she glows

By Lauren Caggiano | Photo provided

Clydia Early is a Renaissance Woman in many ways. She’s dabbled in many entrepreneurial efforts over the years. Perhaps most importantly, she’s earned the respect of many for her ability to succeed while valuing relationships.

It’s no surprise that her life has gone in this direction when you consider her upbringing. Her late mother came from modest means but found a way to earn a livelihood at a time when many women didn’t work outside the home, much less pursue a business venture.

“My mother attended school until only the fourth grade,” she said. “She still would find a way (to get) through whatever trials or tribulations (she encountered).”

Owning property and later homes in the Fort Wayne community paved a firm foundation for future entrepreneurial success for her mother. She later started a childcare business, Rainbow Horizons, and a laundromat. In hindsight, these ventures helped Clydia and her sister Sherry gain practical insights about business.

Over the years the two sisters have collaborated on several projects. Recently, they’ve invested in real estate as small-scale developers. Clydia sees this endeavor as more than a source of income. It’s a chance to make a difference, too. In her words, “every time we flip houses, hopefully, we leave the neighborhood a better place.”

Another mutual creative outlet, Green Hair Revolution, goes back a few years. What began more than a decade ago as a meetup for women of color to connect has evolved into a business that encompasses all aspects of what it means to be healthy in mind, body, spirit, and finances as a Person of Color.

Speaking of racial minorities, Clydia said that her current focus, BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery, is a labor of love. Housed in the Wunderkammer Company Art Space at 3402 Fairfield Ave., BIPOCA focuses on black, indigenous, and people of color whose artistic creative work has been historically excluded, unseen and/or exploited. She plans to have regular programming there to engage the community at large and introduce them to their mission.

Clydia acknowledges that while it’s hard work to manage the demands of multiple businesses, she’s often reminded of why she does this work.

“I get to talk to people who are beautiful artists that don’t believe in themselves,” she said. “And (it’s a reminder) that I’ve got to do this. I’m trying to help them be seen, be out there and let people know who they are.” a

Want to nominate someone for She Glows? Email Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.