Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wonda Billingsley, Founder of Ashante & Anthony Community Empowerment, Inc, located in Lawrenceville, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ashante & Anthony Community Empowerment, Inc (AACE) offers enrichment programs and services for children and adults. Our goal is to provide resources to low-income families, single mothers, and at-risk children. AACE believes families can achieve academic, economic, and social success within their community through education.
Tell us about yourself
Ashante and Anthony Community Empowerment, Inc (AACE) is a faith-based, non-profitable organization I founded. I retired from the US Army after 20 years of exceptional service. My inspiration for community service resulted from a long legacy of strong men and women who taught me the importance of community development. In addition, I want to honor my two children, Ashante and Anthony, who gained their wings in a fatal car accident in June 2013.
Our core Values are simple:
- God first
- Treat everyone equally
- Be trustworthy
- Provide quality service and dedication to the community
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
AACE organized a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 7, 2022. We sponsored over 100 women, providing health, welfare, and entrepreneurship education. Our goal is to host five educational events annually, empowering low-income families to have viable access to the community. Being a part of a community can develop a stronger sense of personal and collective identity. It can also boost self-esteem and willingness to take action to influence positive change, increasing community development.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Manage your time wisely.
- Network within your community.
- Develop a strategic business plan, organizational structure, and operational support systems.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aacommunityempowerment.com/
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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