Pedestal Professionals is a weekly spotlight series on our blog that highlights Black women entrepreneurs who are forging new paths in their respective fields.
Meet this week’s Pedestal Professional (and one of our faves), Aleidra Allen, Founder/CEO of Purpose in Everything (PIE) Movement. Aleidra is based in St. Louis, MO and is a vocal proponent for social change, especially within the Black Greek Community. Through her social media platforms, she has continuously challenged our Black and BGLO communities to examine our ideals and commit to living a life that not only adheres but exemplifies our shared values. We had a chance to chat with Aleidra to learn more about her!
Tell us a bit about P.I.E. Movement.
Purpose In Everything (PIE) is a start-up social enterprise that sells everyday products, adding purpose to the purchases by donating 5 percent of our net sales to social change work. Our products are produced ethically, being sweatshop-free and environmentally friendly. We are committed to social justice and our goal is to inspire consumers to be a part of social change beyond the prominent ways, including through their buying.
How did you get started?
I first received the vision for PIE in 2013, but it remained an idea for years. After Mike Brown was murdered in 2014, I re-envisioned PIE with a stronger focus on social justice. As our society dove further into the movement for Black lives and the awareness and sensitivity to social injustice heightened, I realized that PIE was the work that I was called to do for justice. So, I resigned from my job and took a leap of faith to become an entrepreneur and launch PIE.
Tell us about your educational journey.
I attended the University of Kentucky (UK) as a first-generation college student and received my Bachelor’s degree in Community Communications and Leadership Development. I later received my Mater’s degree in Education (specialization in Higher Education Administration) from Louisiana State University (LSU).
What’s the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship?
Happy customers that enjoy and prefer your products (out of all the products in the world!). It makes me so happy when I receive emails or see social media posts with customers sharing how they love the products and recommend them. It’s so affirming and gives you the motivation to keep going.
In your opinion, what is unique about being a professional Black Woman?
We get *stuff* done! Black women often lead the way and make things happen in so many aspects of life– with family, church, elections– we could go on and on. So I feel we bring that spirit with us as professionals. Even if we don’t know exactly how to do it or if it’s our first shot at it, we will figure it out and get it done. However, while this is definitely evidence of our Black girl magic, I think we have to be conscious of this and try not to take on too much or allow others to let us carry loads that should be shared.
What’s your business mantra?
Humble beginnings– Today, I may be a one-person show doing everything, lugging products in suitcases in the trunk of my car, with 5 percent of our net sales only being $200; but one day, I’ll have a whole team to fulfill each task, we’ll get thousands of online orders, and we’ll donate thousands of dollars toward social change. It’s a part of the story that we’ll tell to inspire others. Trust the process.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring Black women entrepreneurs and writers?
Keep pursuing your vision– our road is tough; we’re Black and we’re women. We don’t have as many people who look like us that can provide mentorship or guidance. We don’t have access to the same resources that other identities have. We will have to work twice, or three times, or four times as hard. But if you were given a vision, stay true to it and keep on taking steps to make it a reality. It will come to pass.
How can the Pedestal Project readers learn more about you and PIE Movement?
You can learn more about PIE and shop our products at http://www.piemovment.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @piemovement.
If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured in Pedestal Professionals, please complete the form in the “Connect” section or email us at pedestalprojectorg@gmail.com.
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