\"Things don’t look the same…especially for Black women entrepreneurs. Budgets from 2022 don’t look the same. We have to pivot to sustain ourselves in a new world\"- Callia Hargrove
In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya sits down with Callia Hargrove — storyteller, brand strategist, and founder of Backstory Consulting — to dive deep into what it really takes to build meaningful brands and meaningful lives. Callia walks us through her evolution from the fashion and media worlds to carving out her own lane as an entrepreneur rooted in community, culture, and impact. She opens up about the unglamorous side of ambition — burnout, overextension, and the moment she realized she needed a sabbatical to save both her creativity and her wellbeing. We unpack what it means to grow a business in a shifting market, how Black women founders are forced to navigate systems that weren’t built for us, and why representation, rest, and collective care aren’t “nice-to-haves” — they’re strategy. Callia also shares the lessons she gained from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women program, the mindset shifts that changed her leadership, and the power of being supported, seen, and surrounded by women with shared purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in reinvention, boundaries, and building with integrity.
**please bear with us on some audio issues with this episode - we were battling a bad wifi connection. The conversation is great nonetheless - so tune in!**
Keywords:
Black Girl Ambition, Callia Hargrove, Backstory, social impact, social change, entrepreneurship, fashion, media, community care, sabbatical, mindset
Takeaways:
Callia Hargrove founded Backstory to address social impact.
Her career in fashion was influenced by a lack of representation.
Storytelling is a crucial tool for brands to connect with communities.
Community care is essential for brand leaders during tough times.
Burnout can occur even when doing what you love.
Taking a sabbatical can help recharge creativity and focus.
The Goldman Sachs Black Women in Business program provided valuable insights for entrepreneurs.
Mindset shifts are necessary for personal and professional growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Empowerment and Ambition: The BLKGirl Ambition Movement
02:38 Callia Hargrove: From Fashion to Founding Backstory
06:19 The Impact of 2020: Launching Backstory Consulting
08:56 Navigating Economic Shifts: Brand Leaders and Community Care
13:43 Recognizing Burnout: The Importance of Sabbaticals
17:56 Founder Glow Up: Insights from the Goldman Sachs Accelerator
21:50 Mindset Matters: Balancing Practicality with Spiritual Growth
About BackStory Consulting:
Backstory is a brand consultancy that guides C-suite leaders and marketing professionals as they navigate cultural shifts and evolve their brands through moments of change. We cut through confusion and performative efforts to develop brand strategies that build trust, re-energize teams, and authentically reach diverse audiences.
Get in touch with Callia Hargrove and Backstory Consulting:
Website: www.tellyourbackstory.com
LinkedIn: Backstory Consulting and Callia Hargrove
IG: @backstoryconsulting and @calliarmelle
Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition
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