Congratulations Entrepreneurs!
Greetings,
Congratulations to the Planning Program and Development Committee (PPAD) as they present 17 Sorors of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter that will be showcased as Entrepreneurs. Thank you Sorors for the tenacity, passion, risk-taking, vision, and self-confidence in your successful ventures.
Let us all send congratulations to the FIERCE SHEROS for their innovation, motivation, and their impact on economic growth.
Thank you for your service.
Dr. Andrea Hilburn, President Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Kisha Michelle Anderson
Kiki’s Kouture Accessories Sale of affordable, fashionable $5 jewelry
PaparazziAccessories.com/KikisKouture
[email protected]
469-475-4571
Kisha Anderson has been in business for three years. A very good friend invited her to join the business. As a single mother, she saw that having residual income not only increased her financial stability, but also allows her to build generational wealth. Kisha also loves to see the smiles that her products bring to so many. Kisha’s advice to aspiring business owners is ‘Don’t be afraid…Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.” She adds that greatness requires you to be uncomfortable.
Marsha Bailey-Cantrelle
First Class Financial Tax Services Tax Preparation Business
[email protected]
469-797-4423
Marsha Bailey-Cantrelle has been in business for two years. She says that she has always been involved in some type of business venture all of her adult life, whether it was the family catering business, selling Tupperware, selling Princess House Crystal, or Avon. After retiring from the IRS as an auditor/manager in 2019, it became apparent to her that a lot of individuals needed help with their taxes. Their need inspired Marsha to become a legal tax preparer, an Enrolled Agent with the IRS available to prepare and e-file returns. As owner of First Class Tax Services, her knowledge of income tax law has allowed her to assist her clients in understanding their rights as taxpayers. Marsha says if you were blessed with a skill or something that you are good at and you can make money sharing it and doing it, please take a leap in starting your business.
Jo Anne Brunson
Brunson Construction Services, Inc.
Program and Project Management
www.brunsoncon.com
[email protected]
214-882-9556
Jo Anne Brunson went into business because she wanted to be in control of her time and earning capability. She has been in business for 25 years. Jo Anne’s very important and practical advice to those desiring to start a business is to find an attorney and accountant who are familiar with your business. She acknowledges that this is a big expense, but says that this strong foundation will benefit you greatly over time. Another piece of advice: Never, ever miss paying your taxes!
Sharon Dailey
Shaw Evaluation Services, LLC
Cognitive and Psychological Assessments for Private,
Charter and Independent School Districts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area
[email protected]
469-466-9846
Sharon Dailey has operated Shaw Evaluation Services for six years. She was encouraged to start her business by one of her sorors, Joyce Faulks-Jackson. Although they both provide services to schools, they are not competitors. Instead, they often collaborate with each other regarding various issues they have encountered in their companies. Regardless of the challenges, Sharon advises aspiring entrepreneurs to continue to persevere, be ethical in your decisions and work diligently to grow your company.
Joyce Faulks-Jackson
Paramount Educational Evaluation & Consulting Service, LLC
Special Education Evaluation and Consulting Services
www.paramounteecs.com
[email protected]
214-533-3377
Joyce Faulks-Jackson has been in business for six years. She credits her husband with inspiring her to become an entrepreneur. He recognized her years of experience in the area of special education and encouraged her to start her own business. Joyce believes that starting a business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the community. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs…Go for it!
Jacquelyn Gerst
Jacquelyn Gerst, LPC
Individual, Family and Group Counseling
[email protected]
214-957-7736
Jacquelyn Gerst is an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and has been in private practice for five years. She has a demonstrated history of working with children, adolescents, and families for over 30 years as a caseworker and as an educator and school counselor. These experiences are what fueled her passion and desire to continue to help others and move forward on her clinical journey to provide individual and group therapy. Her therapy focus areas include anger management, anxiety, depression, and physical and emotional trauma. Jacquelyn says to those wanting to go into business: Follow your passion and heart! One of her favorite quotes from Bishop T.D. Jakes is “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
Dr. Cheryl Young Hamilton
Hamilton Counseling and Consulting
Mental Health Clinic
www.hamilton-cc.com
[email protected]
972-283-6799
Dr. Cheryl Hamilton has been in business seven years. Her grandmother, mother, and two older sisters were all entrepreneurs, and they inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Dr. Hamilton’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to learn all aspects of the business, take a business course if they have not, and always stay focused on the end goal. Also, remember that building a successful business does not happen overnight.
Dr. Levatta Levels
Higher Levels Educational Group
Professional Development and Executive Mentoring
www.thehigherlevels.com
[email protected]
972-824-5038
Dr. Levatta Levels has been an entrepreneur for 18 years. She was inspired to take this leap of faith and start her company by her parents. Borrowing a phrase from NIKE, her advice to those wanting to go into business is “ Just Do It!” She advises them to take a step EVERY day towards your goal.
