Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renika Atkins, Founder of Atkins Powerhouse Consulting LLC., located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.

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

Atkins Powerhouse Consulting is a premier business development firm that specializes in increasing equity in philanthropic spaces to increase the sustainability of black-led nonprofits. We engage changemakers within the community in both the for-profit and nonprofit spaces.

Tell us about yourself

I got started in the business of making waves in the community through my own life experiences. As a former foster youth, I experienced homelessness, run-ins with the criminal justice system, and single motherhood. It was a path that led me to create my nonprofit RISE Through RISE, we have been able to serve over 300 youth who will age out of foster care. When I created my nonprofit, I realized how much of a disconnect in knowledge and resources there is for nonprofits led by people of color. As community-centered and charitable as philanthropy can be, it is still plagued with systemic oppression and racism. Unfortunately, these types of systemic inequities infiltrate black-led nonprofits and further put pressure on the already disparaged communities they serve.

So I created Atkins Powerhouse. I went from answering questions here and there for other executives to a full-service consulting firm that starts nonprofits, reinstates nonprofits, helps nonprofits to discover funding through government contracting, and provides education on nonprofit management.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would have to be the honor of helping to start over 40 nonprofits/small businesses and coaching at least 126 nonprofit leaders. Being able to contribute positively to the economy and community is a great feeling.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is being able to discern whether a client is a good fit. You can create as many strongholds and questionnaires as you would like; an ill-fitted client will always slip through. It is best to prep your business for when this happens and identifies patterns in your consumers in order to manage that risk.

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

  1. Before you start, make sure your personal finances are in a good place. You don't want to start because you are desperate for money or attention.
  2. Running a business is not a walk in the park unless your business is walking in the park. Be ready and have plenty of safe spaces to feel emotions in because you will feel the whole spectrum of emotions in business.
  3. The best time to grow is when your customer asks you if you are working with customers, and they are constantly asking you to close the loop for them. If you sell lamps but don't sell lightbulbs and your customers are constantly asking you for lightbulbs, then it may be time to re-assess your product plan.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fundwithrenika
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundwithrenika/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fundwithrenika
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renika/

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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