How a TikTok ban could affect small and women-owned businesses
The recent move by President Biden to sign a bill that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the United States has created a wave of uncertainty for many, especially for women-owned businesses that have relied on the platform’s unique ability to foster community and boost visibility. TikTok has become more than just a social media app—it has evolved into an essential marketing tool, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. Entrepreneurs have seen exponential growth thanks to TikTok's organic reach. Many popular accounts have used the platform not just for brand deals but for its ability to connect directly with their target audience. TikTok isn’t just a place to post content—it’s the primary marketing channel that has fueled business growth for years.
The ban would significantly impact small, black, and women-owned businesses. TikTok has become a place that elevates groups that are typically hidden on other social media platforms. A nationwide ban of the app would essentially dismantle many of these businesses’ strategies, who have built strong communities through viral videos and audience engagement. Many creators are scrambling to diversify their income streams and shift focus to other platforms in case TikTok’s future is cut short. As we inch closer to the date of the possible ban, creators have turned their attention to RedNote, downloading the Chinese-based app in anticipation of TikTik becoming inaccessible. Ironic, no?
The broader implications of a TikTok ban extend beyond just individual businesses—it could fundamentally reshape the landscape for women entrepreneurs, who have been able to thrive in a space that values creativity over traditional advertising budgets. TikTok has been a game-changer for women from diverse backgrounds, leveling the playing field and allowing them to carve out niche markets and build businesses on their own terms. However, the looming uncertainty surrounding the platform’s future leaves many questioning whether they’ll be able to maintain their momentum or will be forced to adapt to new, less dynamic platforms. Despite the challenges, the resilience of women-owned businesses is undeniable, and as with any shift in the digital world, they will continue to adapt and find new ways to thrive, even without TikTok’s presence.
Women lead communities in rebuilding after California wildfires
We know women are the backbone of progress in America. Without them, a lot would not get done. This is proving true in the aftermath of the deadliest wildfires the state of California has ever seen. From celebrities to first responders, women are leading the charge in rebuilding after devastation.
A woman from West Sacramento lost everything to a flood in Vacaville in 2005. Tammy Pacheco knew the hard work and community it took to get her life back and was determined to help her neighbors in Los Angeles. She began gathering supplies, rallying others to assist her, and what began as a few cases of water soon turned into a truckload full of donations. She drove the truck six hours to LA from her home to town to deliver the goods. In an interview with CBS News, Pacheco said her desire to help stemmed from her understanding of going through this kind of tragedy. She told CBS, “Helping each other is what we are here for. It's what we are here for.”
Female celebs are also stepping up in big ways. Sharon Stone helped turn LA home goods store Coop into a relief distribution center, where actress Halle Berry donated her entire wardrobe to victims of the fire. Beyoncé’s non-profit organization BeyGOOD donated $2.5 million to families who suffered unimaginable loss due to the fires. Meghan Markle, a Los Angeles native, and her husband Prince Harry were on the ground in Altadena and Pasadena, distributing food at Chef José Andres’ food tent and speaking with families.
The city of Los Angeles has a long and tough road ahead of them in rebuilding their city, but what has become most apparent throughout this tragedy is that community, and especially the women in those communities, is vital to coming out the other side.
Six Triple Eight
Tyler Perry’s new film The Six Triple Eight, which chronicles the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, has sparked a wave of recognition for the 855 women who served in this pivotal World War II unit. Comprised primarily of Black women, the 6888th was tasked with sorting and delivering millions of pieces of mail to American soldiers stationed overseas. The movie, released just before Christmas, has reawakened public interest in their accomplishments, shining a long-overdue spotlight on their bravery and resilience. For families of those who served, like Karen Taylor of Catonsville, Maryland, the film represents a culmination of years of effort to bring the contributions of these women into the public consciousness. Taylor’s mother and aunt were both members of the battalion, and she is overjoyed that their service is finally being recognized.
The 6888th Battalion was a twice-segregated unit—Black women serving separately from white women—and their stories have often been relegated to family lore or forgotten altogether. Taylor's mother, Vivian Elzie Taylor, was one of 19 women from Maryland who served in the unit. She went on to teach art in a segregated school system after the war, while raising her daughter with a strong lesson in perseverance. Taylor’s dedication to her family’s history was sparked after her mother’s death, prompting her to delve into the oral histories and photographs passed down to her. Similarly, Betty Schuler, daughter of Vashti Murphy Matthews, a member of the battalion, learned about her mother’s wartime service only years later when a monument was being erected to honor the 6888th.
The film’s release has helped raise awareness not only of the 6888th's vital role in World War II, but also of the systemic racial and gender challenges these women overcame during and after the war. As these stories are shared across the country, they’re sparking important conversations about African American history and the contributions of Black women in shaping the nation. In addition to the film, the 6888th has been recognized with honors such as the Congressional Gold Medal and a monument in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Maryland Governor Wes Moore even declared March 9 as a day to honor the battalion. The recognition brought by The Six Triple Eight has finally brought these brave women the national attention they deserve, celebrating their courage and perseverance while inspiring future generations to remember their place in history.
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