Written by
Alan-Michael Chest, M.Ed.
California Native Kedian Dixon, M.Ed., Owner of Black Bougie & Vegan moved to Springfield, Massachusetts at the tender age of eight years old.
Kedian started her independent business over a year ago shortly after completing a master’s level psychology program at Cambridge College.
Kedian came up with the idea to start her business because she began her own personal journey of transitioning to Vegånism almost four years ago.
Kedian highlights culture, the love of food, and her love for cooking as the key components that serve as the driving force of her entrepreneurship. Kedian takes pride in bringing her culture to the forefront as she works to establish an alternative means for consumers to enjoy healthy meal options with rich, exotic, and vibrant tastes.
Throughout her entrepreneurship, Kedian has served as a vendor for events such as the Veg Fest 413 and the Vegån Pop-Up to name a few. Recently, Kedian also worked as a vendor for the Pahmusa Fest that occurred on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 located in Downtown Springfield right across from the Tower Square building.
Kedian believes that a major key to a successful business involves taking your time, knowing what you want to accomplish, and understanding that as a business owner, you are capable of many things. For growth and development, Kedian recommends networking with other business owners and maintaining openness for collaborative opportunities.
How did you come up with the name of your business?
My friends call me Bougie all the time. I am proud of my Blackness. With that being said, I wanted to come up with a name for my business that placed emphasis on being “proud” in the name.
At this time, I’ve been using personal money to fund my business.
How do you build your customer base?
My customer base is still a work in progress. I’ve marketed my business through word of mouth and social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and occasional Snap Chat posts.
What kind of culture exists within your company and how did you establish it?
Black Culture exists within my company with a major emphasis on Jamaican culture, my roots, and my heritage as a Black & Brown business owner.
How many hours a day do you work on average?
I work on average 2-3 hours a day minimum building my business. I am motivated by the future acquirement of generational wealth, building up the black community, and bringing culture to the forefront through food creativity with an artistic flare.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
During the days that I am working on my business, I spend some of my time gathering content and working on media marketing to promote my business and build my clientele.
How do you establish new ideas for your business?
I generate new ideas by talking with my family and friends. My mother Carmen McKenzie has been helping me greatly as she has been actively supporting my business.
What is your greatest fear and how do you manage it?
My greatest fear is failure. I manage this fear by maintaining a positive mindset, self-care, and practicing a healthy lifestyle.
How do you define success?
I first want to acknowledge that I am still learning. Organization and openness to criticism are two top skills that to me describe a successful entrepreneur. I envision success as no longer having to worry about money. Success is also experiencing joy and happiness in the work that I do within my business.
It is also defined to me as making an impact in people’s lives. As an entrepreneur who strives for success, leaning on your support is an important piece of the puzzle.
Do you believe that there is a secret formula to building a successful business as an entrepreneur?
I believe that to build a successful business having determination is important. Discipline is also a key factor. To be successful one must be passionate about their goals and endeavors.
What has been the greatest most satisfying moment within your business?
The most satisfying moment within my business has been consumer enjoyment of my food.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My mother is my hero. She came to the States as an immigrant from Jamaica. In America, my mother was able to make a life for her family by any means necessary.
Are there any books that inspire you?
I don’t have any book inspirations, but I am inspired by millionaires who follow their dreams, take risks, and build successful businesses. I am also into listening to different podcasts about building businesses.
If you had magic powers, which three things would you change in the world?
I would demolish the slaughter of animals and the amount of food waste, and I would ensure that human beings take better care of our planet.
Would you change anything about your life experience if presented with the option?
No. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
If you wrote a book about yourself, what would you name it?
I would name it Life Is Nuts!!!!!
Best of luck with your Vegån business Kedian! Salute to you for all your hard work promoting Black Excellence through your love of food and wellness.
For those consumers out there looking for healthy Vegån food options, check out Kedian’s Black Bougie´ & Vegån business located in Springfield, Massachusetts, Facebook: Black Bougie´& Vegån, Instagram: black.bougie.vegan, black.bougie.vegan@gmail.com, Phone number (413)-433-7115.
