by Nancy E Williams
June 5, 2025
In 2022, GoBankingRates carried out a survey revealing that 8% of Individuals give up their jobs to begin a enterprise,
In 2022, GoBankingRates carried out a survey revealing that 8% of Individuals give up their jobs to begin a enterprise, and simply final week, Allwork. Justeir’s nationwide survey discovered that just about 8 in 10 employed people expressed curiosity in launching their very own companies. What this tells us is that there are much more workers contemplating leaving to turn into their very own boss than really leaping. Meet Shaquanna West, who bought an present Pinot’s Palette franchise in Summit, New Jersey, in July 2024, and in lower than one 12 months has pushed a 60% enhance in income and bought a second location in February of this 12 months.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with West to study extra about what led her from company “golden handcuffs” to profitable franchise proprietor, and what recommendation she has for others on leaving an unhealthy work surroundings to turn into your individual boss.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: Give us slightly background on how you bought to the “burnout” stage in your company profession, which finally led you to franchise possession.
Shaquanna West: I reached the burnout stage after years of climbing the ladder in nonprofit, company, and affiliation roles– giving my all in operations, governance, and member engagement. I maintain a Bachelor’s diploma in Enterprise Administration and a Grasp’s diploma in Journalism, and I’ve constantly held management roles all through my profession. However over time, I discovered myself consistently overextended, micromanaged, and emotionally drained. Regardless of my {qualifications}, I used to be missed, my concepts had been introduced with out credit score, and the environments I labored in weren’t set as much as help my development. That’s when the burnout set in. I noticed I couldn’t carry on pouring right into a system that wasn’t pouring again into me.
I didn’t surrender; I revealed two youngsters’s books that encourage confidence, range, and creativity. The third ebook took for much longer to complete— I had author’s block as a result of I used to be merely drained from my job. Writing turned one of many first steps in reclaiming my voice and constructing one thing of my very own. It additionally gave me a technique to make the most of my journalism diploma in a way that felt significant and aligned with my values.
What surprises me is that I now run two thriving artwork studios, regardless of not being an artist myself or having any background in portray. I stepped into this business with zero artwork expertise, however introduced prior robust leaders, a transparent imaginative and prescient, and operational self-discipline to the desk. That’s what’s serving to me flip each studios round inside my first 12 months.
BE: Earlier than reaching burnout, had you thought-about enterprise possession earlier than? Did you might have mentors to assist information you?
West: I’ve at all times needed to personal a enterprise. Even after I didn’t know precisely what it will be — and franchise possession wasn’t initially on my radar– however when the chance got here up, I leaned in. I didn’t have anybody in my quick circle who had gone this route, so I used to be very a lot entering into new territory.
What gave me confidence was a deep understanding that I needed extra for my life, not simply by way of revenue, however by way of peace, flexibility, and stability. I didn’t wish to spend many years constructing another person’s dream, solely to retire and notice I by no means really lived my very own. I didn’t have a roadmap or mentors within the franchise house, however I had religion, self-discipline, and a powerful sense of objective.
My greatest worry wasn’t failure— it was remorse. I used to be afraid of trying again and realizing I stayed in conditions that didn’t serve me out of consolation or worry. So, I guess on myself, even and not using a clear map. And I’ve grown tremendously due to it. Each day, I notice I’m lastly residing my objective— I’ve a chance to present again, supply a service to the general public, and study, develop, and encourage others every day.
BE: You’ve got bought two present items with the Pinot’s Palette franchise, which weren’t worthwhile. What gave you the arrogance to purchase companies that weren’t performing?
West: The studios I bought weren’t financially robust on the time. One had nearly no recurring income, and the opposite had inconsistent efficiency. However I noticed potential, each within the model and in what I knew I may carry to the desk. I understood operations, folks, and tradition. I believed that with the correct technique, construction, and management, I may flip issues round. And I did.
The help from the franchise’s operations and advertising and marketing groups was additionally a significant a part of that course of. They’ve been an amazing useful resource and sounding board all through my journey. I even have some extremely proficient artists on my workforce, and I really couldn’t do that with out them. Particularly since I’m not an artist myself and don’t educate the lessons, it’s their creativity and reference to visitors that assist carry the imaginative and prescient to life.
BE: How did you fund your enterprise, and the way are you adjusting to the shift from a gradual paycheck?
West: I used a mixture of private financial savings and retirement financial savings to fund the enterprise. It was a daring choice, however after years of constructing different folks’s visions, I knew it was time to spend money on my very own. I met with monetary advisors and [got] suggestions from my circle to make knowledgeable selections. My enterprise hasn’t totally changed my company wage but, as I’m presently targeted on constructing the lengthy recreation. I do know the rewards are coming. Within the meantime, I’ve gained one thing much more beneficial: time, peace, and the liberty to develop one thing that displays my values.
BE: What has your expertise as a Black woman-owned franchise been, and why do you suppose illustration is necessary?
West: It’s been empowering and enlightening. I’ve had nice help, however I’ve additionally needed to show myself in methods others may not. I’ve realized easy methods to advocate for myself and others—and easy methods to lead with each power and intention.
Illustration is every thing. When folks see a Black lady proudly owning, main, and constructing with excellence, it expands their understanding of what’s potential for themselves. That visibility issues—particularly in areas the place we’re nonetheless underrepresented. It’s not nearly being seen. It’s about being a mirror for another person’s breakthrough.
BE: What recommendation do you might have for a company worker who’s sad of their function and feels caught?
West: You don’t have to remain the place you’re. You don’t want permission to pivot. Get clear on what sort of life you wish to dwell—and take one intentional step towards it. Whether or not that’s beginning a enterprise, discovering a more healthy office, or simply reclaiming your peace, it’s legitimate. You’re allowed to decide on your self. I’ve performed that by way of enterprise—and likewise by way of storytelling. I’ve authored three youngsters’s books as a result of I imagine in constructing a life that displays all elements of who I’m.
RELATED CONTENT: St. Louis Legend Jenifer Lewis Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Tells WashU Graduates To Prioritize Psychological Well being
