Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angell Howard, Founder of Necessary Change Consulting LLC., located in Bloomington, IL, USA.

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

Necessary Change Consulting LLC undergirds organizations, businesses, and leaders to create cultural and structural shifts through the critical examination of policies, practices, and procedures. NCC’s focus on cultural and structural shifting includes climate assessments, critical diversity and inclusion work, leadership development training, team dynamic strengthening, personal leadership, and academic success coaching.

NCC has the tools to address the necessary institutional, ideological, interpersonal, and individual changes that organizations may need by creating a customized plan to develop systems that foster understanding, adaptability, and commitment toward sustainable DEI efforts.

Tell us about yourself

I am a two-time graduate of Illinois State University, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work, and currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration. My 14-year career consists of the support, development, and retention of students and staff from minoritized populations and staff professional and career development. I spent seven years working in TRiO/Student Support Services (SSS) as an academic advisor and success coach, where I pushed against deficit thinking and encouraged high expectations and intentional support for special population students. I currently continue to train leadership and staff on the skills needed to support students, staff, and faculty.

I began creating and facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion training because of my own experiences attending predominately White institutions. Daily I faced microaggressions and had to decipher if it was because I was Black, a woman, plus size, or because I was a non-traditional student. It was frustrating and left me feeling alone and unsupported. Once I was hired in TRiO/SSS, I quickly learned that my students had the same experiences, and I refused to be okay with that. I began to challenge students, staff, and faculty to have conversations about racism and address the ways many of our students feel like they do not belong. This began my journey and passion for this work which led to a business where I have had the chance to work with many different types of organizations in and out of higher education.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

At this time, I still have a day job and finishing a doctoral degree, so I have not done much promoting my business. What makes me the proudest is that word of mouth has kept me booked and busy. That means the world to me. I do this work because I feel it is a calling, and I have been equipped with the tools, patience, adaptability, and tolerance to do the really hard work necessary for change. The fact that people believe enough in me to share the work I have done with others is my biggest accomplishment.

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

I have loved being a business owner, but it took me a while to get the hang of managing taxes and annual licenses and fees. This has to be done even if you don't make a dime that year.

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

  1. Your reputation is everything. If your goal is only to make money, then your business will struggle. When people believe in you, then you will never go without business.
  2. Don't worry about how many other businesses are out there doing what you do. There is room for all of us. Don’t focus on competition. Focus on being the best you can be while also supporting others.
  3. Get a mentor! Get someone willing to give you advice and support. You don’t have to do this alone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.necessarychangeconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NecessaryChangeConsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/necessary_change_consulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angell_NCConslt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angell-howard-msw-157a5340/

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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