Entrepreneurship often comes to people later in life after they’ve explored various paths in high school, college, and beyond.
But for Keeana Barber, it was different.
From the moment she entered this world until she could barely remember, the spirit of ownership coursed through her blood!
Witnessing her mother’s resilience as a businesswoman navigating the world of fashion and art was inspiring and empowering. Despite the hustle, her mother remained steadfast in her pursuit of success.
Watching her mother balance ownership with raising a family fueled Barber’s own aspirations.
Moreover, observing her grandfather’s entrepreneurial journey at The Mississippi Store, a revered establishment in their community, further ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. Witnessing her family own and operate businesses instilled in her the belief that she, too, could tread this path, embracing their legacy while enhancing the blueprint for future generations.
Upon graduating from Northwestern University, Barber instinctively knew she would embark on her entrepreneurial journey.
One day, she and her brother, Bobby, met to create a plan for their family’s legacy, launch their business and secure ways to obtain their first million dollars.
The meeting was pivotal for Barber, brimming with excitement about what it signified for her family’s future.
Tragically, on the very next day, Bobby passed away unexpectedly while visiting Chicago.
Devastated by the loss and grappling with grief, Barker resolved to carry on their entrepreneurial dreams through “What’s Da Business,” the entertainment venture her brother had envisioned.
“It wasn’t easy to move forward, but my faith in God, prayer, and the conviction that continuing in business was God’s will for my life kept me going,” Barber said.
The Power of a Vision: Optimizing a Strong Plan
While some are said to be born with silver spoons in their mouths, for Barber, being born with entrepreneurship flowing through her blood positioned her mentally to WIN!
For her, owning a business meant having the power to “create my own destiny!”
The vision she and her brother crafted served as sheer motivation to accomplish the plans God had laid before them.
Bobby’s vivid business plan was solid proof. It was akin to the guidance found in Habakkuk 2:2-3, which states, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Bobby meticulously detailed the vision so that Keeana could seamlessly execute it.
Her prayer became, “Whatever he wasn’t able to do, God, do it through me.”
Barber emphasized that understanding one’s purpose, regardless of circumstances, instills a sense of direction and assurance of progress. When faced with situations beyond one’s control, the focus shifts to altering the present circumstances.
She and Bobby’s shared dream was her driving force, propelling her to energize Chicago and beyond!
Talking Legends and L.E.G.A.C.Y
As the host of L.E.G.A.C.Y Weekend, Barber takes pride in acknowledging greatness and honoring individuals while they are still present. At her event, she hosted a 2-day power. She also honored youth entrepreneurs, Black restaurant owners, and, of course, her legendary honorees.
To her, the impact of legends only grows with time as their influence. When reflecting on legends, two individuals stand out whom she would have been honored to walk alongside on their journey: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Considering the legacy of those who have passed, Barber recalls the multifaceted impact—both positive and negative—of many figures she admired, learned from, or found intriguing in their journeys: Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Madam C.J. Walker, Bob Marley, and Tupac Shakur. Each of these individuals is legendary, with stories that persist through time and will continue to be told for years to come. Their influence and legacy extend far beyond their earthly presence.
The Demands of Life and the Necessity of Self-Care
Despite her considerable success and growth, one might assume Barber is always on the move.
However, she has embraced the concept of workplace integration, seamlessly incorporating stress-free activities into her life that bring her joy and foster creativity. Traveling is her preferred method of relaxation—it keeps her motivated, refreshed and rejuvenated.
While indulging in spa treatments and dining out with friends also bring her pleasure, exploring the world is her primary source of inspiration. Having already visited approximately eight or nine countries, Barber is determined to expand that number further.
While she remains committed to hard work, she also intends to savor the fruits of her labor, living a life that her sacrifices have made possible.
Her Path to Success and the Wisdom Learned Along the Way
While the tremendous success of WDB Marketing is evident, it’s also understood that challenges are inevitable with any achievement worth celebrating.
For Barber, her primary challenge lies in developing and maintaining a strong team, one that is eager and ready to embrace the vision as if it were their own.
Barber’s response is simple yet profound when asked about her path to success: “My secret is simple, I pray; faith is important to me.”
She attributes much of her spiritual foundation to her grandfather, Houston Bond, who led by example in his faith. He often posed the question, “Do you know Jesus?” and lived a life that reflected his beliefs, making it easy for Barber to follow suit.
Reflecting on the importance of learning from others, Barber emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with influential individuals. She believes that the power of influence opens doors to connect with people who possess strong philosophies and are catalysts for positive change.
Barber lives intentionally, embodying a mindset focused on success.
This approach involves meticulous planning, seeking guidance from mentors who have walked similar paths, and giving back through mentorship.
She is passionate about mentoring youth through her young entrepreneur program and extends her mentorship to anyone willing to learn, emphasizing that knowledge should not be hoarded but shared generously. For Barber, business is her love language, and she channels her passion for entrepreneurship into initiatives like the LEGACY Awards weekend, where all funds generated are reinvested into developing future leaders.
The L.E.G.A.C.Y Continues
WDB Marketing is still celebrating the impact of the 2024 L.E.G.A.C.Y weekend, which was attended by politicians, leaders, entertainers, and, of course, many entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the company has expanded to a new location on 16th and Michigan Ave, poised to serve a broader clientele within the City of Chicago and beyond, with a grand opening happening between May and June by Sonoroma.
Other exciting developments, such as the WDB Marketing Network, are on the horizon, inviting many to join them on their journey of helping others build their own legacies.
Further, Barber’s upcoming book promises to be a valuable resource for individuals in business, offering insights applicable to various aspects of life.
The company also plans to revamp its business model, enhance its value proposition, nurture its culture, and preserve Bobby Barber’s legacy.
Despite its size, WDB Marketing remains mighty in impact, driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference.
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