Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gregory Jerome, Founder of Gregory Jerome Image Consulting, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

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

We believe that marketing and brand combine into a holistic discipline. To establish a strong, defensible brand and presence both online and in physical spaces, everything must work together consistently. To this end, we look at things holistically and in light of the bigger, coherent, consistent picture. Relatedly, we believe in laying out and applying consistent values and vision.

My customers are challenged with poor productivity, low morale, and a decrease in sales. Often times organizations struggle with employee engagement, innovative training, and the development of soft skills for their staff. I offer a "Polished Professional" Learning and Development seminar that focuses on brand representation and Implementation for organizational (sartorial) branding. With an emphasis on the physical manifestation of a brand's identity and its consistent applications, onsite and visual platforms. With that, it creates greater business performance, higher employee retention, and a superior reputation.

Tell us about yourself

I began this entrepreneurial journey during a transitional housing period. I was homeless while residing in Los Angles after being in a motorcycle crash. I was able to find my way to Philadelphia and landed a job as an Image Consultant for a custom boutique shop five months prior to the pandemic.

At that point, I found myself making $7.25 hr. This caused anxiety and slight depression due to my past housing situation. I found an opportunity for an Entrepreneurship Hackathon that required a business plan and business proposal presentation...which I did not have at the time. During my preparation for creating my company, I processed the notion of combing my retail experience with my degree in psychology to assist people dealing with mental health and creative ways to express themselves.

For me, I am passionate about human empowerment and self-expression through style. With over two decades of experience in the mental health and fashion industry, I witnessed a wide range of personality traits and cultural fashion trends. My motivation comes from the gratification of witnessing people and organizations become successful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would be obtaining PECO Energy Company, which is a Fortune 500 organization, within my first year of business. This opportunity was initiated by a mutual acquaintance who referred me. I was on a panel discussion for the Philadelphia Public Relations Association discussing "Brand Refresh."

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

What's the hardest thing about being a business owner? I would clearly say being patient. As entrepreneurs, we live in a world that values quick thinking and dynamic action. This is not a bad thing in and of itself. However, when you allow these traits to manifest in the form of impatience, problems arise.

Patience can reward us with positive recognition, better sales, increased customer satisfaction, or stronger profits. Prudent decision-making: When it comes to making sound decisions, patience is the most redoubtable resource.

A few things that have worked for me are staying present, remaining focused on what you need, not what you want, setting milestones, the art of flexibility, and enjoying the journey and progress. Most importantly, have faith in myself.

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

Be Authentic to your brand. Make sure your internal and external brand aligns with your purpose. Learn to navigate the networking space effectively. Being cognoscente of who you affiliate and associate with. It's like the law of attraction. Who you are is what or who will be attracted to you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to add this golden nugget. "Keep Walking," continue to move forward, be an inspiration, tell your story, and seek ways to make an impact on others and the community.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thegregoryjerome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregoryjeromeInc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregoryjerome/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjerome180/

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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