Meet Greg Westbrook | Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Westbrook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Shop Black Fest began this journey five years ago in 2019, and since then, we’ve proudly collaborated with over 4000 different black-owned businesses across the country. Through our efforts, we’ve helped these businesses raise over $350,000 in revenue, creating a meaningful impact on their growth and success.

Our goal extends beyond just hosting festivals. We’re building an ecosystem where black-owned businesses not only survive but thrive. It’s heartening to see businesses returning year after year, not just for the festival but to be an integral part of our supportive community. We take pride in fostering lasting relationships.

In addition to the festivities, we’re committed to education. We organize workshops and seminars to ensure that businesses know the basics, giving them the tools to navigate challenges and prosper throughout the year. It’s not just about the events; it’s about equipping businesses with the knowledge and support they need to succeed in the long run.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Shop Black Fest wasn’t just an idea; it was born out of pure marketing experimentation. You know how marketing is—you try things until something clicks. Back in 2019, we were hustling to promote my wife Tanesha’s clothing brand. That hustle turned into pop-up shops and eventually evolved into what we now proudly call Shop Black Fest. It’s been quite a journey, and here’s how it unfolded.

In 2019, my wife and I made a bold move, leaving our jobs to embark on the journey of Shop Black Fest. The groundwork was laid for the inaugural festival in November of that year. Prior to the festival buzz, we were already in motion, hosting pop-ups at our studio space since 2016. The excitement built, and in 2019, Shop Black Fest made its debut in November.

From promoting one brand, we expanded our horizons. We started popping up in our city and the response was incredible. What caught our attention was the struggle of new business owners, just like us, trying to find effective ways to get their products out there. That’s when the light bulb lit up—direct selling opportunities. We aimed to create a space, a safe haven, for these businesses to showcase their products and services.

However, our country took a hit in March 2020, right after our second event, which was exclusive to Nashville at that point, the pandemic struck. Swift adaptation led us online during the first months of the pandemic, and come June 2020, we ventured outdoors, ensuring a safe environment with the use of COVID masks. Fast forward, we’ve traveled to over 13 different cities, worked with more than 4,000 businesses, and it’s been a game-changer.

What makes us different from similar events is our commitment to curating an unforgettable experience. We call ourselves the homecoming for entrepreneurs, inspired by the HBCU culture. I’m a Howard University grad, and my wife went to Tennessee State, so we’re big on that vibe. It’s not just about business; it’s a family-friendly celebration of black excellence, where everyone can have a good time.

The most exciting part? The growth we’ve seen in the last five years is mind-blowing. Seeing businesses not only sell out at our festivals but also level up because they’re inspired by others in our community—it’s just incredible. The camaraderie among business owners is something else. Some start as festival buddies and end up being long-term friends or business partners.

Now, getting here wasn’t a walk in the park. It was a lot of hard work. Looking back, I realize I could’ve saved time if I’d been more open to suggestions from the get-go. As an entrepreneur, getting help and doing thorough research is crucial. You don’t want to create another job for yourself; you want to build a stream of income. Like my wife says, “a one-man show can’t grow.”

Overcoming challenges came down to perseverance and learning. I immersed myself in research, sought mentorship, and discovered essential lessons. Don’t leave your job before securing certain things for your business, be a perpetual learner, get in the room with people smarter than you, volunteer—it’s a fantastic way to network and learn.

Our brand story is personal. My wife and I got married over five years ago, and in the same year, we took the leap to become full-time entrepreneurs. Through Shop Black Fest and our other ventures, we’ve not only sustained ourselves but also succeeded in helping businesses get better at doing business. It’s not just a passion; it’s a commitment to ensuring businesses can sustain themselves, hire employees, and contribute to the community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend’s in Nashville for a week, here’s the plan: We’ll start the day with breakfast at The Diner, a classic spot with good eats. Then, we’ll immerse ourselves in the music scene at the National Museum of African American Music – very dope museum. Lunch: Slim and Huskies for some top-notch pizza, and dinner at Southern V for excellent vegan options.

Now, let’s mix it up. Another day calls for Bag Lady’s, a unique spot for a tasty bite. Need some nature? Centennial Park Park it is. For the evening, maybe some live tunes at a local joint.

As for the rest of the week, we’ll explore different local spots, catch live performances in various parts of the city, and enjoy Nashville vibes. There is always something new going on! I enjoy being tourist in my own city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A special shout-out goes to my wife, Taniesha, Tee, Westbrook. She’s the visionary behind Shop Black Fest, breathing life into so many aspects of our journey. Without her creativity and unwavering vision, we wouldn’t have achieved the success we celebrate today. I’m truly grateful for her joining me on this incredible journey, providing not just support but also the motivation to make Shop Black Fest the large-scale success that it is today. Her role has been instrumental in turning dreams into reality.

Website: https://www.shopblackfest.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/iamgregwestbrook

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shop-black-fest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopblackfest/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregwestbrook88