Meet Ariel Hodges: Operations Consultant

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

Hi Ariel, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The single most important decision that has contributed to my success outside of working for myself, was making the choice that regardless of the hardships that I faced…I would always persevere. I would lean on my faith to continue to push through the difficulties that would come whether it be as a business owner or the circumstances of life.

This grit has allowed me to pivot and come up with solutions in the most difficult of times.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is focused on helping female entrepreneurs scale their business into agencies through operations and project management. I am proud that I have been able to create a framework to help women owned agencies run a thriving business. I frequently work with female entrepreneurs who run a remote business and there is not a lot of support operationally for women in the online space who want to grow into an agency or need help running their current one successfully. I love the challenge that comes with this business model and love having the opportunity to showcase that it can be built and done well.

To get here, this was not an easy path at all. I had to grow into trusting myself and my expertise. I pivoted a lot in the beginning stages of my business because I was focused on what I thought people wanted of me rather than leaning into the skillset that I knew could best serve them. During this discovery phase of my business, it took me 6 months to land my first client. But, I kept trusting that I would get to where I wanted to be even though for most of that time I didn’t know what the outcome would look like. When I finally stopped trying to please others in what I was offering in my business and stepped into who I truly was, I created services and an experience that is a rare find in my industry. From there, business took off. I grew my first leg in my agency within 3 months of my first client and booked sales that matched my corporate salary within 5 months.

When I think about my experience and how far I have come in such a short period of time, I want people to see that a woman, especially a woman of color, can accomplish what she puts her mind into. Before I decided to take the step to start my own business, I was battling blow after blow of what life was throwing at me. I was exhausted and tired. However, looking back, those struggles helped me to develop grit and endurance. My brand is a reflection of the truth that can happen for any woman who wants to change their life for the better. I provide support through operations and project management, but the by product of that for so many women is that they have the support, empowerment, and time freedom they deserve to gain the life they desire for themselves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to show gratitude and appreciation to my mother. The bond that we have been able to create over the years provides me with the support I need to conquer the difficulties and fears that come up as a business owner. She believed in me when my business was only a flitting thought and even when I didn’t know how I was going to get to the end goal I envisioned for myself, she never doubted the success that I would have as long as I wanted it for myself.

I continue to be amazed at how vibrant she is despite her past and that strength gives me the courage to accomplish whatever I desire.

Website: theduoway.com

Instagram: @theduoway

Image Credits
Julie Martin