All the marching and women’s right protesting over the last few weeks has hit home for this female and minority business owner. Targeted by a larger real estate company and paid unfair wages helped educate me on the hardships a minority business owner faces daily.
So what is it like being a minority business owner?
Being an independent business woman raised in a family full of women, I never considered myself a minority. Being white, born and raised in Cookeville TN, minority is just not a word that came to mind. Thankfully, the attorneys I’ve consulted with, reminded me I AM A MINORITY, and we have been targeted. My business partner and I have been paid unfair wages by a majority owned male company. It’s not fair, it’s ugly, and it’s sad that we live in a world where this happens daily to millions of people. As much as I hate to say it, the business world is still very much a man’s world.
Support
Fortunately, there is a significant amount of support across the great state of TN to help minorities get the fair wages they deserve. Consulting with attorneys has been an eye opener as I’ve learned unfair business practices are more common than I thought. Being someone who takes great pride in operating business in an ethical manner and follows the golden rule, it’s shocking to come across such examples. It’s sad, two strong independent business women offer competitive rates in the ever-changing industry, and we have a target on our back?!
That said, being a minority and facing hardships can either beat you down or you can use it as motivation or a competitive edge. Going through this turmoil has motivated us to continue to provide unmatched service for our clients. In addition to that, we vow to run our business with integrity.
Closing Notes
The other great news is God always prevails. Faith and Hope always prevail! Praying for those who persecute you is one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in my life. It’s a lesson that has taught me to stand up for what I believe in.
What advice can I offer to a minority owned business experiencing discrimination or similar issues? Arm yourself with education. Call the best attorney in your state that specializes in handling these issues. Write letters to local officials, news stations, and fight back to be treated fairly. Educate the public on how you’re being treated, and I PROMISE justice will prevail!
As for us, we are fighting back and well……Look for future blogs for an update on this.
Natalie Stout
Broker / Owner
931 520 7750
