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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
The key takeaway: use every tool available, and don’t fear embracing new methods that move your business forward with less stress.
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.
Trusting that your timing is perfect not only removes unnecessary self-doubt but actually helps you respond to challenges with openness rather than fear.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
The key takeaway: use every tool available, and don’t fear embracing new methods that move your business forward with less stress.
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.
Trusting that your timing is perfect not only removes unnecessary self-doubt but actually helps you respond to challenges with openness rather than fear.
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.