Meet Kendra Lewis: Transportation company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Have you ever read the book rich dad poor dad? That’s basically my story. My mom is a well educated teacher and my dad was an entrepreneur who owned several businesses and properties. Like many Young adults I often went back-and-forth about what I wanted to do in life. I went to college, I obtained my undergraduate degree and also my masters degree from Georgia state university. Even with those two major accomplishments I still wanted something to call my own. My business ideal wasn’t something I planned. I stumbled upon the ideal one night while I was out enjoying myself when I saw another transportation company. When I saw the bus I thought to myself I can do that. The special night took place in September . I purchased a bus in January. This process has not been easy however, through Perseverance I have been successful. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing that makes me most proud about this entire journey is that I am able to hang with the “Big Dogs”. The transportation business, specifically party bus business is a male-dominated business. With me being a female, there were a lot of people who doubted my ability to accomplish anything and be successful. There were many times when males tried to get over on me simply because I am a female. For example ; mechanical issues, choosing a vehicle, finding people to design the inside of the bus, etc. I have gotten to where I am today professionally by asking questions. If you ever want to know anything you have to ask questions and do research. There will be so many people who tells you no. “N.O” stands for next opportunity. There will be people who do not want to share information with you for various reasons however, that does not mean that she should give up. Keep looking, eventually you will find the information that you are looking for. Also, It is very important that you invest into yourself. I have invested in myself by getting a mentor and taking classes. You should always surround yourself around people who know more than you so that you are able to learn and achieve more. This process has not been easy but, it has been worth it. I have learned so much and that’s the important part. Just to give you all a little insight, at one point after the bus was purchased, tagged and titled, and completely redesigned there was an incident that happened. One day, I received a phone call from my brother stating in there the police was by the vehicle and said that the vehicle was stolen. At that point I was so confused because I had just went to the tag office and purchased the tag so there was no way that the vehicle could be stolen. Imagine how I feel at this point! Long story short, apparently the person who previously leased the vehicle did not make on-time payments in the vehicle was repossessed and reported stolen . The status of the vehicle was never cleared so the repossession was still identified as stolen. The bus towed away at the moment and I didn’t know what to think. When a challenge comes your way, you have to think about ways to persevere and overcome the obstacle in front of you. Eventually I was able to get the status cleared for the vehicle and I am here to live another day and tell the story!😂😩🙃 I have learned so many lessons throughout this process but I think the biggest lesson that I have learned is to always cross your T‘s and dot your eyes. This is my business and my name is on my business so it’s important to pay attention to the small details of every transaction that takes place. The business world can get a little sticky, so it is important that you always CYA and be diligent with your work ethic. One thing that I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that it does not have to be your passion to be successful however, you have to be willing to put in a time and effort and be willing to grow. It’s all about perseverance and determination. There will be obstacles ! No doubt! It is all about how you will overcome those obstacles when they come your way. This is only the beginning of my journey. I pray that within the next 10 years my business continues to grow and flourish like never before. My brand is here to offer luxury services with outstanding customer service. I pride myself on the customer service that I provide to my clients and I want to keep that at the top of the priority list. I also want to give a special thank you to Carrie Williams for this opportunity!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great locations and fun activities to do here in Atlanta. Atlanta is the place to be! If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to give her the best time, I would definitely start off by having Brunch at the best brunch location in my opinion which is Atlanta Breakfast Club! ABC has so many flavorful options it’s ridiculous! Then I would take her to the rooftop at ponce city. The view is amazing! They are games and activities, great food, bar, and live music. There are several other places that we would visit like City winery; they have events often. Old Lady Gang, painted pins , Medusa lounge, Punch bowl social at the battery, slutty vegan, Frost bistro and bar , boogaloo , Atlanta beltline, Stone Mountain, six flags over Georgia, cascade skating ring, trap museum. If she wants sweets or ice cream we would stop by yard house milkshake or insomnia cookies. Last but not least you cannot forget about Jackson Street bridge which is a popular landmark here in Atlanta Georgia where people like to take pictures which includes a beautiful background with the Atlanta skyline! Even though it’s almost impossible to hit every location, there are so many great locations here in Atlanta Georgia!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to give all glory to God. Without him, this process would not have been possible. There have been many ups and downs throughout this process and he has given me the strength, courage and determination to keep going. I am so thankful. I prayed many long nights for what has manifested today! Next, I would like to give a shout out to the late great Kenneth Lewis, my daddy. When I first started this business I saved my hard earned money. He gave me $5000 towards my business plan. That $5000 was much more than a monetary amount; it was a symbol of belief. He believed in me and that means so much to me. Rest In Peace ! I love you ❤️. I would like to give a shout out to Donald Maddox. He has been my mentor throughout this process. He took me under his wing and taught me the vital things about the transportation business ! I really appreciate it! Thank you Donald for paying it forward ! Last but not least, I would like to give a special shout out to all my friends and family for helping me and supporting me.Starting a business is not a easy journey. Without these people it would not have been possible. Just to name a few; Mom, Jané , Keith- Allen, Dana, Barrington, Adrian, Leaaron, Barrington, JV, etc ! I love y’all ❤️

Website: Coming sooon!
Instagram: atlantalivepartybus
Yelp: https://yelp.to/AKOj1mRvTbb