Protecting Your Peace Online: A Wellness Guide for Black Women Entrepreneurs

We see it. We see everything that’s happening online—the racism, the sexism, the colorism, the texture discrimination, the fatphobia, the homophobia, the classism, the misogynoir, the constant attempts to tear Black women down. And we know it’s not just coming from outside the community; some of the worst treatment comes from people who look just like us.

As Black women, especially those of us in business, we are targeted in ways that feel relentless. There are people who will critique the way we speak, the way we wear our hair, the way we show up in our bodies, our confidence, our success, and even our struggles. The world will call us too loud or too aggressive while stealing every single thing we create. And let’s be real—some of the worst attacks don’t just come from strangers. Some of them come from other Black women who have internalized racism so deeply that they don’t even realize they’re replicating the same systems that harm us all.

This isn’t just about trolls. This is about protecting your peace, your spirit, and your ability to thrive in your business. Because if you’re constantly drained from fighting for your humanity, how can you focus on your goals? The internet isn’t going anywhere, and unfortunately, neither is the hate. So instead of waiting for the world to change, let’s talk about how you can move through these online spaces without letting them break you.

1. Block, Mute, and Move On—No Debate Necessary

You do not have to explain yourself. You do not have to argue. You do not have to “educate” someone who is committed to misunderstanding you. The block button is free, and you should use it liberally. If someone is creating an unsafe space for you—whether they’re spewing racism, belittling your business, or just bringing negativity into your comments—remove them. You’re not silencing anyone; you’re protecting yourself.

For the sake of your peace, also mute words and phrases that drain you. If certain discussions about Black women’s bodies, hair, or success always seem to turn into a battleground, filter them out. Curate your space to be filled with information that inspires and uplifts, not content that exists just to harm you.

2. Be Mindful of Your Own Energy Online

Just like you need to protect yourself from outside attacks, you also need to check yourself. Are you engaging in unnecessary arguments? Are you commenting under posts just to “correct” someone who doesn’t actually care? Are you spending time on pages that upset you instead of bringing you joy?

And let’s go deeper—are you creating an online space that makes other Black women feel safe, or are you contributing to the same cycles of harm? Internalized racism is real. It shows up in the way some Black women critique others’ looks, dismiss darker-skinned women, or mock women for how they speak or present themselves. If you find yourself drawn to content that tears other Black women down, it’s time to ask yourself why.

Remember, your business page is a reflection of you. If you’re running a brand, what you post, comment, and engage with matters. If you wouldn’t want someone treating you a certain way, don’t do it to someone else. Protecting your peace isn’t just about shielding yourself—it’s about making sure you’re not carrying negativity with you, too.

3. Change Your Algorithm by Changing Your Engagement

Social media works in patterns. The more you engage with negative content, the more of it you’ll see. The more you interact with positive content, the more of it will show up in your feed. So ask yourself: What are you consuming?

Start being intentional about where your energy goes. Follow pages that motivate you. Interact with content that makes you feel good. If a post upsets you, don’t just scroll past it—mute or unfollow the page. Social media platforms are built to keep you engaged, and if you’re constantly seeing negativity, it’s because they think that’s what you want to see. Show them otherwise.

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4. Set Time Limits—Your Business Needs Your Focus

How much time are you spending on social media? Is it actually helping your business, or are you just getting pulled into drama? As a Black woman entrepreneur, your time is valuable. You should be using online spaces to network, market, and grow—not to defend yourself against strangers who will never respect you.

Set a timer if you have to. Give yourself a certain amount of time per day to engage online, and once that time is up, log off. If social media is affecting your mental health, take breaks. You do not have to be accessible 24/7. The internet will be there when you get back.

5. Find a Healthy Outlet for the Frustration

It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to feel hurt. What’s not okay is letting the weight of it all consume you. Social media can feel overwhelming, and if you’re not careful, it can start to make you believe that the world is uglier than it actually is.

Find ways to pour into yourself. Journaling can be a powerful way to release your thoughts instead of holding them in. Therapy can help you unpack the emotions that come with constantly being under attack. If spirituality grounds you, lean into it. Do whatever you need to do to remind yourself that your worth isn’t determined by strangers online.

6. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Black Women

The best way to combat the negativity is to build community with women who see you, respect you, and uplift you. There are so many Black women out here creating safe spaces, supporting each other’s businesses, and building generational wealth together. Those are the spaces you need to be in.

Seek out networking groups specifically for Black women entrepreneurs. Follow women who inspire you. Collaborate with other business owners who share your vision. When the online world feels ugly, remember that there are real people who genuinely want to see you win. Find them.

You Don’t Owe the Internet Your Sanity

At the end of the day, your well-being comes first. Social media is a tool, not a requirement. If it’s harming your peace, change how you use it. Protect yourself, disengage from negativity, and remember that you do not have to prove your worth to anyone—especially not online.

Your time, your energy, and your success matter too much to be wasted on people who don’t respect you. Keep building, keep thriving, and most importantly, keep protecting your peace.