Business
Why 70% of Black-Owned Businesses in Houston Could Disappear Without a Plan


Houston’s Black-owned businesses are a driving force in the city’s economy, accounting for up to 4.7% of all local businesses—well above the national average and one of the highest rates in Texas. Yet, behind this growth lies a silent crisis: over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston have no formal succession or legacy plan. This means that when an owner passes away or becomes incapacitated, their business is at immediate risk of closure, costly legal battles, or being lost altogether—erasing years of hard work and generational progress.

This vulnerability is compounded by other alarming trends. Only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, leaving loved ones to face both emotional and financial burdens. Nationally, Black-owned businesses make up just 3% of all U.S. firms, despite Black Americans representing 14% of the population. In Houston, Black entrepreneurs are making significant strides, but systemic barriers—like limited access to capital, social networks, and generational wealth—continue to threaten the sustainability of these businesses.
A recent city disparity study found that Black-owned businesses in Houston still face significant disadvantages in every major contracting category, especially professional services. While programs exist to support minority businesses, changes and legal challenges threaten their future, making it even more critical for Black entrepreneurs to take control of their own legacy planning now.
That’s why Doing Far More LLC, led by Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, is hosting the Spring Formal—a pivotal event designed to empower Houston’s Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to secure their business legacy. The event, part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and features powerhouse speakers including Marcus Bowers (CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston), Brittany Hall (owner of La Lutte Empire and La Lutte Bartending), Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street) and event sponsor YetundeO (founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents).
Attendees will also enjoy special experiences, with Flume TV and Eyeconic Television covering the evening, Bolanle Media capturing the energy, Chef Shay presenting an elegant charcuterie table, and La Lutte Bartending offering a signature mimosa bar drink crafted especially for Doing Far More.
If you’re an entrepreneur in Houston, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Don’t let your hard work become a statistic. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and join a community committed to building generational wealth and lasting legacies. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com.
Let’s ensure our stories—and our businesses—live on. Join us for the Spring Formal and let’s do far more, together.
Business
Adoption Agencies and Legacy Planning

Houston Strong Child Placement Agency, a minority-owned adoption and foster care organization, is actively involved in the legacy planning process alongside Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and her company Doing Far More LLC. Their participation highlights how legacy planning extends beyond financial assets to encompass emotional security and generational impact for families—especially those formed through adoption and foster care. These important insights were shared during an interview with Roselyn Omaka and further brought to the community at the Black Entrepreneur Tour’s Spring Formal, hosted by Doing Far More LLC, where the conversation focused on building lasting legacies for all families.

How the Agency Contributes
- The agency assists families and children in the foster care system to find permanent, loving homes, emphasizing the importance of family stability as a foundational part of legacy creation.
- Legacy planning, as discussed by Marlon Randolph (Director of Operations), is not just about material inheritance but also about establishing emotional security and leaving a lasting positive imprint for future generations—values that resonate deeply with both the agency’s mission and Mrs. Donna’s approach.
- Their involvement in events like the Black Entrepreneur Tour, where they connected with Mrs. Donna, demonstrates a shared commitment to community impact and education around legacy planning.
Why Adoption Agencies Matter in Legacy Planning
- For adoptive and foster families, legacy planning includes preparing for the emotional and financial future of children who may have experienced instability, ensuring they are supported and secure even after the current caregivers are gone.
- The agency’s leadership, with experience in both social work and hospice care, advocates for comprehensive legacy planning—incorporating life insurance, emotional well-being, and continuity for children and families.

Collaborative Community Impact
- The collaboration between Doing Far More LLC and Houston Strong Child Placement Agency exemplifies a holistic approach to legacy planning, combining financial planning, emotional support, and community engagement.
- By involving adoption agencies in the legacy conversation, Mrs. Donna expands the definition of legacy to include the creation and nurturing of family bonds, not just the transfer of wealth or assets.
“That legacy piece is establishing yourself but then also establishing the generations that come behind, whether that’s from a position of life insurance, emotional security… all those different elements that bring that comfort to your loved ones when you’re no longer here and leaving your fingerprints and your footprints even when you’re gone.” — Marlon Randolph, Houston Strong Child Placement Agency

Houston Strong Child Placement Agency is directly involved in legacy planning by ensuring that foster and adoptive families are equipped to provide lasting security and support for children. Their collaboration with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC underscores the importance of integrating emotional, social, and financial planning to create enduring legacies for all types of families.
Connect with Doing Far More LLC for legacy planning:
📞 832‑745‑1114 | ✉️ info@doingfarmore.com | 📱 Instagram: @doingfarmorellc | 🌐 www.doingfarmore.com
Connect with Roselyn for PR:
✉️ Roselyn@bolanlemedia.com | 📱 Instagram: @bolanlemedia @RoselynOmaka | 🌐 www.bolanlemedia.com
Business
Rolling Toward Legacy: B’Elite’s Hattie Champions Planning at Doing Far More Event

