Lessons from the Uncle Nearest Story: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn

I’ve been watching with mixed perspectives the unfolding case of Uncle Nearest. For

many business owners I encounter, there’s a shared sense of confusion as we wait for

the next announcement in real time. Questions abound: How could this happen? Why

now? And what’s next? As does emotions: I’m torn. I’m confused. I love her!

For months, I’ve been writing a series titled Lost Fortunes—the stories of Black women

entrepreneurs who built empires before the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges

that stripped away their wealth. These stories attempt to answer a fundamental

question: What is generational wealth, and under what conditions can it thrive—or

crumble?

The case of Fawn Weaver and Uncle Nearest provides a modern-day example. Here is

a woman who has built a remarkable empire, yet signs now suggest the business faces

extraordinary challenges. While we may not know the full circumstances, there are

lessons all entrepreneurs—new and seasoned can take from this moment.

Three Observations for Business Owners

1. Entrepreneurial leadership is lifelong learning.

Leadership in business means asking critical questions every step of the way.

Entrepreneurship requires continuous learning and pursuit of mastery—both to seize

opportunities and to navigate unexpected challenges. Even with a trusted team of

experts, responsibility rests with you. Blind spots must be addressed with reliable

systems, processes, and high standards that reduce error and strengthen culture.

2. Mentors and community matter.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, but no one succeeds alone. Behind every

enduring leader is a circle of mentors, sponsors, and champions who offer perspective,

advocacy, and encouragement. These relationships help you stay grounded and

resilient when challenges arise.

3. Gratitude and grace fuel resilience.

Every entrepreneur will face obstacles. The key is how you respond. Approaching

difficulties with gratitude and grace creates space for creative resets and new

opportunities. When you lead with these values, others notice—and your ability to

inspire becomes as important as your ability to execute.

Lessons on Building Generational Wealth

Since the pandemic, women-owned businesses—especially Black women-owned

businesses—have grown at record rates. Much of this growth is tied to the desire to

build generational wealth. But are we studying the women who came before us—the

ones who built empires—and asking what lessons they left behind?

As a small business technical assistance provider, I’ve seen how critical business

financial acumen is to building wealth. It’s tempting to hand over finances to a

bookkeeper or accountant, but you must understand your numbers—monthly, quarterly,

and annually—to know what questions to ask and make strategic decisions.

Equally important are strong business allies. Mentors, partners, vendors, and industry

peers expand your capacity and influence, providing relationship capital and social

equity that money alone cannot buy. This value is built consistently over time through

trust and contribution.

Finally, in difficult times, amplify your voice with gratitude and grace. When challenges

threaten to undo your progress, people are watching—employees, customers, and

future partners. Some are waiting to see if you will rise as the resolute leader who

certainly built something worth saving.

Uncle Nearest mastered storytelling to create a compelling brand. Today, its story

continues—reminding us that entrepreneurship is about more than success or failure.

It’s about the courage to build, the wisdom to learn, and the grace to lead through every

chapter of the journey.

As we close out our financial reviews and reports for the third quarter and enter Q4 with

clear financial goals, I encourage you to take a step in your own business today. Review

your financials with fresh eyes, reach out to a mentor, or strengthen the systems that

safeguard your vision. Remember, empires are not built alone—they are sustained

through knowledge, allies, and a spirit of gratitude. Someone is always watching, and

your leadership may be the reason another entrepreneur finds the courage to keep

going.

What lessons are you drawing from the Uncle Nearest story? Share your thoughts and

experiences so that together we can uncover strategies to protect and grow our

businesses.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own business blind spots. What systems,

mentors, or allies could help you close the gaps and build for the long term?

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