Meet Salina Thompson | Small Business Consultant & Project Management Professional

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

Hi Salina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2018, I landed a full-time position in local government, marking a milestone in my career journey. This job came with valuable benefits like medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement plan, which I was thrilled about as a single mother raising two young children. However, my excitement was tempered by the financial reality of being the sole provider for my family while also shouldering daycare costs.

Within the same month, I realized the need for a second income stream to manage expenses like rent and tuition. This led me to start driving for Uber and Lyft, although arranging weekend childcare added another layer of complexity. It became clear that this setup was not sustainable in the long run, prompting me to seek a work-from-home opportunity. After researching virtual support roles, I discovered the demand for proofreaders in the legal sector who ensure accuracy and consistency in documentation for legal proceedings.

Equipped with a paralegal certificate, I initially hesitated about pursuing legal-related work due to concerns about monotony. However, my quest for remote employment continued, leading me to an online program known as the Horkey Handbook (now Fully Booked VA). This training opened my eyes to the possibilities of working as a virtual assistant. Within six months of completing the course, I was able to transition away from driving for ride-sharing services and triple my previous income.

Through this journey, I gained valuable insights into the significance of contracts, time management tools, and establishing clear work agreements before undertaking any tasks. The unexpected transition from a full-time job and side gig to a thriving business venture highlighted the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of career evolution.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
WHO WE ARE:
Savvy Empire Consulting is a boutique Operations & Project Management consulting firm that focuses on a total quality management approach for small to medium size business owners to support their growth while fostering a culture of ingrained quality, teamwork, proactive problem-solving, and commitment to excellence, aiming to eliminate defects, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance. Our Vision is to revolutionize the Entrepreneurial Journey by creating operational excellence using systems & processes, with Technology, Tactical Strategies and Optimal Team Growth.

WHY SAVVY
What sets Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC apart is my unique background as a virtual assistant, deeply rooted in operational efficiency. As a VA, I had to rapidly master new technologies, seamlessly integrate them into systems, and then train team members on their use. While I never saw myself as particularly tech-savvy, my diverse experience—from startup business consulting to high-ticket client business consulting—has honed my ability to quickly absorb, transform, and delegate information with ease and precision.

MOST PROUD OF:
I’m incredibly proud of my journey, marked by consistent learning and self-trust. In 2018, as a single parent, I navigated financial strains from high daycare costs and extracurricular activities for two children, all while holding a full-time government job. Rather than seeing myself as a struggling single mother, I leveraged strong co-parenting relationships and channeled my situation into creating a business that helps others achieve their goals.

What I am most proud of is my “this is it” moment in 2018. Back then, making money from home wasn’t as mainstream as it is today, yet I took the initiative to research and develop ways to do just that. This resilience and resourcefulness are at the core of Savvy Empire Consulting. If there’s a way to make something happen, I’ll find it, figure it out, and execute it, no matter what.

HOW SAVVY DID IT
Getting to where I am today with Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC has been a journey of dedication, hard work, and constant learning. A few weeks ago, I did a video discussing how everyone wants to scale their business, but few talk about the hard work involved in pushing it to higher levels of profit. The work can be subjective depending on the industry, but it always boils down to planning for your success.

One of my favorite reads is “Blue Ocean Strategy” by Kim & Mauborgne. It emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box, studying your industry, and creating new value while avoiding typical competitive patterns. To truly set your business apart, you must be willing to research your competition and challenge them with innovative strategies that elevate your value without compromising quality.

In simple terms, ask yourself: What in your industry can be eliminated? What can be reduced to meet the industry standard? What can be raised above the industry standard? And what factors can be created that your industry has never offered? These questions guide you in developing a unique value proposition.
This part of the journey is never easy for anyone. I still have much to learn and accomplish in the next five years, but I believe that with the right mindset and discipline, navigating higher levels of success becomes more manageable. It’s about embracing the process, continuously learning, and pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve greatness.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Challenges as an entrepreneur are always in your peripheral vision. I am still overcoming challenges, but what I’ve learned is that it’s not just about doing your best; it’s about doing what is required to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Everyone has their own version of “doing their best,” but these varying definitions can lead to different outcomes.

The real challenge lies in understanding that your version of “best” may not always be enough. It’s crucial to identify what is specifically required to reach your goals and then commit to those actions. If you do what is required, you inherently know that you didn’t just settle for your “best” — you went beyond that and did what was necessary. This approach ensures that you can reap the rewards of your hard work and determination.

