Hello, and welcome back, hope you tuned in yesterday for our second black-owned business! If you are new here, grab a seat and check out what we are doing this month! Grab some snacks and get to reading.
For Black History Month, Eta Sigma Delta Inc will be highlighting some of our black-owned businesses on the grid for the second year. These business leaders have been seen working very hard at what they do and showing everyone that they can and will do it. We want to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to their crafts.
These businesses have made a positive impact on the community rather it was by recognizing their dedicated customers, giving out group gifts, joining into conversations with their customers on Facebook, or just by giving great customer service. We want to say thank you for letting us into your world and we commend you for your hard work and focus.
Christy aka Big Sister Sweet & Sassy was happy to take a trip to check out on the grid and Cassie is having a refreshing drink from the store.
Here is what our third business owner had to say...
Our third business is Special O'cassions of SecondLife and Black Business Owners of SL!
Special O'Cassions of Second Life is a team of professional event planners whose expertise can help you host a truly memorable event. From themed events to products and items, to landscaping and building, Special O'Cassions event planning services is your Second Life industry expert for events that strategically achieve your business or personal objectives and create an enjoyable experience for your guests.
About the owner, Diamond Meness...
BBOSL has been in business since 2008. Special O'Cassions of Second Life has been in business since 2007 renamed from Kitchen Nibbles and continues to grow.
We asked Diamond a couple of questions and here is what she had to say...
- "No. I've never found it hard being a black-owned business in Second Life. My designs are such that they cater to the individual. I do have a lot of items that cater to African Americans like my Soul Food Placemat and my Southern takeout food. It's not hard to do because it's what I grew up eating and what I make every day. I enjoy creating these things. And what makes it extra special is I will take a picture of my creations and use it on my items in-game. So knowing that it's something that I made in Real Life transferred over to Second Life is really cool."
- "As I said. It's a part of me. And I enjoy doing what I do. The sound of an excited customer or a happy customer makes it all worthwhile. I want my custom-made customers to know that what I make for this is special just to them. That it's unlike anything else in-game. So If I am requested to do a wedding cake. They will know that there is no other wedding cake like it in-game. That's pretty awesome."
Typically how long does it take you to get 1 item out?
- "If it's a custom item, it depends, like wedding cakes can take up to 3 weeks depending on how detailed they want it to be. It also depends on the item. If it's wedding flowers, that can take a while as well. It just depends."
What advice can you give to other black entrepreneurs trying to start their SL business?
- "Understand that you have to be married to your business. If you are wondering what to do or where to start when it comes to a business, do something that you enjoy. Something that's fun for you. It won't seem like work. Be original. Many will copy you. But that just means you have to exceed your own creations."
What would you like to say to all of your supporters and customers?
- "I've been around a long time. Since 2007. Both of my businesses have been going strong. My validation comes from my customers and clients. They are the ones that I look to please. I am very appreciative of this recognition, but it will always be my customers who have made me who I am. I know it and I appreciate them for it. And as long as they need me, that's what is important to me. I have 14 successful business years invested in Second Life. That's a long time and not many can say that. I have been a part of beta test groups, I have got to work with some amazing content creators. My goal is realism. And I hope that I have done that for my clients. When it comes to Special O'Cassions , When they look at my food. I don't want them to think oh...that's cute. I want them to think...wow...I"m hungry. I want them to think, that looks real enough to eat. When they join BBOSL, I want to them feel like they are part of a group of like-minded business owners where they can network and share. And expand and grow their own business. This is what makes a good black business owner a great leader in the black-owned business world."
The Flawless Sapphires of Eta Sigma Delta would like to thank you Diamond for taking time out of your busy day to give us a look inside your life.
Please support this young lady and continue to show love to our black-owned businesses in Second Life.
Check her out on Facebook - Shop Special O'Cassions FB and Join Black Business Owners of SL FB
In World - Shop Special O'Cassions InWorld
Marketplace - Shop Special O'Cassions on MP
Thank you for reading!
Signing Out
Big Sister On Point aka
Cassie Shaw MD
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