen
Long remembers watching her grandmother build her business from home. She started by doing hair in the family’s Brooklyn kitchen.
That small beginning eventually grew into a salon. For Long, the journey showed what determination could create over time.
“The first thing she did was start doing hair in our kitchen in Brooklyn,” Long shared.
Her grandmother also balanced business with family responsibilities. Long remembers her coming home tired after long days at the salon.
Despite the exhaustion, she still made dinner and cared for her family. That example stayed with Long as she grew older.
Her Grandmother’s Work Shaped Long’s View of Black Business
Long saw more than a hairstylist when she watched her grandmother work. She saw a Black woman creating something of her own.
That experience helped Long understand the value of business ownership. She believes owning a business can create confidence and economic growth.
“There’s a lot of pride in owning something and doing something that no one else is doing,” Long said.
She also believes Black-owned businesses can influence future generations. Seeing parents and grandparents build businesses can encourage young people to take risks.
Long says that ownership can also strengthen communities. Business owners can create opportunities while supporting other entrepreneurs around them.
Nia Long Says Black Businesses Help Build Stronger Communities
Long stressed that business success should not happen in isolation. She believes entrepreneurs should connect with other business owners.
Those connections can create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. They can also help entrepreneurs learn from each other.
“This is how you build community—by supporting, coming together, and utilizing one another,” Long said.
Her message comes as Black Business Month puts greater attention on Black-owned companies. Long wants entrepreneurs to recognize their role in their communities.
She also wants business owners to focus on what they can build. Dwelling on missing resources, she said, can take attention away from possible solutions.
Long Encourages Black Women Entrepreneurs to Know Their Strengths
Long also spoke about what Black women need to succeed in business. She emphasized having realistic expectations and understanding the business foundation.
She believes entrepreneurs should also recognize their strengths and weaknesses. That knowledge can help business owners decide when to seek help.
Sometimes, that means giving certain responsibilities to team members. Long says delegation can help create a healthier balance for business growth.
“Understanding our strengths and weaknesses—I think that is key,” Long said.
Her advice highlights an important part of entrepreneurship. Building a successful company does not mean doing every task alone.
Nia Long Tells Black Entrepreneurs to Keep Showing Up
Long also addressed common challenges around funding, visibility, and access. She encouraged entrepreneurs to keep asking for the support they need.
She believes showing up at business events can create valuable connections. Conversations can also help entrepreneurs explain their needs and find opportunities.
“Keep showing up to events like this, keep having conversations about your needs,” Long said.
She also encouraged business owners to change how they approach challenges. Instead of focusing only on what they lack, she wants them to consider what they can create.
That mindset reflects the lesson she learned from her grandmother. A small business can begin with limited resources and still grow.
Nia Long Helps Honor Small Business Heroes
Long’s message came through her partnership with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp. The companies recently celebrated winners of their Small Business Hero Program.
The program recognizes small business owners making meaningful contributions to their communities. Long helped honor three entrepreneurs at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Each entrepreneur received a $20,000 grant to support business growth. The awards gave the recipients additional resources for their next steps.
The partnership also connected Long’s personal story with the broader challenges facing entrepreneurs. Her grandmother’s salon journey remains a powerful example of starting small.
Her Message to Black Entrepreneurs Is Simple: Keep Going
Long ended her message with encouragement for entrepreneurs who may feel discouraged. She reminded them that their businesses have value.
“Keep going. You have to keep going,” Long said. “There is a lane for you, there is a place for you, and there is a purpose for you.”
Her grandmother’s journey gives that message a personal meaning. She watched a woman immigrate to America and build a salon from humble beginnings.
Today, Long is using that story to encourage another generation of business owners. Her message is clear: start where you are, understand your business, build your community, and keep going.
