No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life by Lakeysha Hallmon

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Ourvillageunited.org

Thevillagemarket.com

Drkeyhallmon.com

This book isn’t just for one kind of entrepreneur—it’s for every kind. Whether you're thriving with purpose or struggling to grow your business and battle self-doubt, No One is Self-Made offers solutions and encouragement you need to push forward with the right community. From the visionary behind the groundbreaking Village Market, a direct pipeline connecting Black businesses to engaged consumers, this inspirational guide dares to dismantle the myth of individualism and reveals how collective support can shatter systemic barriers to success. It’s a bold roadmap for entrepreneurs and leaders determined to rewrite the rules of business.

Support is a verb.

Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon keeps this mantra pinned to her wall as a reminder of the undeniable impact of community. When she was pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams, she quickly saw the racial disparities and systemic issues affecting Black small businesses. She began meeting many brilliant entrepreneurs and small business owners, recognizing their potential to soar if backed by invested supporters.

In response, Dr. Hallmon founded the Village Market and challenged people to put the “Support is a Verb” mantra to action by rallying around businesses within their own communities. As a result, The Village Market funneled millions of dollars into local businesses, attacking the wealth gap and spiriting economic prosperity. This replicable model has inspired others nationwide to adopt a similar approach and economic strategy. She found that her beliefs were true: that by rooting our lives, businesses, and work in community–we find resources to create and support economic mobility from within.

No One Is Self-Made is an inspirational narrative weaving together themes of community, purposeful businesses, and collective economics. This book debunks the myth of being self-made and empowers readers to abandon the notion and lean into community on their pathway to success. Entrepreneurs at any stage of growth will appreciate Dr. Hallmon’s story—with all the ups and downs of founding the Village Market—and the road-tested advice she dispenses for those trying to find success in business, career, and life. She explains economic and social factors, missteps that can derail goals, and the tools necessary to create their own thriving village. Along the way, it becomes clear why working within a collective is a more effective path to success than going it alone.About the author

Dr. Lakeysha "Key" Hallmon is a mission-forward visionary celebrated for developing an economic vehicle that empowers the Black community through collective wealth. Since founding the Village Market in 2016, Dr. Key has served over 1,440 businesses and facilitated millions in direct sales to Black-owned enterprises. She set a new standard for success among Black-owned businesses by integrating programs offering grants, mentorship, and technical assistance through her nonprofit, Our Village United. She has awarded hundreds of thousands in grants. Dr. Hallmon continues to expand her mission, creating a retail storefront — The Village Retail at Ponce City Market — a curated retail collection of premier Black businesses. Dr. Key's mantra, “Support is A Verb,” propels businesses from Atlanta to nationwide, turning big ideas into big profits. Esteemed publications such as The Today Show, Forbes, Essence, and Black Enterprise have recognized her and have partnerships with notable institutions and corporations, continuing to advocate for equitable opportunities and community-centric wealth-building.

Dr. Hallmon is from Batesville, MS, and a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She resides in Atlanta, GA, and enjoys spending time with her nephews.