At Common Desk, ‘community’ isn’t a filler word—it’s the collection of unique perspectives that meet at the coffee bar every morning. As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re going beyond the workspace and diving into the stories of the people who make our locations thrive. This month, we’re honored to highlight Black-owned brands, member achievements, and personal reflections from across our Common Desk spaces. By sharing these experiences, we foster a more connected, empathetic, and vibrant professional home for all. Get to know the individuals who are making history in our coworking spaces.
Jamilah Jafun & Shola Ola | Savrr
Jamilah Jafun and Shola Ola are the founders behind the financial savings app, Savrr. Savrr is a social savings system geared toward Millennials and Gen-Z that uses positive peer accountability to create healthy financial habits in young people.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a reminder that the road I walk was paved by people who had every reason to stop and kept going anyway. It’s not only about celebrating the past. It’s about recognizing that the resilience, creativity, and community that carried Black people through the hardest chapters of history are the same qualities that fuel Black entrepreneurs today. It’s both a celebration and a challenge to keep building something worthy of that legacy.
Who’s a Black figure who has significantly inspired your professional or personal journey, and why?
Madam C.J. Walker. She built the first female, self-made millionaire empire in America when the world had stacked every possible obstacle against her. What moves me most isn’t only her success, but how she built it—through community. She didn’t just sell products, she created a network of women who supported each other, earned income together, and built something bigger than any one person could alone. That’s exactly what Savrr is trying to do for financial wellness. You don’t have to do hard things alone. Community changes everything.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring Black entrepreneurs or professionals?
Stop waiting until you’re ready. You won’t feel ready. The product won’t be perfect. The timing won’t be ideal. The funding won’t be there yet. Build anyway and find your people early. Not just mentors or investors, but people who actually want to see you win. The loneliest version of entrepreneurship is the hardest version. Community isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a survival strategy.
Any final thoughts regarding your business or message?
If you’re struggling with saving money, it’s because you’re doing it alone. Savrr was built for you. We created private “Circles” where the people you trust can cheer you on without ever seeing your dollar amounts. Just your progress, just your wins. Accountability and community help people stay on track.
Jamilah and Shola are members of Common Desk – City Place. To learn more about their business, visit their website, connect with them on LinkedIn and Instagram, and download Savrr on the App Store or Google Play—60-day free trial now available!
Antoine Carter | SERP Matrix
Antoine Carter is the CEO of Serp Matrix, a digital marketing agency serving Houston firms. With 30+ years of experience, Antoine helps Houston’s business owners rank better in search results, grow their brand through social media channels, and maximize their return on investments with paid advertising.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month is a profound reminder of resilience and the “architectural” legacy of those who built greatness under pressure. It’s a time to honor the innovators who paved the way, but also a call to action to continue that excellence in our own industries. In the world of digital marketing, I see it as a celebration of our ability to claim space, own our narratives, and build sustainable economic engines that empower the next generation.
Who’s a Black figure who has significantly inspired your professional or personal journey, and why?
Byron Allen has been a significant inspiration for my professional journey. He transitioned from comedy to a powerhouse media mogul, serving as the founder and CEO of Allen Media Group/Entertainment Studios. His story isn’t just about success; it’s about ownership. By acquiring major assets like The Weather Channel and various local television stations, he demonstrated the power of controlling the platform and data. His strategic approach to building a media empire mirrors the same principles of authority and scalability that I strive to implement at SERP Matrix.
How important is community (like Common Desk) in supporting your work or growth, and why?
Relocating to Common Desk in 2025 has been a pivotal transition that leveled up our company. Community provides the physical and social infrastructure for growth. By leveraging Common Desk, we’ve been able to offer four convenient, high-level locations throughout Houston to meet our clients. This hasn’t just increased our visibility; it’s allowed SERP Matrix to cater to a much larger demographic across our target markets, providing the professional environment necessary to close high-stakes partnerships.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring Black entrepreneurs or professionals?
