Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rokeya Thomas, CEO and Founder of Royal Consulting, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We service entrepreneurs looking to begin or grow a brand/business. We also provide brand strategies that allow entrepreneurs to expand their personal and professional brands.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Rokeya (AKA) MsQueenRo, CEO and Founder of Royal Consulting, LLC began building my LIFE | CAREER | TRAVEL royal brand in 2017. My passion for coaching stemmed from Corporate America, where I mentored 100s of employees over a 20-year span. As I became more influential to employees through consulting and leadership, my focus transformed more toward career development. One of the primary reasons for this transformation is noticing the lack of senior-level and C-suite positions being made available for people of color, especially for Black Women.
Yet as I began working with corporate employees, they also expressed wanting to build a business but didn't know how. Additionally, some had businesses but knew nothing about how to expand a brand. Due to these reasons, I decided to grow a business that helped small business owners (particularly people of color) grow their businesses and brand.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2022, I brought on a creative assistant to my company.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I had to do as a business owner was relinquishing some control. While I am happy to bring on an employee, it took me a long time to accept the fact I needed help. Two main reasons - I didn't want to dedicate time to teaching the new employee my processes. This concern turned into a positive, as I saved the processes I created for future employees. The second reason - I was concerned the new employee wouldn't display my brand as I created it. Yet, in the end, I learned it was good to let go of some of the control to allow new ideas to enter.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you are working a full-time job while growing a business, don't quit that full-time until at least one year after your business is grown. Go as long as you can to dedicate your business profits back into the business.
- Apply for a business loan. Save your personal money and savings for your personal responsibilities. Being accepted for business credit allows you to build credit for future loans to expand.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help, especially in the beginning. Take on a mentor, business coach, or someone that can guide and talk to you while growing. Yes, you may make mistakes as you grow, but maybe you can avoid some by taking on support in the beginning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://royalcareerconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royal.consulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msqueenro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/msqueenro/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/msqueenro
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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