GET THE URBAN EXPERIENCE Dwana Bradley Editor in Chief I can remember my dad saying he wanted to start a magazine. The thoughts that ran through my head lacked confidence. I could think of all the reasons why his idea made no sense. I had no journalistic experience; I was working a full-time job as a teacher along with raising my young kids at the time. As the doubts continued to fill my brain, I replaced my doubts with confidence and a why not attitude. I got a mentor and started to research magazines across the country. On February 1, 2015, The Des Moines Urban Experience Now the Urban Experience Magazine was a reality. I left teaching in 2016 and my faith walk began. At the time I did not have income or health insurance. I humbled myself many times for assistance just to make it. I made the tough decision to move me and my kids back with my parents and started the entrepreneurial journey. The journey I was on was rough. I loved the freedom of setting my own hours, but as an entrepreneur no work no pay. Being an entrepreneur isn’t about the workload being less it is about what you put into it is what you get. There were so many times I wanted to give up. The discipline it took and still takes to run a business is relentless but worth more than the regular 9-5 could pay. I currently run The Des Moines Urban Experience a nonprofit which has custodianship of Iowa Juneteenth and Iowa Urban Media a Black owned media company which publishes a monthly publication Urban Experience Magazine and Urban Impact Show a weekly live show focusing on African Americans and the issues that impact the culture. August is Black Business Month. This month was founded by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick G. Jordan Sr. in August 2004 to highlight Black entrepreneurs and to support their businesses. There are currently 134,567 Black of African American owned businesses in the United States (US Census). This number continues to increase as we have seen numbers rise since covid. Many started businesses during the pandemic. To all my business owners out there doing your thing keep it going. It’s not always easy but the work your doing is necessary, your valued and appreciated. If I can ever be a resource to you or connect you with anyone, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The one thing that keeps me going is something I tell myself often. There is no competition only purpose and every day I am living out my purpose. It provides me joy, fulfillment, and peace. Happy Black Business Month
5 Publizr Home