Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kendria Taylor, President of TG8 Solutions Insight, located in Arlington, TX, USA.

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

I started TG8 Solution in 2019 after an amiable senior-level history working in corporate America. TG8 Solutions is a training and consulting company that strengthens professionals with better communication skills to achieve their business ambitions. TG8 Solutions offers over 14 signature presentations that are customizable and aim at various areas in workplace relations, such as staff development, emotional intelligence for leaders, and time management, to name a few. My business works with small and large businesses to train staff and leaders with energizing and constructive skills that can be used inside and outside the workplace. My client list includes Empower Retirement Solutions, Texas Instruments, The Shiner Beer Company, Tarrant County, Quicktrip, State Farm, Georgia Power Company, Education is Freedom and many more.

Tell us about yourself

I came from a family of business executives and grew up with different business ideas always in motion. As a child, I started being an entrepreneur by selling candy and even doll clothes, but my background was in social work in the early 2000’s working in Family and Workplace Mediation. I am an author, and in 2017 I started a children’s book series, “The Adventures of Jax and Riley,” which, from the point of view of my dogs, Jax and Riley, teaches children empathy. During the time writing my books, I was the Vice-President for Career Development and worked with mid-level and senior-level professionals to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (S.W.O.T) of 10 different companies throughout Texas. A CEO for a company I did some consulting for recommended I start my own business, but it was not until 2020 that I accelerated my business after working with one of the largest financial companies in the United States.

Every day I am motivated by the fact that most trainers don’t look like me, a Black and Native Woman. Based on my appearance, most large companies would not give me a chance, but when they do take a chance with me, the feedback and energy I receive from predominantly white male audiences are amazing. I am motivated by my clients telling me that I bring instant value, participants of the training anticipate training sessions with me, or this is the best training class in their 22 years with their company. It makes me feel good that I am putting out a service that I stand behind. The engagement that I receive reinforces my understanding I have something special, and that continues to keep me going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Working with some of the top companies in the United States continues to teach me new ways to engage various audiences and craft sessions that are tailored to each company I work with. During my time with Career Development, I wanted to do my presentation before lunch, we all understood the post-lunch disjointed feeling, but I was told no because I was the only presenter that could re-engage my audiences after lunch. The responses from different companies and individuals that I attained continue to excite me.

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

My business did not really take off until January 2020, and then two months later, the Global Pandemic happened, which caused me to lose some clients, understandably, but I also had to figure out how to provide my training sessions online. In-person allows for everyone to pick up on different energy, and I had to learn how to engage people virtually. Many business owners and professionals went through difficulties figuring out business during the pandemic, so I am so grateful my business is able to combat those challenges.

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

My top three tips are to figure out how to continue through hard times. As stated before, the pandemic was a challenging time and made business owners learn how to survive through hardships that arise. This skill can be used in business and outside of business. My next tip is communication. TG8 Solutions teaches people problem-solving solutions and unites teams through active training, but communication is always key. My last tip is to be authentic in your leadership and collaborate with people to achieve your business goals. A business requires different minds and fresh ideas, so work with various people and businesses to expand your network. Networking and collaboration are key skills in business that people sometimes forget!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tg8solutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatchingKendria
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekendriataylor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kendriaknows
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekendriataylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendria-t-7ab4a110/

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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