No One Is Self-Made: A Motivational Self-Help Guide with a Community-Oriented Approach, Rewrite the Rules of Business with Collective Support

From the visionary behind the groundbreaking Village Market, this inspirational guide for Black entrepreneurs dares to dismantle the myth of individualism and reveals how collective support can shatter systemic barriers to success.

It’s a bold business roadmap for entrepreneurs and leaders determined to rewrite the rules of business.

No One Is Self-Made is an inspirational narrative weaving together themes of community, purpose-driven 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. Lakeysha Hallmon’s story―with all the ups and downs of founding The Village Market―and the road-tested advice she dispenses for those striving for success in business, career, and life. She breaks down economic and social factors, missteps that can derail goals, and the tools for community building 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. That’s where her guiding principle comes in: Support is a verb.

Drawing from her own journey and the success of The Village Market, Dr. Hallmon offers a blueprint for building a business that thrives on collective success.

• The Myth of Self-Made: A powerful reframing of success that challenges the toxic idea of individualism and shows why your village is your greatest asset.
• Purpose-Driven Business: Discover how to align your unique gifts with a mission-focused approach that fuels both your passion and your profits.
• Collective Economics: Learn the actionable strategies behind “Support is a Verb” and how to build a thriving ecosystem that circulates wealth and opportunity within your community.
• Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Get road-tested advice inspired by the founding of The Village Market for navigating the real-world challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs.

Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon has transformed the lives of thousands of Black entrepreneurs across the world through her flagship brand The Village Market, and sister organizations The Village Retail, a storefront featuring premier Black-owned brands and nonprofit Our Village United, which revitalizes small businesses by providing funding and technical services. Her love of community, paired with her mantra, Support Is a Verb, inspires Black entrepreneurs everywhere and the communities who support them with intention. As an award-winning expert in education and business development, Hallmon’s innovative village model has become highly sought-after and has facilitated 8.3 million dollars in sales to Black businesses.