The Real Freedom? Ownership. What the 4th Means for Entrepreneurs

Economic Independence: What the 4th of July Means for Entrepreneurs Today

 From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

As fireworks crackle and flags fly high on the 4th of July, America celebrates its freedom. But as entrepreneurs, we understand that true freedom isn't just about borders, it's about ownership, autonomy, and the ability to shape your destiny.

For many entrepreneurs, regardless of race or gender, this holiday represents something deeper: the ongoing pursuit of economic liberation. Because starting a business isn’t just about making money, it’s about building a life on your own terms.

Entrepreneurship as a Modern-Day Declaration of Independence

When you step into entrepreneurship, you’re making a bold declaration:

“I will define my value. I will create opportunity. I will leave a legacy.”

This spirit mirrors what the Founding Fathers claimed on July 4, 1776. But while their freedom was political, ours is economic, and just as revolutionary.

Building a business allows individuals to bypass gatekeepers, create jobs, and generate wealth that can uplift families and entire communities. Research supports this, too. According to a 2021 report from the Kauffman Foundation, nearly 65% of new jobs in the U.S. are created by small businesses (Kauffman Foundation, 2021).

Barriers Still Exist, But We Keep Building

Despite the progress, systemic challenges remain. From access to capital to racial and gender disparities in funding, not all entrepreneurs have equal footing. Black and Latino entrepreneurs, for example, are less likely to be approved for loans and often receive less venture funding (Fairlie et al., 2020; Robb & Robinson, 2014).

Yet, entrepreneurs across all backgrounds continue to innovate, collaborate, and find creative ways to scale. That resilience is freedom in motion.

Why Ownership Matters

Owning a business gives you:

Time Freedom – the power to design your day

Financial Freedom – potential to build wealth beyond a paycheck

Creative Freedom – the ability to make your vision a reality

And ownership allows us to build assets that don’t just make money, but make an impact.

Personally, do I celebrate the 4th of July? No, neither I nor my ancestors were a part of the independence. However, whether you’re launching your first business or scaling your seventh, remember: you are claiming independence with every move you make.

So light your spark. Build your brand. Fund your future.

Let this be a reminder to every visionary, every go-getter, and every dreamer carving their own lane.

Love,

The Million Dollar Sis 🦋 

Ready to declare your independence?

Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, now is the time to build something that gives you freedom—financial, creative, and generational.

PS: Don’t just celebrate freedom, own it.

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Let’s keep building boldly, unapologetically, and together.!

Juneteenth & the Hustle for Economic Liberation

🖤 FREE TO BUILD: HONORING JUNETEENTH THROUGH BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP

From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

Juneteenth is more than just a holiday, it’s a reminder. A reckoning. A revival. It marks the day June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed that they were free… over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Freedom delayed, but not denied. And while our ancestors were legally unshackled that day, the truth is, their access to economic freedom remained locked away for generations. Land ownership was blocked, jobs were withheld, and wealth was hoarded.

But here’s the thing about us: we build anyway.

That’s why Juneteenth isn't just a commemoration of freedom from chains. It’s a call to action for economic liberation. And in this modern era, owning a business is one of the most powerful forms of resistance and resilience a Black person can take on. Every sale, every client, every brand we build? That’s us rewriting the script. That’s us taking up space in a world that once tried to erase us.

And let’s talk numbers. Because Black women? We are the moment. According to recent reports, Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S., starting businesses at four times the national average. But you know what? That stat doesn’t shock me. Because we’ve always made a way out of no way.

As for me? My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t cute and curated, it was born from necessity. I’m a U.S. Army veteran, a mom, and a multi-business owner who came from a line of women who made things happen. I grew up knowing that if I wanted freedom, not just financially, but spiritually, mentally, and generationally, I had to create it myself. I couldn’t wait for someone to give me a seat at the table. I built the whole damn room.

So let me say this loud and clear:

Entrepreneurship is a modern-day declaration of freedom.

