NIRAY and Virginia Black Business Directory

Ernisha (President & CEO) and Tracey (Vice President & Grant Writer) Hall are the founders and co-owners of NIRAY and the Virginia Black Business Directory (VABBD).

Let's get to know Ernisha and Tracy.

Best Advice for Others: 

This was from one of my post on social media: Let's think of growing our businesses like planting a garden. We need to carefully choose the seeds, nurture the soil, and water it consistently. But the most important thing we need is patience.

Just like plants, growth takes time, and it's important to resist the urge to rush the process. Everything needs time to grow and develop to its full potential, so let's be patient and allow our businesses to flourish naturally.

And remember, we don't have to grow alone. Just like we can plant different types of flowers, working with others can bring diversity and creativity to our businesses. Collaboration can often produce even better results than working in isolation.

So let's plant our seeds, nurture them with care, and watch our businesses grow into beautiful gardens. Together, with time and patience, we can achieve anything. 

What a Competitor Would Say About Us: 

A competitor would probably say, “When do they sleep?”. 

First Job: 

Ernisha’s first job was at McDonalds in Jamaica, Queens. Tracey’s first job and one of her favorite jobs was working at Footlocker in Woodbridge, VA. 

People We Admire: 

Let's Talk About Underdogs: We're fascinated by folks who start from the bottom and rise to the top, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. It’s all about defying the odds and pushing past adversity. 

Best Life Experience: 

Building a family together, we love our 19 year-old daughter and two dogs. 

What Makes Me Passionate About My Work: 

NIRAY, our website and graphic design company, and the Virginia Black Business Directory (VABBD) are passions of ours for several reasons.

Firstly, as Black business owners ourselves, we understand firsthand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs of color in the world of business. Our passion lies in providing solutions and opportunities for these businesses to grow and thrive. We take great pride in being a part of an industry that can make a significant impact on the success and sustainability of other businesses.

Secondly, we love creative expression and design. Through NIRAY, we can combine our love of design with our passion for entrepreneurship. We see our work as an opportunity to create not just beautiful aesthetics but to build websites that effectively tell the story of small businesses.

Thirdly, the Virginia Black Business Directory is a passion that has been created out of a desire to support and uplift the Black business community in Virginia. By helping consumers to more easily discover and support black-owned businesses in the area, we can contribute to the ongoing growth and prosperity of these businesses.

Something I’d Never Do Again: 

Personally, we now always make sure to book flights with at least a 90-minute connection. Rushing through airports with the fear of missing your next flight is just too stressful, you can't stop to get food, not to mention the anxiety of wondering if your bags made it on board as well. Let's avoid all that unnecessary drama, shall we? 

Favorite Vacation Spot: 

Choosing our favorite vacation spot is like trying to pick our favorite flavor of ice cream – it's tough! From our first trip to Epcot Center in Orlando to the unforgettable fun in Vegas, and even our group vacation to Mexico, each spot holds a special place in our hearts. But what really makes a vacation great for us is amazing food and top-notch entertainment. Let's just say we're always searching for our next memorable getaway and can't wait to see where it takes us next!

You can find Ernisha and Tracey at 904 Princess Anne St., Third Floor.  Learn more about NIRAY and the Virginia Black Business Directory (VABBD).

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Follow Virginia Black Business Directory on Facebook, Instagram, Twiiter, and LinkedIn.