(Editor’s note: This is the 48th installment in a monthly series speaking with minority business owners and leaders. Each will be asked their views on minority-business conditions in the state and for ways to improve those businesses’ chances for success.)
Even as the young daughter of first-generation Jamaican immigrants in New York City, Pearl “Delsie” Farquharson was always laser-focused on a hospitality career.
Moving to Providence to pursue dual degrees in culinary arts and event management at Johnson & Wales University, it wasn’t long after graduation that she was moving up the corporate ladder, coordinating weddings for a luxury events-planning firm in Boston.
Armed with experience, Farquharson “took a leap of faith” in 2013 by starting Designed by Delsie LLC, which originated as a catering company.
However, Farquharson was soon confronted with the tough question of whether this career trajectory suited her. She says that question was raised during her time being mentored in the first Rhode Island cohort of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program.
“The difficult answer was ‘no,’ ” she said. “I soon realized that my true passion was not in cooking but in blending my love of fashion, art, interior design, travel, food and service. So, I spent the next several months restructuring my business.”
Now a boss with numerous accolades in a high-stakes events-planning industry, Farquharson still has to balance the vision with financial expectations, both the clients’ and her own.
“I’m constantly pushing the envelope, which adds pressure to maintain excellence,” she said.
Farquharson still visits family in Jamaica often, constantly inspired by the island’s well-known deference to hospitality, food, music and celebration.
“My Jamaican heritage is a significant part of my life and deeply influences my work,” she said. “We believe that moments with loved ones should be celebrated, and any occasion is the perfect reason to party abundantly. We take great pride in our hospitality and see it as a way to express love to both strangers and family alike. “
Though Designed by Delsie plans events well beyond the region, Farquharson has no plans to leave the Ocean State.
“Rhode Island has been my home for most of my adult life, and it offers an ideal environment for both living and growing a business,” she said. “[It] is home to some of the most talented hospitality professionals and boasts an intimate community that fosters collaboration and creativity.”
And success has not led Farquharson to forget the early roadblocks.
“As a child, my mother always taught me that success hinges on the quality of one’s education and the ability to navigate the world with etiquette and understanding. Early in my business, I realized that I needed to approach networking, sales, and marketing differently, as my credibility was often in question,” she said. “But even when my path is met with obstacles rooted in unconscious biases, the process of overcoming these challenges has been integral to my growth.”
1. Do you believe racism is keeping minorities from starting businesses in the Ocean State or succeeding when they do? I am acutely aware that racism exists in Rhode Island, as it does globally. I believe that our success is not solely determined by external forces beyond our control. Rather, our thoughts shape our actions, which in turn create our reality. Ultimately, the power lies within the individual.
In Rhode Island, my entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity when I struggled to find a job. Whether this was due to racism or a lack of experience, I cannot say for certain.
Instead of relying on traditional referral routes, I focused on providing valuable education, which helped me earn the trust of clients and strategic partners.
2. How dependent is your business on the support of other minority groups? Is that a sustainable business model? While my business does not target a specific minority group as clients, I am personally committed to supporting local and underrepresented talent. I prioritize hiring these businesses to help produce iconic events for our clients, selecting them based on their expertise, exceptional customer service and unique artistry. This approach has not only been sustainable for me but also sets my company apart in a highly competitive industry. It’s a model that both differentiates us and contributes to our success.
3. What one thing could Rhode Island do to boost the odds for minority-owned business success? Identifying a business as “minority-owned” can inadvertently further marginalize it. The term “minority” can imply that such businesses are somehow “less than” – a notion that is simply untrue.
Embracing diversity not only enriches the media content and engages a broader audience but also increases visibility for these businesses, creating a mutually beneficial dynamic.
4. Have you had to turn somewhere other than a bank for a loan? Do you believe the state’s lending institutions generally treat minorities fairly? My business operates solely on its own resources, which naturally makes scaling a slower process. Although I have not personally navigated the state’s lending institutions, I am acutely aware of the challenges many minority-owned businesses face in obtaining loans due to systemic biases.
Black-owned firms continue to apply for financing at rates comparable to or higher than white-owned firms but face higher denial rates. As a result, a significant portion of Black entrepreneurs feel discouraged from applying for loans.
[But] credit scores and business revenue figures may not fully capture an individual’s potential, particularly when systemic issues within financial organizations have contributed to disparities for decades.
5. If another minority entrepreneur asked you where they could turn to for support for their business, where would you direct them? Rhode Island offers excellent mentoring resources for minority-owned businesses to scale, but many entities are unaware of them.
One of the most impactful programs for my business has been Rhode Island’s SCORE mentorship program through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Since seeking counseling in 2020, my company has experienced consistent growth of 100% annually. I firmly believe that beyond hard work, education and the right relationships are essential to leveling the playing field.
In addition, organizations like the Rhode Island Black Business Association offer valuable support and are excellent starting points for minority-owned businesses.
