Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elesha Jacobs, Founder of Innovategy Solutions®, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Innovategy Solutions® was founded in 2019 to help business owners leverage the power of technology through strategic technology implementation with systems and automation.

We provide IT strategies and consulting for businesses who need to understand the importance of having an IT infrastructure that safeguards their position in the ever-changing marketplace. Our unique approach to implementing technology into businesses comes from my years of corporate expertise and unique gift of strategic planning that aligns with a company’s goal.

Our vision is to impact, empower and build sustainable corporations. Our mission is to harness the power of technology to build sustainable black small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with technology and computers from the age of 11, and my passion for learning how the computer works were the driving force behind my success as a corporate IT professional. I left high school with the sole intention to acquire as many certifications in the technology field, and I did so passionately.

Shortly after high school, I attended college to complete my Diploma in Computer Science studies, allowing me to land my first job at a computer school. I taught hundreds of students the foundational level of computing and accounting professionals in computerized accounting software and prepared students to become certified computer and networking technicians. I was studying and acquiring my CompTIA and Microsoft certifications during this time. Years later, I landed my dream job of building and managing an ICT infrastructure, and that journey was difficult because I was advancing in an industry dominated by men. Many of my male counterparts would tease me, and some tried to discourage me from progressing into the networking field. During these years, I acquired hands-on experience in business management and qualifications. Still, every position I held was a managerial post. At that time, I did not realize I was preparing to manage my own business one day.

Over the years, those I’ve worked with told me to start a side hustle leveraging my skills, but I was not interested; in 2019, everything changed when I dislocated my knee in the gym, and in the process of healing, I realized that staying in corporate was not for me and I had to make a change, and Innovategy™ Solutions LLC was born.

Coming into full-time entrepreneurship was a leap of faith, and I thank God every day for giving me the discipline, vision, and ability to serve other businesses with my unique gifts, skills, and talent.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to serve women in business and waking up each day doing what I love.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest lessons of being a business owner is being your own motivation daily.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be open to learning and being outside of your comfort zone.
  2. Ask for help through coaching programs and groups, and be confident that you will be great.
  3. Be willing to accept the challenges of owning and managing a small business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.innovategysolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EleshaNJacobs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleshajacobsofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleshajacobs/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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