Health Scares and Hustle Culture: My Reality Check as a Black Woman in Business

As a Black woman in business, there’s this unspoken rule that we’re supposed to be the strongest in the room—even when we’re falling apart. But my body decided it was time to call bullshit on that. Last year, I began to experience nose bleeds out of no where which ended up being a TIA caused by high blood pressure. I went to the hospital a few times that week, and now am on a regimen to manage that. But the thing is – I was only 32 at the time. At 32, I should not have experienced ANYTHING remotely close to a stroke or heart attack, and if I’m being honest, it scared me. Even while dealing with doctors, tests, and medication, my mind kept circling back to my businesses. What about my clients? My deadlines? My students? My brand? Because when you’re a Black woman entrepreneur, slowing down can feel like the ultimate risk.

The Dangerous Reality of “Strong Black Woman” Culture

We’re constantly celebrated for our strength. For handling everything without missing a beat. But the truth is, Black women in America have some of the highest rates of hypertension, heart disease, and stress-related illnesses. Studies show Black women are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure compared to white women—and we’re more likely to develop these issues earlier in life. All that so-called “strength” people admire can come with serious consequences. When I was lying in that hospital bed, my biggest fear wasn’t just about my health—it was about losing everything I’d built. Would people think I couldn’t handle my business? Would my brand suffer? That mindset is dangerous. And it’s exhausting.

Learning That Work-Life Balance Isn’t Just a Cute Buzzword

I used to roll my eyes at the phrase work-life balance. It felt like something people with fewer responsibilities could afford to talk about. But my health scare forced me to face the reality that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Balance doesn’t mean I’m giving less to my business—it means I’m refusing to give all of myself until there’s nothing left.

For me, it looks like:

• Scheduling rest just like I schedule client calls.
• Not feeling guilty for taking a nap in the middle of the day.
• Saying “no,” even when incredible opportunities come my way, because my health has to come first.

And the surprising thing? My business didn’t fall apart because I chose to rest. I’m still here. My brand is still standing. And I’m a stronger entrepreneur because of it.

Building Boundaries and Systems to Protect My Health—and My Business

One of the biggest lessons from all of this is that your business should be able to keep running—even if you have to step away. I’ve been making real changes in how I operate AK Brown – The Fashion Connector:

• Boundaries are non-negotiable. I don’t answer emails at all hours. I set clear expectations with clients about timelines and availability.
• Systems keep me sane. I’ve built workflows for my services, content creation, and client communication so things don’t fall apart if I need to step back.
• I’m leaning on my team. I’m bringing people in who can help keep things moving when I’m not at 100%.
• Rest is part of the plan. I see downtime as an investment in my business—not a liability.

A Message to Other Black Women Entrepreneurs

If you’re reading this and carrying the weight of having to be everything for everyone—please know you’re not alone. And you’re not failing if you need to rest. Your health matters. Your peace matters. Your life matters. We deserve to build businesses that don’t cost us our health. And I’m committed to making sure AK Brown – The Fashion Connector is part of that conversation. Take care of yourself. Your business—and the world—needs you well and here.