We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelica Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was 19, I had two children and one of them was autistic. I was in college and needed something to support my family, so I decided to start my own business. Over time, my perspective changed. My businesses are no longer simply a way of surviving, but are a legacy I can leave to my children. It’s also my way of fulfilling my purpose in life and being the answer to people’s prayers and the solution to their problems.
What should our readers know about your business?
All my life I was told I was smart, beautiful and would be going somewhere. Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor or lawyer, and in high school I decided I wanted to be a doctor, a pediatric doctor at that, many because I love children, and had a passion for helping people. However, in high school I faced my own battles, low self esteem, low self worth, as smart as I am I just wanted to be like everyone else, fit in. At the time though, I didn’t know I was different or that my path was different because I was trying so hard to fit in. A lot of the girls in my school had boyfriends and I wanted one to.. just to feel beautiful. At 16 I got a boyfriend, and not to long after, got pregnant… I thought life was over for me because I was pregnant. Somewhere doing the pregnancy I found the strength and drive to push for my greater.. I had my son going into my senior year… and I was determined to finish… I took AP/Honors courses… was offered academic scholarships to many universities but because of my son and support system being home, I stay and went to The University of Florida, while in college… I went through many lows, because pregnant at 19, and it was then I switched my major to Marketing and Business Administration and started my first business A.W. Management where I provided event planning and management for artist. I was in school, working my business, a job and raising 2 kids, which I later found my oldest was autistic which made me go harder… when the recession hit I made my transition into helping small businesses and brand, start grow and scale their businesses. I’ve helped over 200 business start and grow their businesses. I joined the SBA/SCORE to help the disparities many small businesses face… while with them, I mentored nearly 100 small businesses owners, as my workload changed in my personal business… I shifted from mentorship to teaching monthly workshops about marketing, social media marketing and more. Once the pandemic hit… that all ended. I came to the conclusion what my calling truly was, which is helping people particular women. So I went want back to what I knew full force… helping others launch and grow their businesses. During the pandemic I added coaching to my existing businesses, and in the depth pandemic (2020), I helped 9 women launch their online or brick and mortar businesses. I also started coaching, offering online classes, and mentoring more through She Has a Boss Hustle which audience is women. While I don’t necessarily like to identify with women’s empowerment, but that’s what I do, I empower women through fashion with my boutique Style Sevyn, financial freedom with iW.I.N Tax Group (all woman tax and accounting firm), and business through iW.I.N Consulting Group. Being a serial entrepreneur, going through the fails, lows, and losses, I am able to inspire and help other entrepreneurs to be their best and encourage them to push to the limit despite what’s going on. Everyday I get to be the person I wish I had when I starting to others. I care about future of others. So fulfilling my heart’s passion daily particularly for women brings me joy.
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.
Ohhh that’s a good one…. I love nature, so we would definitely go to Piedmont Park… I love that area, so peaceful. Maybe even go to a few trails as well. Probably ride the scooters or bikes. Look for any networking events that may be taking place; Atlanta has a lot of them. I love comedy, so the Improv to catch some laughs… Food wise, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen, The Real Milk & Honey, Eclipse Di Luna, Octopus Kitchen… just to name a few, but I’m sure I’ll cook some of those nights…lol
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God, My Mom, and My Kids….
With God, I am grateful for all that He has accomplished in my life. I would not have gotten here without Him guiding me every step of the way. My mom has been my rock, always offering her unwavering prayers and support. She gave me advice that I may have not wanted to hear at the time, but it has helped shape me into the person I am today. My kids have been with me every step of the way, growing and learning with me. I am inspired by them daily; my oldest teaching me patience, my middle child teaching me resilience, and my youngest teaching me tenacity. They are the driving forces of my success, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.
Website: www.angelicaawwilliams.com
Instagram: @angelicaawwilliams
Image Credits
Travis Mullins (ExKlusive Photo) Sha’Rya Harris (Youngest Daughter)