22: Leading While Bleeding: Hidden Struggles of Building a Movement w/ Carmen Jones

What happens when your dream business grows beyond your expectations—and people turn against you for it? In this episode, Carmen Jones, founder and CEO of Black Girls Social Club, shares her raw and unfiltered journey of building a thriving global community for Black women. She takes us through the highs and lows of leadership, from skyrocketing growth to facing personal losses, betrayals, and even rumors threatening her reputation. Carmen gets real about: ✅ Leading while grieving—building a business while navigating personal loss ✅ What she thought Black women needed vs. what they actually needed ✅ Handling public scrutiny and bouncing back from rumors ✅ Why protecting your team and culture is just as important as growing your brand ✅ The emotional toll of leadership (and why most people don’t talk about it) Plus, she reveals what’s next, including the launch of her nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs' mental and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of leading, growing, and keeping it together while the world watches—this episode is for you. KEY POINTS - The origin of Black Girls Social Club and its advocacy  - Carmen on navigating leadership challenges  - The pivotal role of maintaining an authentic culture  - Initiatives: community service, professional development, health & wellness - The importance of having leaders aligned with the club's mission and values - The need for a safe and supportive environment for members  - Carmen’s vision and future goals for BGSC  - CEOUnplugged and its mission support the mental health of entrepreneurs QUOTES  “Mental fortitude is one of the top things you have to have. And if your mind ain't right, your business [is] not going to be right.” – Carmen Jones  “Another big thing in the entrepreneurial world is that we feel ashamed to share some of our stories. Everybody wants to look like they have it all together. Nobody wants to look like they're stressed the hell out.” – Carmen Jones  GUEST RESOURCES  Carmen Jones  IG | @carmen.nicole.jones @theblackgirlsocialclub @ceounplugged RESOURCES Shop My Looks – Love my style? Shop all my looks and similar pieces directly in my LTK store: Shop here. Wardrobe Essentials Checklist – Upgrade your wardrobe effortlessly with my free checklist of must-have essentials: Download it here. Jasmene Bowdry  IG | @jasmenebowdry AND This is produced by EPYC Media Network