Sign up for my interview study
Listening to Black Small Business Owners and Side Hustlers in the Digital Age.
A multimedia interview project
- $70 for a 1.5 hour interview
- On Zoom or in person (MI & OH)
- Anonymous
About the Project
My dissertation uses in-depth interviews to examine how Black entrepreneurs navigate online platforms in relation to their values around work.
I ask interview participants questions about how they make sense of their own labor, particularly as they adhere to or resist values like self-reliance and efficiency in a society dominated by digital technologies.
If they use online platforms to run their business, I ask them to walk me through 1-2 of the most important online platforms to them.
What we’ll discuss in the interview
Technology
I ask entrepreneurs about how they use digital platforms to showcase their work, connect with customers, and build communities. Their experiences reveal both the possibilities and challenges of navigating technologies.
Work
I ask entrepreneurs about the realities of balancing passion with the demands of running a business. Their stories highlight the need for constant adaptation and increased visibility in the digital marketplace, along with the unique barriers they face.
Identity
I ask entrepreneurs how aspects like racial identity, gender, and educational background shape their experiences online. I’m especially interested in how these personal factors influence opportunities, challenges, and the ways they build resilience and support within their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions?
Contact me at erykahb@umich.edu. Learn more about me here.
This study is approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (HUM00283338).
Early Findings
- 01
Catharsis & Community Among Artists
Black entrepreneurs have long depended on strong community ties to succeed both economically and socially. In my interviews with Black creative entrepreneurs and artists, I discovered that both online and in-person networks are vital for sharing business tips, celebrating art, and offering support—especially when facing racial harassment online. I shared these findings at the 2024 NCID anti-racism showcase. Click here to listen to the presentation.
- 02
Navigating a Changing Political Landscape
Between 2019 and 2025, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives briefly influenced how e-commerce sites like Etsy and Shopify marketed Black artists, often using racially focused campaigns to show support for social justice. Based on interviews with 28 Black artists, this research shows that while these platforms promised inclusion, their efforts were often temporary and required artists to work harder to stand out. These fleeting campaigns made Black creators highly visible for a short time, but the support rarely lasted, making it difficult to balance genuine passion for their art with the pressures of online promotion. As a result, Black artists are rethinking their sense of purpose and audience. This research will be featured in a forthcoming journal article from University of California Press.
- 03
Fractured Artificial Intelligence Regulation
AI regulation is rapidly reshaping both our economy and daily life. Instead of sweeping federal rules, states and local governments have stepped up with their own laws to protect consumers and workers from AI’s risks, creating a patchwork of regulations across America. In May 2025, Research Assistant Aanya Panyadahundi created a clear, engaging report highlighting key examples of this AI legislation and how it might impact people nationwide. Click here to read her report.
Mini-Zine: The Digital Platform for Artists
A guide on selling art on digital platforms, by Research Assistant Halle Chen
This research has received support from the Phillip J. Bowman Center for Scholarship to Practice.
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