Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachelle Carrié, Founder and President of Diversity Connects Us, located in Plantation, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Why Diversity Connects Us? I am the founder, DEI Personal Consultant & EQ Coach of Diversity Connects Us. In addition, I host a Podcast biweekly bringing varied voices into the DEI space.
We help teams create a more diverse and equitable workforce. Diversity Connects Us looks to partner with your organization and leaders to influence and build a more cultural & emotionally intelligent mindset. The pulse of my work centers around coaching through an emotional intelligence lens, for which I have authored two Amazon e-books: Emotional Intelligence, A Tool Kit For Managing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion In The Workplace & Know Yourself To Know Your Employee. I bring a plethora of enthusiasm, vision, and authentic style to my audience & clients!
Organizations that are more inclusive, positive, emotionally intelligent, and equitable experience fewer turnovers and have more employee engagement. This also results in loyalty to your organization. In addition, this positive workplace culture uplifts the atmosphere while allowing people to bring their whole selves to work.
Here are a few examples of positive workplace culture:
• Enhanced Health (workplaces that is negative are full of stress, thus impacting overall physical health).
• The American Psychological Association calculates that the US economy loses more than $500,000,000,000 yearly to workplace stress. Five hundred fifty million workdays are lost (hbr.org) each year due to focus on the job.
• Better employee engagement.
• More loyalty.
• Fosters helping others at work.
• Treating one another with respect, integrity, and gratitude.
Tell us about yourself
The one thing that got me started working on my business was asking myself one question. What is my purpose? What I’m I meant to do? Fundamentally when one knows what their purpose is, everything falls into place. After six weeks of deep self-reflection (where I journaled my thoughts), I realized the one thing that moved me was to utilize & share my voice in the DEI space & as an EQ Coach. That became my mission. I birthed two books and created a Podcast: Diversity Connects Us. It happened in less than one year. Nothing can distract you when there is a burning desire to do something. This is how I felt. This was my one motivation. The learning curve was profound.
I attended YouTube tutorials & gained certificates, and registered for numerous courses. I became well versed in everything that came way. The focus & determination remained etched in my journals and reminders on my iPhone. I diligently prayed and kept the naysayers away from me-even on social media. I deleted or blocked any negative energy as I plowed through the unknown.
The challenges were overcome by many reflective nights and tears. The support from my spouse and immediate family carried me in ways I could not imagine. Friends played the same role. The lessons that I learned seemed endless. I am still learning and going through growing pains. It never ends. I want to leave with a great legacy as I channel cultural change through my voice in the global community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I love that question! It is not easy to answer. I would say my most significant accomplishment as a business owner is resilience. I say that because I learned in life that for every “no” I received, it was a g-ds silent blessing to bring a yes. He permanently closed doors and opened others. I had the discernment to receive the opportunity and understand it was mine for the taking. That took me almost 35 years to understand.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Another great question! I fundamentally believe that changing the narrative is the most challenging thing about being a business owner. Our narratives are our stories that become realities. So I flipped the script, put on my lipstick and heels, and kept walking into my purpose.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Three tips only?! I have a few more that I can add:)
- Get Organized. To achieve business success, you need to be organized.
- Analyze Your Competition. Competition breeds the best results.
- Understand the Risks and Rewards.
- Be Creative.
- Stay Focused.
- Prepare to Make Sacrifices.
- Provide Great Service.
I also believe in the importance of keeping your tribe small with the ones that will uplift you to rise to the next level! Amen!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would love to share that as a business owner, it is imperative to believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, there is nothing that can stop you from doing anything.
Where can people find you and your business?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPslWWGqtBSnDSdHKJGzzwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelle.jcarrie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelle.carrie.author/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellecarrie/
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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