“The day you give up on your dreams is the day you give up on yourself.”
Life is not supposed to be easy, and humans are prone to making mistakes. These are two truths of life we can not avoid. As inevitable consequences of these truths, there will be challenges and regrets in life that will discourage us from persistently pursuing our aspirations. Yet, there will be no regret bigger than not doing so. Ask Makeba White Chanay, an extraordinary woman whose story inspires us to never give up on our dreams no matter how hard life seems to get.
Born and raised in Forest, Mississippi, Makeba grew up witnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of her grandfather, which inspired her to dream of starting her business one day. As a woman belonging to a minority, she realized that it wouldn’t be easy. But Makeba wasn’t going to give up on her dreams easily either. She overcame the hurdles in her journey to success, considering them as the inevitable stepping stones toward her destination.
Today, she is a celebrated business visionary and community leader who is a source of inspiration to anybody who still has the drive to pursue their dreams relentlessly regardless of the struggles. She is the force behind B1 Ventures & Holdings, Inc. and HER Philosophy. While her life’s journey inspires dreamers to act upon their ambitions, her business endeavors are committed to empowering and facilitating them.
B1 Ventures & Holdings is a healthcare management firm headquartered in Pearl, Mississippi. It provides quality services to care for the elderly, disabled, and underprivileged. Its subsidiary B1 Nursing Care is a home care service provider promoting a feeling of comfort with a personal touch in their clients’ homes. Dedicated to customized care, they believe educating the clients/families with constant communication is the core of building relationships and the utmost satisfaction of their clientele.
Established in 2018, the Mississippi School of Health Services & Careers provides educational opportunities to students and guides them on career paths to ensure their success. Having experienced the hardships faced by the minority, Makeba is committed to supporting students through scholarships and providing opportunities for the unhoused population via their non-profit 501c3, B1 Foundation.
Celebrated for her accomplishments, Makeba has received numerous awards that serve as testaments to her incredible success. In 2019, she was included in the Top 50 Leading Women in Business for the State of Mississippi. In 2021, she received a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Business Coaching from Transformation Academy and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Essentials from Harvard School of Business. She was also included in 2021’s Who’s Who in Mississippi Women. And In 2022, she bagged the People’s Choice Award honoring the Best of Mississippi via their favorite nonprofit organization.
Makeba is relishing in not giving up on her dreams and hopes to inspire others through HER Philosophy, which is not only a ministry but a lifestyle and movement aimed at encouraging people to turn their struggles into strengths.