Black Excellence: Chicago Couple Go From Using Food Stamps To Making Millions

Photo Courtesy of Married and Young

Black Chicago entrepreneurs Jamal and Natasha Miller went from food stamps to creating a multi-million-dollar enterprise in less than four years. The couple met on Facebook, fell in love, and committed to building a successful life and business together.

Although the couple has found extreme success, they openly discussed the hardships they faced in entrepreneurship. In a vulnerable post on Instagram, Jamal shared their struggles to find the money for basic needs.

“A little over 4 years ago, Natasha and I had to make one of the most humbling decisions of our life,” Jamal wrote. “That was to get on food stamps in order to keep food on the table while I struggled to find consistent work while building our business.”

He continued, “My encouragement to all….stay focused on what God Promised and put in the work til it comes to pass.”

Before the couple met, Jamal went to bible college, earned his degree in theology, and made a living as a youth pastor. He was headed towards a life of full-time ministry but felt there a bigger purpose for his gifts.

“We put our purpose in frames that make sense to our current understanding. God does not have frames. God is not limited to one context. And that’s what I was doing. I was limiting myself to one context that made sense to me. I said I was going to be in ministry, and now I was a youth pastor making $500 per month.” Jamal shared with financial guru Anthony ONeal.

After the couple met on social media, they started with a blog to show people how they could engage in relationships God’s way.

Then, the couple had to identify ways to stand out in the market they wanted to serve. In Chicago, Black businesses are thriving, and the markets can easily be over-saturated.

Instead of trying to fix people when problems started happening, they help fix people before they start having problems. The couple firmly believes that everything you do before you say ‘I do’ is preparation for marriage.

The Miller’s were able to put a plan in place to build their enterprise while making sacrifices to get through tough times. They invested in business coaches, delegated tasks to others, worked with consultants, and invested in their business knowledge. In the first three months of 2017, Jamal and Natasha’s business earned $500,000 in revenues, according to Forbes Magazine. The partners have now grown to over a million dollars for their companies.

The couple also owns an online education company. They aim to give people the confidence to accomplish their life goals and be the person God has created them to be. They often share advice gems to help people establish their businesses.

“As you are starting a new business, find the thing that you can become a category king at,” Jamal shared on the Anthony ONeal podcast. “[Ask yourself] How can I get into a market where I can become the best at it before anyone else and establish myself as category king?”

This Chicago couple is certainly inspiring entrepreneurs and encouraging them to make multi-million dollar businesses. They are the definition of Black Excellence.

Aziah Kamari

Aziah Kamari Pless is a writer and content creator with 5+ years of experience in freelance writer, editor and PR roles. A graduate of Florida State University, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English: Editing, Writing and Media. She incorporates her interests in music, fashion, media and entertainment to create versatile and compelling content.