Earlier this year, we spoke with entrepreneur Dawne Horizons on how her personal journey led her to create one of the area’s most unique holistic businesses. Now, she’s taken those opportunities and created a network to bring other businesses together.

This Saturday, she is hosting a networking social at Clearbrooke Center for the Arts in Lake Ridge. It is something she started a few years ago, and it has grown to fruition.

“I started doing these Black Business Networking social events in 2020,” she said in a recent interview with PW Perspective. “Many people were affected by the pandemic, and they had to pivot and change. They wanted to do their own thing, and Natural Health & Wellness was doing good, so I wanted to bring people together so they can reach their customers.”

It started in her backyard, but then when the weather changed, she moved the events indoors. “Since I had a large home, I could have people going in one way, and leave another to avoid being in close proximity,” she said.

Using her writing background, she was able to bring in entertainment as well to keep the events lively. “I am a poet, so I invited other poets to recite their works, as well as musicians to come and play.”

“I was able to able to bring in a chef to cater these events, because we had to feed everyone [laughs]. However, when he couldn’t make it, I provided the food, with a different theme each month.”

As the event grew larger in number, she was able to connect with the Clearbrooke Center in August 2022, where she is now doing the events quarterly.

Dawne reflected on the importance of bringing people together, especially during the holiday season. “Not everyone has family,” she said, “so we are providing an opportunity to connect with people not just as a community but as a business network. That’s my goal, is to make sure we support one another.”

“On a cultural level,” she added,” we need to keep our money in our community. Others do it, why not us? Our money is spent on other things within a few hours. We need to learn how to keep our money with us as Black people and strengthen what we have.”

“If I have resources that I can provide, I will give it away. Not because I am looking to gain something, but because we reap what we sow. That is what the events are about, providing a safe space event where we can show grace towards one another.”

She has vetted each vendor in preparation for the event and is happy to see how more people we encouraged to share their gifts with those who are already there. “I am seeing more businesses that have expanded as a result of these events. I’ve had a few businesses that now have collaborations and more resources than ever before. People’s lives and businesses are enriched.”

Going into 2023, Dawne is planning to move into the speaking and coaching space, including putting together a vision board get-together in January.