Turning Adversity Into Transformational Business Success

Discover how adversity fuels transformational business success for Black women entrepreneurs. This inspiring story dives into the journey, lessons, and leadership of Dr. Evelyn Thompson-Hilbert, whose path from loss to empowerment reveals how resilience and purpose can shape lasting achievement.

The Drive for Freedom: Building on Your Own Terms

Every remarkable journey has its spark. For Dr. Evelyn Thompson-Hilbert, it started with a yearning for freedom in her early twenties. Long before she completed her degree, and with finances tight, she made the courageous decision to step out on her own. Her heart led her to ask bold questions: Why shouldn’t I build something of my own? Why not work with people who inspire me?

• She prioritized living with purpose over predictable routine.
• She began by choosing a name, designing a logo, obtaining a license, and “hanging her shingle” as an official entrepreneur.
• This leap into the unknown demanded hustle and grit, which became the heartbeat of her ongoing journey.

If you’re considering entrepreneurship, Dr. Thompson-Hilbert’s first step serves as a vital reminder: Let your values and desire for meaning guide your path.

Transforming Loss into Purpose

No path to success is smooth. Dr. Thompson-Hilbert’s toughest test came during the Great Recession of 2008, when she lost the business she’d poured her heart into. The financial blow was devastating—but it was the emotional collapse that proved transformational.

• She faced a wave of guilt and an old chorus of self-doubt, feeling unworthy and alone.
• Unable to fix everything herself for the first time, she turned inward, confronting long-buried traumas and learning to ask for support from close friends who uplifted her with compassion and empathy.

This low point became the birthplace of her trauma-informed and mindfulness-based work, proving that pain, when acknowledged and transformed, can become a powerful tool for service. Dr. Thompson-Hilbert reframed her journey—not as a restart, but a reawakening.

Spiritual Grounding and the Power of Presence

Amid hardship, Dr. Thompson-Hilbert leaned on her spiritual practices—from metaphysics and ancient wisdom—that were initially a response to childhood trauma and now anchor her leadership and decision-making.

• These practices are not private rituals; they inform every project, relationship, and business transaction.
• She and her inner circle of friends hold each other accountable with love, centering one another when life gets overwhelming.

She summarizes her philosophy in three simple but profound words: Stop, Drop & Breathe. It’s more than a mantra—it’s a way of being that encourages all of us to pause, recenter, and move forward with good intention. For any woman building a dream, finding ways to ground herself in presence is a superpower.

The Strength of Genuine Community

One of Dr. Thompson-Hilbert’s proudest moments came not from a marketing campaign, but from a serendipitous connection. An encounter with an old friend led to her first $1 million contract—proof of the power of authentic, caring relationships.

• Relationships, not transactions, are the true currency in business.
• Staying connected and being of service to your community—both online and offline—creates prosperity that outlasts setbacks.

Her journey teaches that nurturing authentic connections and leading with care are critical for sustaining success, especially when challenges arise. Let community be your anchor.

Honoring Intuition and Individual Strengths

A key piece of wisdom Dr. Thompson-Hilbert shares is to trust your own voice and intuition early on. Many entrepreneurs, especially Black women, are encouraged to compare their journeys to others, but as she emphasizes, true growth comes from within:

• Value yourself—even before the world recognizes your gifts.
• Don’t wait for a crisis to start trusting your intuition; nurture it each day.
• Honoring your uniqueness over chasing someone else’s path naturally leads to more meaningful success.

She recommends finding that one consistent compliment or recognized skill—then building on it with confidence. Clarity around your strengths is like gold in business, allowing you to pursue opportunities and delegate areas that drain you. If, for example, negotiating contracts or managing finances isn’t your strong suit, don’t hesitate to bring in someone who loves those things. This not only frees up your energy but sets your business up for greater success.

Delegation, Technology, and Smart Growth

Dr. Thompson-Hilbert learned the power of strategic delegation after seeing another designer hand off deal negotiations to an expert. Instead of wearing every hat, she began to entrust tasks to others, realizing that no one becomes successful alone:

• Delegate your weak spots—it's a sign of strength, not failure.
• Focus your energy on the parts of your business that allow you to thrive.

She also urges entrepreneurs to embrace technology as a silent partner. Whether it’s finding answers, organizing your workflow, or tapping into artificial intelligence, technology can transform how you do business:

• Learn new tools—there’s almost always a resource for what you need.
• Let AI and automation handle the mundane, freeing you up for creative and strategic work.

The key takeaway: use every tool available, and don’t fear embracing new methods that move your business forward with less stress.

Staying Right On Time

One of Dr. Thompson-Hilbert’s most affirming messages is this: You are not behind. You are not late. You are right on time for your own unfolding. The entrepreneurial journey is not meant to follow a rigid schedule—it moves at the pace of your personal growth and purpose.

• Release the pressure to “catch up” to others.
• Every setback, every delay, and every triumph—each one is part of the process.

Trusting that your timing is perfect not only removes unnecessary self-doubt but actually helps you respond to challenges with openness rather than fear.

Actionable Takeaways for Black Women Entrepreneurs

• Define your values and let them guide every decision.
• Ask for help and build a community that genuinely supports you.
• Adopt spiritual or mindfulness practices to center yourself each day—“Stop, Drop & Breathe.”
• Invest in relationships over transactions—business success follows genuine connection.
• Focus on your strengths and confidently delegate your weak spots.
• Embrace technology as a growth partner, not a barrier.
• Trust your timing—you are exactly where you need to be.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Dr. Evelyn Thompson-Hilbert’s story resonates with every woman who has been tested by adversity. She proves that success isn’t measured by perfection or uninterrupted growth, but by the courage to turn struggle into strength and connections into opportunities.

If you are forging your own path, let Dr. Thompson-Hilbert’s journey inspire you to rise above comparison, trust your intuition, and lead with authenticity and heart. Success, after all, is not just about what you achieve—but how you transform, connect, and empower others along the way.

Your story has power. Let every challenge fuel the business—and the life—you are here to create.