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

Hi Billie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value that resonates most profoundly with me is integrity. It’s the cornerstone of all my ventures, encapsulated in the sacred principles of 2 Samuel, chapter 22 that inspired my “Divinely Aligned”  e-book and course. Operating with honesty, truth, and unwavering integrity creates a foundation for meaningful connections, enduring businesses, and a legacy that stands the test of time. It’s through the lens of integrity that I navigate my roles as a consultant, designer, business partner and licensed life insurance agent, ensuring that every endeavor brings joy, stability, and genuine help to those I serve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As the founder and Chief Branding Consultant at BHC (Billie Hilliard Consultants), I’m deeply immersed in shaping the narrative of our clients’ brands. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, BHC operates as a boutique marketing and branding firm that prides itself on a personalized approach to storytelling. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity.

At BHC, we believe in getting to the heart of who our clients are and authentically conveying their stories to their audience. My hands-on approach ensures that each client’s unique narrative is not just told but resonates deeply, captivating their audience in the digital realm. We transcend traditional strategies by personally curating brand identities, transforming them into powerful forces in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Within my diverse professional endeavors, I’ve found profound fulfillment as a jewelry designer/silversmith, through the art of the lost wax casting method. Each piece I create is a labor of love, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of timeless elegance.

It’s been a profound honor to have my work displayed in respected galleries, while simultaneously receiving recognition in publications worldwide. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with such a diverse and far-reaching audience. The support of a dedicated collector base over the past two decades has been incredibly rewarding, fueling my commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in the realm of jewelry design.

As co-owners of a U.S.-based company, my partner and I  established a strategic partnership with a leading biotech firm, serving as the exclusive distributor of ‘Black Stuff’ in the United States. Originating from Estonia, this groundbreaking microbiome supplement has enjoyed decades of success in Europe and Spain.

In our capacity as the sole U.S. distributor, our primary focus for 2024 is threefold. Firstly, we’re dedicated to educating the American public on the pivotal importance of gut health, showcasing the transformative benefits of ‘Black Stuff.’ Secondly, we’re actively engaged in forging robust retail distribution partnerships to ensure widespread accessibility of our product across the U.S.

Lastly, our commitment to innovation drives us to continuously expand our product offerings, with new releases slated for each quarter on Black-Stuff.com. These efforts underscore our mission to enhance the health and well-being of our customers while solidifying ‘Black Stuff’ as a premier wellness solution in the market.

In 2023, I acquired my life insurance license and now serve as a Life Insurance Agent with the prestigious Prata Agency of AIL, based in Connecticut. I connect with families and individuals virtually via Zoom to discuss their life insurance needs and tailor solutions to suit their circumstances.

Beyond its role as a financial safety net, life insurance presents itself as a versatile tool for wealth accumulation during one’s lifetime, offering benefits such as cash value growth and supplemental income. Recognizing the importance of this perspective, especially for entrepreneurs, I’m driven by a passion to impart knowledge and raise awareness about the strategic role life insurance plays in both financial planning and legacy building.

My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but each obstacle has served as a stepping stone to my growth. The key has been embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and reflection. The lessons learned along the way include the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to the principles of integrity and excellence.

What sets me apart is the multifaceted nature of my ventures, all rooted in a genuine desire to bring joy, stability, and help to those I serve. Whether through branding, jewelry design, supplement distribution, or life insurance, the common thread is a commitment to integrity and making a positive impact.

I want people to know that my story is one of diverse passions, united by a dedication to principles and values. My brand, BHC, stands for authenticity, excellence, and integrity, and my journey is a testament to the power of aligning business pursuits with sacred principles for a lasting impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

For an unforgettable week in Atlanta with my best friend, we’d start with a delightful brunch at “The Chastain” for their locally grown seasonal ingredients and onsite culinary garden. We’d explore the High Museum of Art in Midtown and enjoy an afternoon at Piedmont Park for a relaxing outdoor experience. Later, sushi in Roswell at “Monkey68”. They open at 5:00pm, never disappoint and are always consistently delicious. The Yellowtail Jalapeño shots are a must.

Late evenings would be reserved for the vibrant food scene. “Two Urban Licks” in Old Fourth Ward for a memorable dinner, followed by craft cocktails at the speakeasy-style “Himitsu Lounge.” Another night, we’d venture to the trendy Ponce City Market for a diverse culinary journey, stopping by “Nine Mile Station” for rooftop drinks with skyline views.

Midweek, since I now reside in Roswell, a nice morning hike and walk to the Vickery Creek Waterfall. It’s absolutely stunning. Followed by a Belgian waffle breakfast at “Crazy Love Coffee House” on Canton St The have the cutest curated boutique inside where you can pick up some really unique gifts to take back home. Then we’d make our way to the city and grab some fresh florals from “Le Jardin Francais” and do a little shopping at “Anthropologie” and “Westside Market” for some unique finds. A night out in West Midtown would include dinner at one of my beau and my favorite spots “Marcel” or “Barcelona” and a lively atmosphere at the iconic “The Regent Cocktail Club.”

As the week unfolds, we’d do a day trip to Krog Street Market featuring lunch from any of the various cuisines and explore the belt line. Then catch a movie at “IPIC” and end the night at 70’s themed, “JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge”. I strongly suggest the, “Part-Time Pilot” or the “LandLady’s Tripple”. You’re welcome.

The week would conclude with a visit to the renowned Swan Coach House and Slave Quarters, National Historic Site, paying homage to Atlanta’s rich history. A farewell dinner at “Bacchanalia” in Westside Provisions District, known for its refined cuisine, would cap off the perfect Atlanta experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Gratitude echoes from the depths of my being, directed first to God, my unwavering anchor and source of strength. Without His guidance, my path would be lost.

I owe everything to my mother, She not only nurtured me but also served as a guiding force, instilling in me the essence of leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She raised my sister, and I to embrace challenges as opportunities and to persist in the face of adversity. She laid the roots that ground my principles and define my every pursuit. It was from her that I learned the importance of setting high standards, never compromising on integrity, and striving for excellence in every endeavor.

My close-knit circle of friends, akin to family, provides me with unwavering support that propels me forward.My loving and supportive family is a cornerstone of my journey.

Gratitude goes to my two daughters, Kennedy and Asa, as being their mother has been a transformative journey that has grown and stretched me in ways only motherhood could. Before them, my life centered around myself, but they have taught me the profound beauty of selflessness and unconditional love. I am immensely proud of the young women they are becoming. They not only inspire me to be the woman they strive to emulate but also someone they can always count on. They are my greatest teachers, pushing me to embody the values of selflessness, love, and dependability in ways that continually shape my journey.

With a smile of contentment and gratitude I think of my beau, a pillar of support whose patience, unwavering belief in my potential, and love enrich my life. My appreciation goes beyond love; it extends to deep respect. I respect him not just as a partner but as a man of principles, high standards, and profound integrity. His family also seamlessly became an extension of my own, filling my life with love and support.

Amidst these influences, books have played a profound role. The Bible, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Business Secrets from The Bible by Rabbi Daniel Lapin, The Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gitomer and The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer have been guiding lights, shaping my values and contributing to the person I am today.

Website: Billie-Hilliard.com BillieHilliardConsultants.com

Instagram: @Billie_Hilliard

Image Credits
Billie Hilliard (all photos) Terrell Clark (black and white of me holding jewelry in mirror)

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