At Doing Far More LLC’s Black Entrepreneurship Tour, Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media sat down with Hattie M. Banks, founder and CEO of B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, for a conversation that blended luxury, culture, and legacy. As one of the few Black African American cigar rollers in the industry, Hattie shared how her business is redefining elegance, offering bespoke hand-rolled cigars for weddings, corporate events, trade shows, and private celebrations.
During the interview, Hattie spoke about her passion for the art of cigar rolling and what sets B’Elite apart: “I specialize in the art of rolling cigars. I’m a bit of an anomaly because there aren’t many Black African American cigar rollers, so I consider myself special.” Her presence at the tour was inspired by the chance to connect with other entrepreneurs and to bring awareness to the importance of legacy planning, a theme central to Doing Far More’s mission.
Hattie emphasized that legacy planning is about making sure your affairs are in order so loved ones don’t have to face unnecessary stress, especially during difficult times. She encouraged others to embrace these conversations and highlighted how events like the Black Entrepreneurship Tour help bring visibility and support to small businesses and cultural traditions.
B’Elite offers immersive, hands-on cigar rolling experiences, from VIP packages that include luxury accessories and bourbon pairings to live rolling for events, all crafted for those who expect nothing less than the elite. Hattie’s story is a testament to the power of passion, representation, and planning for the future.
Watch the full interview with Hattie on Bolanle Media’s YouTube channel (@bolanlemedia)—like and subscribe for more inspiring stories. For more on B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, visit their website or connect for your next event.
Business
The Deeper Meaning of the Black Entrepreneur Tour’s Spring Formal

The Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal, hosted at The Grand UpperRoom in Katy, TX, was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to build and protect a legacy in Houston’s Black community. This impactful gathering was made possible entirely by Doing Far More LLC, led by the visionary Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne. Her passion and dedication brought together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and families for an afternoon focused on real strategies for generational wealth, with a special emphasis on the often-overlooked role of real estate in legacy planning.

Roselyn Omaka from Bolanle Media and Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne from Doing Far More LLC
The Meaning Behind the Movement
Legacy planning is about more than passing down money or a business. It’s about ensuring that the values, stories, and assets you’ve worked hard to build will continue to benefit your family and community for generations. As Mrs. Donna shared, “It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about how you set your loved ones up to thrive long after you’re gone.” The event created a safe, celebratory space for guests to share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, making the experience deeply meaningful for all who attended.
The Real Estate Advantage
One of the most impactful topics discussed was the role of real estate in legacy planning. Real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of generational wealth. By securing property, families can:
- Build equity that appreciates over time
- Provide stable housing or rental income for future generations
- Avoid the pitfalls of probate and family disputes through proper titling and estate planning
- Anchor a family’s presence and influence in their community
As highlighted during the event, many families lose valuable real estate due to lack of planning, leading to unnecessary legal battles and the loss of generational wealth. Mrs. Donna and her team emphasized the importance of proactive steps—like creating wills, trusts, and clear succession plans—to ensure that homes and properties remain assets, not burdens, for those left behind.
A Conversation That Matters
A highlight of the afternoon was the video interview with Roselyn Omaka, Founder and CEO of Bolanle Media. Sitting down with Mrs. Donna, Roselyn explored the deeper significance of legacy planning and how real estate can be a game-changer for Black families and entrepreneurs. Their conversation brought to light the urgent need for education and action, inspiring attendees to think beyond immediate business success and focus on long-term impact.

A Community United by Purpose
The Spring Formal wasn’t just about information—it was about inspiration and connection. Guests shared personal stories, learned from experts like Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Marcus Bowers , CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; and Martel Matthews (Black Wall Street and Trustavio), and left with practical tools to start their own legacy planning journeys. The event’s unique “pre-planning party” atmosphere turned a traditionally somber topic into a celebration of life, family, and future possibilities.
Stay Connected
Families looking to keep up with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC can find resources, events, and one-on-one support through their website, social media, and direct contact. The movement continues, and everyone is invited to be part of a legacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers the next generation.
This entire impactful event was brought to you by Doing Far More LLC—Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne’s vision and leadership made it all possible.
Contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne & Doing Far More LLC:
- Phone: 832-745-1114
- Email: info@doingfarmore.com
- Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
- Facebook: Doing Far More LLC
- Website: www.doingfarmore.com
Let’s do far more—together!
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