By ReShonda Tate | Houston Defender | Word In Black
This post was originally published on Defender Network
(WIB) – When Harold Perrineau, Malcolm D. Lee, Morris Chestnut and Taye Diggs teamed up for the iconic film The Best Man in 1999, they not only created cinematic history but also forged bonds that have endured. Twenty-five years later, their friendship has created a new legacy: the bourbon brand Sable.
This story isn’t just about the launch of a premium spirit; it’s a masterclass in blending friendship and business, a journey filled with lessons on trust, shared vision and the art of navigating both personal and professional relationships.
The Birth of Sable
As avid whiskey enthusiasts, the quartet often toasted to life’s milestones with a glass in hand. Inspired by their shared passion for bourbon, they partnered with Bespoken Spirits, an award-winning craft whiskey producer, to create Sable—a bourbon that embodies their deep connection.
The name “Sable,” derived from the word “black,” symbolizes richness, depth and the beauty of their friendship.
“We’ve spent 25 years crafting an unbreakable bond, and now, with Sable, we get to share that feeling with others,” said Harold Perrineau. “This idea was born out of natural curiosity and pure selfishness.”
Malcolm D. Lee added, “Sable isn’t just a bourbon. It’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and our collective journey.”
Blending Friendship and Business
Most friendships can’t even survive a trip to Vegas. Maintaining healthy professional relationships can be tough enough without factoring in financials.
According to the business consulting group Exit Strategies, 70% of business partnerships fail. According to some experts, this sobering statistic can be attributed to a poor management team, a lack of financial security, bad exit planning, or even children/family issues.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Black-owned businesses have grown significantly, with Black men increasingly entering entrepreneurial ventures. The journey of Perrineau, Lee, Chestnut, and Diggs serves as a testament to the potential of combining cultural pride, creativity, and friendship to achieve business success.
Starting a business with a close friend can be challenging, but for LaDawn Elliott, The Awareness Strategist, and Nichole Bradley, The Passion Architect, it was a natural extension of their shared vision. As co-founders of Reimagine Potential, LLC, a Mindset Mastery organization, the duo has leveraged their 16-year friendship and over 50 years of combined experience in Human Resources, Coaching, and Training to create a business dedicated to profound personal transformation.
At the core of their partnership is a deep respect for their friendship.
“We made a promise that our bond would always come first,” Elliot said. “Business decisions are carefully rooted in meaningful impact, fulfillment, and balanced commitments—never at the expense of our relationship.”
The foundation of Reimagine Potential began with a shared passion for helping others. Over the years, LaDawn and Nichole worked as coaches, consultants, and project managers for various organizations while excelling in their respective corporate roles. They frequently discussed their desire to make a greater impact and realized they could achieve more without the red tape of corporate environments. In 2021, they took a leap of faith and started their first business. By 2024, they had refined their business model and relaunched as Reimagine Potential, LLC.
“Our company empowers individuals to reshape thought patterns, renew mental clarity, and turn perceptions into purposeful actions. Clients discover their unique purpose and realize profound personal transformation,” Elliot said. “I think our business is successful because we have complementary strengths and mutual autonomy which fosters a harmonious working dynamic, enabling us to divide responsibilities efficiently while maintaining creative freedom.”
The highs of lows of partnering with friends
Venturing into business with friends can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, shared goals and mutual support can drive success. According to workforce strategist, Jody Williams, the secret to success lies in their foundation of trust and a clear understanding of each other’s strengths and responsibilities.
“The right partner in a friend-founded business can have tremendous benefits,” Williams said.
Among those benefits:
- Shared Vision: Aligning values and goals creates a strong foundation.
- Mutual Support: Friends often bring a level of trust and encouragement that can’t be replicated.
- Aligned Interests: A shared passion can make the business more enjoyable and meaningful.
But Williams said it can also pose challenges, including the need to:
- Separate Personal from Professional: Establishing clear boundaries is crucial.
- Communicate Openly: Honest conversations can prevent misunderstandings.
- Avoid Assumptions: Don’t let familiarity lead to laxity in roles or expectations.
Tips for Going Into Business with Friends
While Perrineau, Lee, Chestnut, and Diggs are just getting started on their journey, they offer some tips for making your friendship or business work.
- Choose the Right Partners: Don’t go into business with someone just because they’re your friend. Ensure they possess the skills, ambition, and perseverance needed for the role. Look for friends who bring complementary strengths, such as creative vision or technical expertise, to balance the partnership.
- Define Roles and Expectations Early: Clearly outline everyone’s responsibilities, expectations, and equity share from the start. Openly discuss each person’s role, time commitment, and contribution to avoid confusion and potential conflicts. Formalize these agreements in writing to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Set Boundaries and Prioritize Communication: Separate personal relationships from professional ones to maintain healthy dynamics. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss concerns and keep the business on track. Open, honest communication is essential to addressing issues before they escalate.
- Trust and Empower Each Other: You chose your partners for a reason—trust their judgment and expertise. Respect differing opinions and listen to their perspectives to make informed, collective decisions that benefit the business.
- Celebrate Success Together: Acknowledge milestones and achievements to reinforce the joy and satisfaction of collaborating with friends. Celebrating wins not only strengthens your bond but also keeps the team motivated and aligned.