Name: Ronnika Williams
City: Benton Harbor
Workplace: Story Salon
Title: Founder/Executive Director
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
Innovative, Resilient and Speaking up during those times when others will not.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Intrepid
Valiant
Bright
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
I entered a competition for funding. I didn’t place but the feedback was invaluable and led to an increase in our social media presence.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
I was traveling to collect a story and my luggage did not make it on the flight. I have a habit of packing what I need in my carryon and checking the rest. I showed up to the interview with what I flew into town wearing and it was one of my best sessions. There’s a photo of it floating around social media.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
The many bold women in my life who encourage me to keep showing up such as my mother, Millie and sister J.W. My multiple circle of friends, family and especially my grandmothers who are my ancestors and their legacy.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Ask for help and pivot when necessary.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
Being selected is a meaningful recognition of the work I’ve dedicated to storytelling, community and legacy building. It reflects the impact of creating spaces where narratives can be shared, preserved, and passed on, and it fuels my commitment to inspire others, especially women of color, to pursue their own bold ventures.
