Building Our Own Table: Arlene and Louis Byrd

Hello {{ first name | friends}},

Some time last year, the usual complaint about algorithmic suppression was doing the rounds. Black founders and entrepreneurs were frustrated and tired. Then there was a beacon of hope, as Arlene and Louis Byrd announced they were creating something different, a supportive business networking platform without the algo issues. I soon jumped in as a founding member and have been happily using the platform since it went live. So it was a no-brainer to bring this to your attention. Please meet Arlene and Louis Byrd, the founders of Hiyer…

I (Arlene) have 12 years experience in government public service with a focus of tax law for the Internal Revenue Service. After the 1st Trump administration I realized that my values no longer served myself or the people I care about and hope to serve. After severe burnout with the help of my husband and co-founder of Zanago. We decided to go into business together and create real change for those who are underserved and underrepresented people with social issues. Through technology we are creating impact that can help change how business is done.

Hiyer empowers independent professionals in a world where their expertise is valued over engagement. So that they can build their business with confidence and clarity.

Hiyer was created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. We created a safe space for people to be human and to not feel alone in their entrepreneurial journey. Central to Hiyer is community, a community dedicated to the independent professional. Adjacent to the community are a suite of tools in the platform including a BRM (business relationship management system), Sage, Hiyer's augmented intelligence Business Advisor, and various feeds dedicated led by members, dedicated to various aspects of business. There are additional tools and experiences symbolic of the entrepreneurial journey.

Our goal is to address the vulnerabilities that come with entrepreneurship. Life is hard and its even harder when you think no one understands your choice to not be conventional in thinking or in practice. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers and they are the dare devils of business. As glamorous it is to be the next Steve Jobs the hard truth is that for for those entrepreneurs that are Black and Brown or identify as a women will have a harder climb to the top. Hiyer is important because it has the potential to change how people view business and those who are willing to make the sacrifice needed.

Overall it is going well. The majority of the founding member community have been excited, inspiring, patient, understanding, and willing to try something different.

The challenge we face now are that of many startup businesses...how do we scale the venture to the next level? How do we get to our first 1000 and ensure the business meets revenue goals and can be fully sustainable? How do we grow our team to support operations? How do we make sure Hiyer is consistent in providing the value we promised to it's members and that the members stay engaged? These are the questions we ask daily.

What’s next is to continue to scale the business. We have some new initiatives we want to test once we get to certain milestones ... but were not ready to disclose that yet :)

Racism is undeniable. As Black founders it shows up in many aspects. Along with the racism, white supremacist ideology is prevalent from many people, including those not white who harbor some of the same sentiment. That is a challenge to navigate when too often we are discounted, not given the same grace as some of our white counterparts, or the hoops we must jump through to prove our value and worth. So our vision for the future is that our venture is viewed through the lens of good business, a product, and strong utility of tech ... not just as a Black tech company.

To be clear...don't try to erase our Blackness, but recognize that we are business owners who are Black ... not just a Black business. We want truly equitable treatment in all aspects.

I love that goal! Please check out the Hiyer website or connect with Louis and Arlene on LinkedIn.

Thanks for reading,

Sharon

P.S. I have really enjoyed my Hiyer experience, the tools Arlene and Louis have created, and the general vibe. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, and you don’t mind being part of the building process, come check it out.

Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.

Read the newsletter trusted by 4.5 million fact-seekers.

Note: poll feedback is private - if you’re happy to share your thoughts in public, then please also leave a comment.

Anti-racism work is a marathon, and the labour behind it is real. Paid subscriptions allow me to step away from the ‘outrage cycle’ and focus on the deep, transformative education you’ve come to expect from SARN. If you value this space, help me keep the lights on and the mission moving.

© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism educator, author of I’m Tired of Racism, and founder of the SHHARE anti-racism community and of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter, which provides tools and lived experiences to fuel systemic change. A seasoned professional writer and journalist, she leverages over 30 years of experience to mentor introverted leaders, and is co-founder and co-host of the Introvert Sisters Podcast. Her recent work focuses on helping Black and Global Majority women achieve high-impact visibility and professional influence without the exhaustion of performing extroversion.