Master your “Technical Grade.” Whether you’re in marketing, law, or tech, don’t just aim to participate—aim to be the standard. Focus on the data and the results. In business, results are the ultimate equalizer. If you can consistently deliver a “350% to 1,000% ROI” for your partners, you create a level of value that makes your presence undeniable. Build a foundation you own, much like a custom website versus a rented platform; ownership is the key to long-term legacy.
Any final thoughtsregarding your business or message?
I’m passionate about helping local businesses dominate their digital space, and I would love to dive deeper into a personalized analysis for your firm. I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation that explores strategies to help you stand out in the competitive landscape and achieve your business goals. If you’re looking to turn your online presence into a revenue engine, let’s connect.
Antoine is a member of Common Desk – City Place. To learn more about his business, visit his website and connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Kachet Jackson Bell | The Kachet Life, KJB Collective
Kachet Bell is the founder of The Kachet Life and KJB Collective. As a speaker, blogger, podcaster, and brand consultant, Kachet specializes in brand and creative strategy and integrated marketing campaigns. Serving the wine, hospitality, and travel industries, Kachet helps brands optimize their strategy while maintaining audience approachability and warmth.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means honoring the full story. Too often, society highlights struggle as the defining narrative. While resilience is part of our history, it’s not the only story. There’s also brilliance, celebration, creativity, and expansion. It’s about legacy and forward motion. That means building, leading, creating, and living well in ways that reflect the fullness of who we are.
Who’s a Black figure who has significantly inspired your professional or personal journey, and why?
One of my earliest inspirations was B. Smith. My mother had her books, watched her television show, and followed her career as a model and entrepreneur. What stayed with me is how she built a lifestyle empire rooted in elegance and hospitality. She owned restaurants. She authored books. She hosted. She curated experiences. She embodied refinement without apology.
As the founder and face of a lifestyle brand, her example has absolutely influenced how I show up. She showed me that hospitality is power. That elegance is not exclusionary. That a Black woman can be the first, and do it with grace. Before I even had language for it, she modeled “cachet” in motion.
How important is community (like Common Desk) in supporting your work or growth, and why?
Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially as an independent founder. I relocated to Dallas from Sacramento one month before the pandemic. Rebuilding in a new city during a global shutdown, while navigating a new chapter of business, was more than humbling.
Spaces like Common Desk matter because they provide rhythm and proximity. Some days, I come to get away from the mental load of working from home (I’m a toddler mom). But more than that, being around other professionals who are building, launching, pitching, and creating reminds me to stay in it. Being surrounded by others who’re committed to their craft reinforces that the long game is worth it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring Black entrepreneurs or professionals?
Find your cheerleaders, the people who bring your name up in rooms you’re not in. They keep you top of mind and advocate for you. And when your cup is empty, they pour back into you.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re the only Black person in the room. I’m often the only one, especially in advertising, wine, travel, and hospitality spaces. It can be disappointing and isolating sometimes. But being the only one in the room is proof that you’re expanding it. Above all else, build relationships intentionally. They’ll sustain you when confidence wavers and things hit the fan.
Any final thoughts regarding your business or message?
I’m the Founder of The Kachet Life, a lifestyle platform rooted in wine, hosting, travel, and intentional living, and KJB Collective, a consultancy helping brands and destinations build meaningful creator partnerships through strategic storytelling. I hold a degree in Public Relations from San José State University, am WSET Level 2 certified in Wines, and am a 40 Under 40 by the Sacramento Business Journal. I’m also a public speaker, sharing insights on storytelling, influence, and standing out in competitive industries.
Kachet is a member of Common Desk – Dallas Arts District. To learn more about her business, visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
That’s a wrap! We’re proud to share the stories of our members across our locations. Be sure to read their stories and support their growth. Huge thanks to all our members who participated in February’s feature.
If you’re ready to join our growing network of professionals and entrepreneurs who have found community, productivity, and belonging at our coworking locations, book a tour or visit a location near you to discover what’s possible today.
