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Photo: Christina Roth/Courtesy of Brittney Bogues

Brittney Bogus is an entrepreneur, daughter of an NBA legend and domestic violence survivor and advocate.

What is happening: Bogues, the founder of PR and marketing firm Bogues Group, spoke with Axios about life as a business owner, her work as a domestic violence advocate, growing up with Steph and Seth Curry, some of her favorite spots in Charlotte and her goals for the future.

Why it matters: Bogues uses her platform to advocate for and uplift others both professionally and personally. She is also among the growing number of black business owners across the country.

By the numbers: According to a 2022 analysis by LendingTree, Charlotte ranks 16th nationally in black-owned businesses, which make up 3.8 percent of businesses in the area. 23% of the area’s population is black.

Also, black women own 35.4% of Black-Owned Businesses Nationwide, Higher than the National Average Total Female-Owned companies at 20.9%.

Here’s our Q&A with Bogues.

Editor’s note: Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

1. Tell us about the genesis of Bogues Group, which you founded almost four years ago.

When I started this business, I was dedicated to providing customized solutions for people who had a clear vision of what they wanted for their business communication and event needs.

My previous business taught me two valuable lessons: the importance of implementing and refining systems, and building a team of experts that complement your skill set.

Leading with these two lessons allows Bogues Group to continually grow and deliver quality work that impacts our clients and our community.

2. You’ve shared in previous interviews that you’ve been an entrepreneur for over a decade and your first business failed. Tell us about that experience. What made you decide to try again as an entrepreneur and what lessons did you learn from your first venture?

Although I gained valuable experience working for others, I felt stifled, unable to exercise my creativity, and unhappy before I became an entrepreneur.

Lessons: I prayed and put in my two weeks notice to pursue my company. From my first venture, I knew I needed to have a clear brand identity, unique selling point and systems.

I also learned the importance of automation and delegation, so building a strong team in areas I wasn’t was paramount.

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve noticed a trend among all the other entrepreneurs I’ve met along the way – we fail, but we don’t become stagnant or discouraged. Rather, we’re using it as a tutorial to incorporate into the next project.

I had to get up and continue to be self-aware and really be true to myself, honing in on my strengths and addressing my weaknesses head on.

3. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women of color who face disproportionate challenges compared to their white counterparts?

There are so many obstacles women of color face, including lack of financial resources and social capital.

However, there are various programs and events you can enroll in or attend that will help combat these issues.
I recommend researching online programs such as SBA, NXT CLT, and other business accelerator programs offered by the city and/or non-profit/private organizations. They help you build your business and often offer grants.
In addition, making a plan to attend 1-3 networking events will help you build authentic relationships and can open a variety of doors. I’ve built great relationships with key community members and business leaders who have become mentors that I can connect with and pick their brains on a variety of topics.

Find an ally or mentor: With minimal social capital, it’s critical to find an ally or mentor in your industry or field who is willing to speak your name in rooms you’re not in.

Take a look at what they are doing, how you can be an asset to them because we all have something to offer and what you can achieve by looking for free and paid events to attend and network with.

4. In 2017, you wrote an op-ed for the Huffington Post sharing your journey as a victim of domestic violence, saying that a famous last name doesn’t protect you from pain. You have also worked with Safe Alliance to raise awareness for other survivors. Has sharing your journey helped you heal, and what advice would you give other survivors who may be hesitant to share their story?

Sharing my story has lifted a burden and weight I have carried for far too long. In addition to sharing my story, learning about the cycle of abuse through my work at Safe Alliance and going to therapy have been instrumental in my healing.

The icing on the cake was the countless people who privately shared how my story had helped them begin their journey of healing.

Advice for those who have not experienced domestic violence: Don’t judge or shame/blame.

Instead, offer resources and educate yourself about this public health issue.

Advice to survivors: You are not alone. Every third woman is affected by domestic violence.

Please know that there is life after abuse, confidential national text lines that offer 24/7 support, and local organizations like Safe Alliance and Dove’s Nest that are available at little or no cost.

5. Many Charlotteans know that your father, Muggsy Bogues, was an original Hornet. Tell me about your memories as a kid growing up in the NBA environment?

I have such fond memories!

From the night games at the old Coliseum, playing with my brothers Seth and Stephen Curry [current NBA players and sons of former Hornet Dell Curry] in the rear family room.
Changing into our pajamas in the car so we could go to bed right after a game when it was a school night.
To go to Carowinds and get attacked because my father was with us.
Family Dinner in Toronto with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
Going to All Star every year and meeting other NBA kids and it feels like a little reunion seeing old teammates and their families.

Every time I think back to growing up, I realize how much it always felt like family, even when my dad or other teammates were traded. This is a special relationship.

Brittney Bogus (left) and her father, Tyrone Curtis “Mugsy” Bogus. Photo courtesy of Brittney Bogues

6. Let’s talk about Charlotte. What are your favorite restaurants, neighborhoods, coffee shops, and workout spots?

I love the growth I see in Charlotte!

Favorite neighborhoods: Cotswold, NoDa and the South End.

Workouts: I am a creature of habit. I’ve seen great results (down 60 pounds) from the work I’ve done with West Kept Secret and the Hilliard Studio Method along with lifestyle changes.

Bakeries and cafes: I’m obsessed with Sunflour Bakery (they have the best pastries and matcha lattes), and other great bakeries/cafes are Blue Bison Coffee and Not Just Coffee, so I need to practice.

Visit restaurants: Fin & Fino, Soul Gastrolounge and Leah & Louise.

7. What does your perfect weekend in Charlotte look like?

friday: Girls night out, ordering Chinese from The Boading and sweet and savory sausages from Babe & Butcher, watching our favorite shows.

Saturday: A fun day hanging out at 1501 S. Mint, then dinner at Eddie V’s, with a quick stop at Infused or watching a Hornets game/concert.

Sunday: Workout and planning for the week with a matcha latte from Sunflour Bakery. Then dinner with my family.

8. If you have friends or family visiting from out of town, what Charlotte experiences are must-sees during their stay?

Hosting is one of my favorite things, so I would first suggest that if they are not staying with me, they stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

Next, I’d suggest an R-rated Comedy Bus tour. It’s a fun way to learn about the city and it’s BYOB.
There are so many amazing food options, but my out-of-town favorites are: Red Rock Cafe or 300 East for breakfast, lunch at Le Belle Helene, drinks at Dot Dot Dot or Idlewild, dinner at Leah & Louise or Fahrenheit so you can check out our beautiful silhouette. Chef Rocco is the best!

9. Settle this debate for our editorial: Mountain or beach for a summer vacation?

You’re asking someone chasing summer, so I’d have to say beach vacation.

Although, being a winter baby, I enjoy the occasional ski trip to Aspen or Beech Mountain.

10. Last but not least, what’s next for Bogues Group and what’s next for your personal journey?

About the Bogues band: [We’re] expanding into the CBD and cannabis industries, helping established brands that have a passion for educating and growing their audiences, in addition to launching our first product, The Complete Brand Builder, designed to help entrepreneurs/freelancers to build and develop their brand from A to Z.

About my personal journey: Love and travel are high on the list, as is pursuing new business ventures.