It’s about owning your schedule, your value, and your impact. It’s the ability to decide your own future, to employ others in your community, and to pass something meaningful down to your children. It’s not just about money—it’s about power. And every Black entrepreneur is a freedom fighter in a new war: the war for equity, legacy, and liberation.

And since we're talking legacy, what's your story?

I want to hear it. The world needs to hear it. That’s why I created Boss Talk, a video podcast where entrepreneurs like you come on to share the truth behind your business. No fluff, just real stories from real people doing real work. I record every Tuesday between 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM EST, and the interviews are completely free. If you’ve got something powerful to say, I’ve got the mic waiting on you.

This Juneteenth, I want you to truly think about what freedom looks like for you. Not just waving a flag or reposting a quote, but living it. Owning your voice. Starting that business. Charging your worth. Releasing the fear. Supporting another Black-owned brand. Investing in the future you want your children to see.

Because we’re not just free, we’re Million Dollar Free.

With love, fire, and legacy,
Deanna “The Million Dollar Sis” Dias
Your Business Bestie. Your Reminder. Your Evidence.

👇🏾 Click Here to Schedule Your Boss Talk Interview 👇🏾

How to Host a Private, Intimate Event to Elevate Your Brand (My Proven Steps for Success)

Hey Million Dollar Society! 🌟

It’s your girl, Deanna, aka The Million Dollar Sis and your favorite business bestie. Today, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes magic of how I hosted an intimate, private event that not only brought my brand to life but also deepened connections with my audience in ways I never imagined.

If you’ve ever thought about hosting an event for your business but didn’t know where to start, let me show you how I did it, step by step.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

First things first, get crystal clear on what you want your event to accomplish. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, boost sales, or connect with your current and future customers?

For me, it was all about reconnecting with my existing customers while introducing my boutique, Bangolz, to new faces. I also wanted feedback on my latest pieces so I could refine my vision.

 Step 2: Know Your Audience

You don’t need a crowd of hundreds – you need the right people in the room. Think of those who will benefit most from your brand and who’ll appreciate the experience you’re curating.

At my event, I invited entrepreneurs, corporate queens, brunching beauties, a photographer, and some local influencers who I knew would vibe with my brand. That’s it – small, but mighty.

Step 3: Choose a Venue That Reflects Your Brand

Let’s talk location! I went with a cozy, modern art gallery. It was avant-garde, stylish, and had a decorated piano that became the centerpiece of the night. The space was intimate and comfortable – exactly the vibe I wanted to create.

One tip: always think about accessibility. Everyone should feel welcome and able to fully enjoy the experience.

Step 4: Craft an Engaging Agenda

No boring lectures here. I made sure my event felt personal and interactive. I kicked it off by sharing my story: where Bangolz came from, my mission, and what I envision for the future.

After that, my models showed off the new pieces, and we opened up the floor for questions and feedback. We ended the night with networking, some good eats, and a mimosa or two. 🍾

 Step 5: Make It Feel Exclusive

We all love to feel special, and that’s exactly what I wanted for my guests. Everyone got a $20 gift certificate to spend at Bangolz, plus a surprise gift that was actually useful, not just filler.

It turned the event into a real VIP experience.

Step 6: Follow Up and Build Relationships

Don’t let the connection stop when the night ends! I always send a personalized thank-you email to every guest, and you should, too. Include some highlights from the event and remind them of any exclusive deals or next steps.

That follow-up has helped me turn one-time event guests into loyal customers and even brand ambassadors.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a private, intimate event isn’t about being perfect – it’s about creating real connections. When people feel valued and seen, they’ll keep coming back and supporting your business in ways that last.

So, Million Dollar Society, what’s the first step you’re going to take to plan your event? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s hype each other up and get those ideas flowing!

Until next time, keep building, keep shining, and keep showing up for yourself and your brand.

Love,
Deanna ✨