Flikshop

It is a summer of transitions. Coming to Flikshop in the fall of 2022, I had no idea what to expect, but I knew that life was about to go from 0 to 60mph very, very quickly. I knew I was coming to work with an amazing team, under an incredible leader, and despite being a rookie in the tech space- I knew that I was up for the challenge. I wish I could share with you just how much I learned in my time as VP of Operations at Flikshop, but at my core, I think these are the 3 greatest lessons Marcus Bullock instilled in me during our time together: 1. Lean in. Lean into challenges. Lean into empathy. Lean into hard work, difficult conversations, your own potential, discomfort, and opportunity. Never walk away from a project or conversation without asking, "What can I learn from this experience?" and use that question to make yourself and the world, better. 2. Fail Forward. As a recovering people-pleaser I was always worried I would drop the ball, or fail to meet expectations. Marcus likes to say "I LOVE when we fail. This is where the magic happens. This is where we learn, and we come back and do it even better." Every failure is a learning opportunity and a step towards something amazing. 3. Have faith. Have faith that you can change the world. Have faith in what you are building. Have faith in the strengths that God has given you. Have faith in what He has called to you to do. Have faith that He will see you through it and equip you along the way. Have faith in yourself. Have faith, even when the tide seems against you. I could never fully express how grateful I am to have had the chance to work for and alongside this one-of-a-kind entrepreneur, and our outstanding team. Y'all. If you're not using Flikshop, download it today. You won't regret it. Invest in black entrepreneurs!!! -- especially ones like Marcus, with integrity, compassion, empathy, and brilliance. They are going to change the world... don't miss the boat. To the dream team- Reverend Dr. Sylvia Bullock Erin Smith Anthony Belton BJ Paige, Khurram, Chris, Courtney, and our newest rockstars, I will remain your biggest cheerleader in every space, in your every endeavor. Love to the Flikshop fam, Jess.

"When I sat in cell C-12, I always knew that I wanted to add value to my community once I was released from prison. There were folks who slammed doors in my face because of my felony conviction when I searched for jobs, but finally a paint store gave me an opportunity and I eventually turned that opportunity into a thriving painting business. There is a ton of brilliance that comes from marginalized communities; we just need courageous social capital and access to help open the doors for us." We’re bring real equity to the workforce, and I’m grateful for the tools and models we’ve launched to help get folks access to sustainable employment…even if they were just released from prison. Our digital skills training was just the beginning of what is coming in 2024. Also, shoutout to my folks like Chike Aguh and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, Marta Urquilla, and Rey Ramsey who have supported our journey to bring more equitable hiring practices and opportunities for formerly incarcerated people. Thank you U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for highlighting our work!!

I LOVE that I’m able to work with my family, especially my children. Thank you so much to all of y’all that have become a Flikshop Angel!! 🧡 https://lnkd.in/d_QwTDTn

The outcomes of the work that we're doing at Flikshop and Flikshop School of Business can be quantified with data, but the best part is when REAL people share the impact of our work in their own lives. This year, I simply want to show a moment of gratitude to our community that support me, our team, and our scholars on this journey. My guy Erick McNair shares his own words around his experience with us during our most recent bootcamp course: Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Leveraging AI for Income. I hope that you all will continue to support our community in real ways, as I tell our scholars all of the time: You cannot outwork relationships! #gratitude #thankful

Bullock explained, “When I sat in Fairfax County Detention Center, I wanted to believe that I still had value, but more importantly, I wanted to ensure that there was a community that would not ostracize me because of my mistakes.” via Black Enterprise Magazine. Thank y’all for supporting my BIG goal to bring 100k formerly incarcerated people into tech. It’s gonna happen too!! I love what we’re building at Flikshop! #News