Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chantaye McLaughlin, CEO of C. Louise, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

Human Rights Consulting, My customers are typically community-based organizations that impact the conversations around mass incarceration reform, homeless rights, human trafficking, and ending the stigma of mental health.

Tell us about yourself

I am a mother, former City Council Candidate, and Organizer, and I live with Bipolar II with Psychosis. In my previous life, I worked in the finance industry as well as the Hip-Hop industry as a business executive. When I was diagnosed with my mental illness, I did not know what to do. I was a former nightclub owner, I had put artists on tour with some of the biggest names in the industry, and I worked for one of the largest radio stations in the U.S. in my 20s, and I was deemed overqualified for every position that I applied to. I was living with a serious mental illness and was only able to work in the janitorial and warehouse industry. After learning about other options, such as returning to school and getting various certifications, my life altered and truly began. I am currently at Morehouse School of Medicine getting my Masters's degree as well as in the teaching certification program to be able to teach Undergraduate Studies in the fall.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being able to keep my doors open during COVID without receiving any business bailout funds that exceeded $1000.

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 scale your business versus growing it.

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

  1. Fail and fail miserably, and when you think that you are not good enough, look around and realize how many failures you have overcome.
  2. God gave you a vision for you, not everyone else. It is alright to be misunderstood. Just stay focused and keep going. No one has ever won a race by quitting.
  3. Love yourself, heal yourself, and ask for the money even when you think the answer might be no.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.clouisellc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C.Louisellc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantayelouise/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLouise92088341
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c-louise-llc/

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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