BRAND STORY
Our unique journey is what sets Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC apart. I began in 2018 with a mission to support the minority small business community. Initially, as a virtual assistant, I managed everything from Marketing & Sales to Customer Success and Operations Management. This hands-on experience allowed me to help various organizations scale their businesses to new tax brackets.
Recognizing a greater need, I decided to further my commitment to this community by becoming a certified project management professional specializing in business operations. My goal has always been to empower small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Savvy Empire Consulting is dedicated to being the #1 small business consulting firm in metro Atlanta, GA, known for our operational excellence in project management. We focus on educating and equipping our clients with system-dependent models that drive scaling and success.

Through consistent learning, resilience, and a passion for helping others, I’ve built a firm that not only supports businesses in reaching new heights but also pioneers for the community. Our approach ensures that if there’s a way to make something happen, we’ll find it, figure it out, and execute it with unwavering determination.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is brimming with exciting places to eat, drink, and explore, so I’d definitely plan a week packed with the best the city has to offer. Here’s how I’d lay it out:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
– Dinner: We’d kick off the trip with a delicious plant-based dinner at Planta, a fantastic vegan restaurant known for its innovative dishes and chic ambiance.

Day 2: Exploring Midtown and Edgewood
– Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Pretty Little Tacos in Midtown. Their vegan options are to die for and a black owned.
– Activity: Head over to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to relax and enjoy the beautiful floral views.
– Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at SluttyVegan off Edgewood, where we’d savor their famous plant-based burgers.
– Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Midtown’s vibrant arts scene, maybe checking out a local gallery or street art.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Classic Movies
– Morning: Go for a morning hike at Piedmont Park to soak in the fresh air and scenic views.
– Lunch: Have a picnic in the park with some takeout from a local vegan deli.
– Evening: Enjoy a classic movie under the stars at Movies on the Square. As a classic movie buff, this outdoor experience is one of my favorites.

Day 4: Hip Hop Culture and Relaxation
– Morning: Visit the Trap Music Museum to dive into the history and culture of Atlanta’s iconic hip hop scene.
– Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby soul food spot to get a taste of Atlanta’s culinary roots.
– Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring the trails and art installations.
– Dinner: End the day with dinner at a trendy rooftop bar, enjoying city views and craft cocktails.

Day 5: Shopping and History
– Morning: Visit Ponce City Market for some shopping and grab brunch at one of the many eateries there.
– Afternoon: Explore the historical Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to reflect on Atlanta’s rich history.
– Evening: Check out a live music venue or jazz club for some evening entertainment.

Day 6: Art and Culture
– Morning: Spend the morning at the High Museum of Art, taking in their impressive collections.
– Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby café with plenty of vegan options.
– Afternoon: Stroll through Little Five Points, known for its eclectic shops and vibrant street life.
– Dinner: Try out another plant-based restaurant, maybe Herban Fix for some incredible vegan Asian fusion cuisine.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch and Chill
– Brunch: Have a farewell brunch at Sun in My Belly, which offers great vegan options in a cozy setting.
– Afternoon: Spend the last afternoon relaxing at Krog Street Market, sampling local treats and doing some last-minute shopping.

I think this itinerary ensures a mix of relaxation, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, showcasing the best of what Atlanta has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to DeAnnah Stinson-Reese, a trailblazing DEIB & Business Strategy Consultant, People & Culture Management expert, Certified Coach, and the founder of E3 Professional Services. Our professional partnership has lasted for more than five years, starting when I began my Virtual Assistant career under her guidance. DeAnnah motivated me to pursue a PMI PMBOK PMP ® certified project management certificate and served as my mentor, consistently sharing insights on the importance of self-assurance. When we first met in 2019, I was timid and hesitant about fully embracing my role as a virtual assistant, seeing myself only as support staff. However, DeAnnah reminded me that my responsibilities involved advising business owners on operational efficiency. With over four years of experience in process improvement and handling clients valued at $600M+, I have evolved into an empowered Savvy Small Business Consultant.

Website: https://www.savvyempireconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyempireconsulting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salina-thompson-pmp%C2%AE-89635b84/

Twitter: https://x.com/SavvyConsults

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyEmpireConsults

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyEmpire

Other: TikTok- www.tiktok.com/@savvy_empire

Image Credits
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