Victoria Downes

What was your first experience with a small business? 

My first experience with a small business was through my mother, who owned a boutique travel agency in Lagos, Nigeria. As her “assistant”, I loved watching her lead, make decisions, and even getting to do a bit of “bossing” myself. Although I didn’t fully understand her role, I admired her strength and determination. I saw both the highs – like the accolades she received – and the lows – such as long nights at the kitchen table, poring over stacks of paperwork to make ends meet. Seeing her resilience and the worth she found in her work inspired me to dream of becoming a business owner. Over time, I realized the depth of her dedication and knew that entrepreneurship was a path I wanted to follow. 

What does the Equity Alliance for Business initiative mean to you? 

To me, the Equity Alliance for Business (EAB) program is alignment. With nearly two decades of experience as a small business owner and five years as a consultant for women and entrepreneurs of color, I understand the unique challenges and systemic inequities they face. EAB represents an opportunity to address these barriers by offering access to both capital and essential resources. It’s a program where entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved can feel seen, heard and supported. EAB enables businesses owned by women and people of color to survive and thrive in an often-unequal system. 

What excites you about Equity Alliance for Business? 

I’m excited about the chance to help women and entrepreneurs of color stabilize, grow and thrive through the Equity Alliance for Business. EAB is a distinctive program, and I’m passionate about amplifying its impact. This role allows me to bring awareness to EAB’s mission and connect more entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. 

What’s a favorite story involving a small business? 

One of my favorite small business stories involves Kevin Thai, the owner of Three Circles Studio. I met Kevin during the fall of 2021 when he joined my classes at Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative, eager to expand his business. Kevin was dedicated from the start, showing up with a ten-page Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for his photography business that he’d developed over the summer. Seeing his dedication and openness to growth was inspiring and as we worked together, his SOP more than doubled in size, and so did his vision for what his business could achieve. Three Circles Studio has established itself as the go-to studio for organizations looking for event and headshot photography in the Greater Boston and beyond with over 350 five-star reviews across platforms. 

When I recently ran into Kevin again at a local business event, his success and progress filled me with pride. Hearing him share how the foundational lessons from our sessions continue to shape his business today reminded me of the profound impact that access to resources can have on an entrepreneur’s journey. 

A small business means to me… 

A small business is more than just a livelihood; it’s a pillar of community, a space for innovation and a testament to resilience. Small businesses bring people together, create jobs and fuel local economies, all while reflecting the dreams and hard work of those behind them. To me, small businesses are a cornerstone of our communities and a vital part of what makes them thrive.