UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY From Egleston Square to Entrepreneur in Residence

In 2016, Dr. Allana founded Turning on the Lights Global Institute, a business coaching firm dedicated to helping leaders reach new goals. Through workshops and conferences, she’s guided hundreds of clients on their strategic initiatives.

Today, Dr. Allana is the Boston Public Library’s first Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), a role funded by the Nasdaq Foundation through the Boston Public Library Fund. “We are grateful to the Nasdaq Foundation for their commitment to this inaugural program,” says Executive Director Paula Sakey. “Dr. Allana is making important strides to advance equity in Boston’s business community.”

The Boston Public Library Fund’s Katie Miller sat down with Dr. Allana to learn more.

The position of EIR is a unique role. Tell me a little bit about your work.

An EIR is a mentor, someone who shares their lived experience with others to help them get their business off the ground. I see myself as an activator. Oftentimes, patrons come to me with big abstract ideas and I’m the bridge between their ideas and the steps necessary to set goals and build business plans. I help them take advantage of the incredible resources here at the KBLIC, which are free!

What are some of the challenges entrepreneurs in Boston are facing right now?

Boston is a city filled with ambitious people and individuals who are experts in their field. Sometimes it can feel crowded in the start-up world, and I speak with a lot of people who have a dream but suffer from impostor syndrome, the feeling of not being good enough. Others are missing the competency of running a business — digital literacy, financial forecasting, securing funding, and building exposure are all topics I get questions about.

What programs have you offered patrons?

In addition to one-on-one mentoring appointments, I’ve hosted workshops on creating vision boards and one-page business plans. Coming up, we’ll celebrate Black entrepreneurs during the month of February and women entrepreneurs in March. And, although I’m still working out the details, I’m planning an event for a Google Design Sprint, a process for answering critical business questions through design, prototyping, and testing ideas with customers.

That’s a lot coming up! What keeps you motivated?

The BPL has always been an important place to me. This position allows me to give back to the Library, so I’m thrilled to help patrons access the resources the KBLIC offers. We have it all here — please stop by!

Dr. Allana concludes her residency in April. To set up an appointment with her or to attend one of her workshops, please visit bpl.org

Patron Rich Le came to KBLIC to streamline his UX Design business and worked closely with Dr. Allana to develop his service description, digital marketing plan, and unique value positioning. Rich hopes to relaunch his business this year.