Kristen J. Price
Hylton Homes Realty, LLC
Full Service Residential and Commercial Real Estate Brokerage
www.hyltonhomesrealty.com
[email protected]
214-802-0038
Kristen Price has 18 years of real estate service experience and has been in business for 14 years. She was inspired by a realtor to think about a career in real estate because she is a great communicator. Her daughter, who is a Millennial joined the business 2 years ago, and they are known as the Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo! How about that for generational wealth! Kristen reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that consistency is key, and that anything worth having requires work. She advises: Bet on yourself! Keep the faith and hang in there. After a while you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Alana D. Robinson
Robinson Group Consulting, Inc.
A Boutique Provider of Strategic Management Consulting Services Related to Information Technology, Finance and Accounting, and Talent and Organization Development
www.one-rgc.com, [email protected], 312-867-7147
After 32+ years of working in corporate settings, Alana Robinson and her husband decided to pursue a lifestyle of entrepreneurship. After two paths of business ownership that did not work, they found traction and sustainable success as management consultants in their respective fields of IT and Finance. In business for over 18+ years, Alana says that the risks have been substantial as well as the rewards. She counts belief in herself and her faith as having allowed the business to survive challenging times. She is inspired by the opportunity to apply the talent of their team across multiple industries and geographies, and the ability to choose their work and destiny. To those seeking to leave the corporate world for the world of the entrepreneurship, Alana says that the same discipline, focus and intent to win that postured her and her husband to achieve success in the corporate world has also served them well as business owners.
Dr. Dianne W. Robinson, PhD, LPC
Dr. Dianne W.
Robinson, PhD, LPC
Renewal Counseling Center
Counseling Services
[email protected], 214-942-5545
Dr. Dianne Robinson has been in business for 16 years. She was inspired to open Renewal Counseling Center by the need for more African American counselors to provide services to those wanting counseling with clinicians that looked like them. She also wanted the freedom of running her own business. Dr. Robinson recognizes that it takes a lot of work and dedication to push through the challenges one will face as a business owner, but says it is absolutely possible if it is something you truly desire. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to articulate your inspiration and put it on paper – know your “why.” She also advises that you read, research, be open and keep learning and growing in your business. Acknowledging that work-life balance helps with burnout, Dr. Robinson also says “be kind to yourself.”
Birdie Smith
Smith & Associates Realtors
Real Estate Broker- Buying and Selling Property
[email protected]
214-402-9065
Birdie Smith has been in been in business for 20 years. A close friend inspired her to start her business.
Her best advice to those wanting to start a business is to believe in God and yourself.
Cheryl Smith
I Messenger Media
Multimedia News Organization (Print, Broadcast and Digital), encompassing Texas Metro News, I Messenger, and The Garland Journal
320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75203
www.TexasMetroNews.com, [email protected], 214-941-0110
Cheryl Smith has been in business for 11 years and a journalist for 40 years. Her entrepreneurial spirit came from her father, who owned a bus company in Newark, NJ. He was the first African American to have ICC rights in 48 states. She worked for him while in the sixth grade and watched him manage a multifaceted business and she now has her own multifaceted business. Cheryl has these nuggets of advice for those desiring to become business owners: Do your homework; use your degree(s); take advantage of classes and opportunities; and, find mentors and people who can help you throughout the process because you cannot do it all.
Lillie Turner
Duncanville Insurance Services
Independent Insurance Company Serving Commercial and Personal Customers
www.duncanvilleins.com
[email protected]
972-283-9595
Lillie Turner has been in business for over 11 years. She was inspired by her insurance agent to start her own insurance agency. Her simple words of advice to aspiring business owners tell the truth to your customers!
Brandi Russell Wallace
Sacred Hearts Collections
Designer Sorority Apparel
www.SacredHeartCollections.com
[email protected]
800-317-0273
Brandi Russell Wallace started Sacred Heart Collections 15 years ago. The company started out as focusing on “cocktail” women’s wear dresses and jumpers. In 2008 Sacred Heart Collections expanded to include a line serving the Greek sorority (and fraternity) community. Brandi says that as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. she takes pride in creating custom pieces for her sorority sisters. She cites her love for her Sorority and her Sorors as her inspiration for becoming an entrepreneur. Brandi has three “Keeps” as words of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Keep going! Keep learning! Keep improving!
Racquel L. Washington
AVON
Beauty Products
youravon.com/racquelwashington
[email protected]
Your Unique Travel
Independent Travel Advisor
racquelwashington.inteletravel.com
[email protected]
214-395-9739
Racquel Washington has been in the Beauty Products business for 20 years and has owned her Independent Travel Advisory business for 7 years. She credits her father as inspiring her to become an entrepreneur, whom she describes as a wise businessman. Racquel advises the entrepreneurial aspirant to follow your dreams and continue being a lifelong learner of your craft!
Dr. Jennifer WimbIsh
B&W Success Strategies
Consulting, Coaching, Professional Development and Training
[email protected]
469-826-9108
Dr. Jennifer Wimbish has been in business for five years. She was inspired to become an entrepreneur by Dr. Andrew Jones. Not a believer in small dreams, Dr. Wimbish tells those desiring to become entrepreneurs to have a vision for BIG accomplishments!