Securing success: Dr. Brittny James’ path to elevating Project Chick

By Nailah Jones, communications associate

In the world of entrepreneurship, inspiration can strike unexpectedly. Whether from unique personal experiences or sudden challenges, what’s born on the other side can be remarkable and one-of-a-kind. Dr. Brittny James’ journey is a testament to her resilience and creativity, sparked by her ability to see unique opportunities and pivot. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” she said. “I just didn’t know it.”

Dr. James’ knack for business ownership began years ago when she started an Etsy shop in 2016, selling t-shirts and custom items for parties and group trips. She eventually shifted to graduation and degree-specific tees for Black women. Then, after becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first historically Black sorority for college women, she evolved this talent to create customized Afghans for members of fraternities and sororities. This experience helped her understand important processes like licensing, trademarking and dealing with vendors. These were all essential building blocks for what was to come next.

While juggling her role as the COO of Healthcare Equity Solutions and teaching part-time during the pandemic, she found her schedule and tasks overwhelming. However, she didn’t let these obstacles deter her. Instead, she channeled her creativity and began hand-drawing pages of a personal organizer. Little did she know, this would be the birth of The Project Chick. 

Designed to revolutionize planning with a project-based approach instead of schedule-based, her line of Project Chick products combines innovation in organization with highlighting sounds of the 90s and early 2000s. One of Brittny’s standout items is the signature desk calendar. Each month, the calendar references different quotes and lyrics from hip-hop artists and includes a QR code for a playlist to keep you motivated. Dr. James highlights the need for more project management products that speak life into users in a new way. “You can go to Target or Marshall’s and ‘live, laugh, love,’ but what better inspiration than, ‘You a paper chaser, you got ya block on fire?'”

The impact of her products goes far beyond this, though. Most importantly, Dr. James wants to train effective project managers and help improve equity in pay by preparing more women and minorities to enter the field.

With a clear vision and as the owner of a growing brand, Dr. James sought ways to elevate her products to the next level of success. However, doing this without additional support and backing can be difficult. “I have not received any funding thus far in my business despite several pitch competitions and competitive cohort programs,” Dr. James said. “Financial assistance is pivotal to my next steps.”  

One day, another Black woman business owner funded by GoGeorgia Capital told her about the program, which would go on to make an undeniable impact. With the funding Dr. James received, she hired a publicist and maintained marketing efforts to expand the reach of Project Chick.

As she reflected on the application process, Dr. James emphasized everything was easy. “I was able to receive funding within about three to four days of the initial application,” she said. “I was on the phone with a business match by the next week.”

Once she connected to Accion Opportunity Fund, Dr. James received more than just a loan. Her financial counselor provided her with the customized care and support she needed. “The financial counselor was interested in my products and supportive of my plans for growth,” she said. “I was able to speak plainly about my business goals, and I believe that she was able to make her decision pretty easily based on that.”

Today, Dr. James’ line of products continues to progress and thrive. In addition to planners, she offers customized items like mousepads, sticky notes and wellness journals.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and GoGeorgia Capital are proud to help uplift small business owners like Dr. James. Her journey exemplifies unwavering determination and underscores the importance of seeking support when needed. Through innovative products and a commitment to fostering equity and inclusion, Dr. James embodies the essence of entrepreneurship we want to continue strengthening in metro Atlanta.

For more information about Project Chick, check out the website here.