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

Hi Chiquita, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Going through my healing process after my life in Sex Trafficking, I knew I wanted to help other people to understand their worth and how important it is to heal so they can move forward, but also educate on the dangers of human trafficking.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is educating and bringing awareness to sex/human trafficking. I use my products as a means to uplift women to know their worth, to know they are valuable. My book *I Am a Ruby, Not a Sapphire* also shows them that a survivor like me can make it and so can they. I’m most proud of how my business and book have changed lives and given countless hope. It was not an easy journey. I doubted myself and how I would be perceived. I had to overcome a lot of emotions and think about how many souls I can help instead. I could no longer think about me. The lessons I’ve learned along the way is to not pay attention to the negative, whether that’s someone speaking negatively about you or your business. What I want the world to know about my story and my brand is that I am on a mission to become a leader in the fight against sex/human trafficking. I am on a mission to helping as many as I can to overcome the stigma of that life!

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.
My friends are kind of like me, laid back and mellow! We like nature stuff so I would definitely take them to Piedmont Park, go climb Stone Mountain, Zoo Atlanta, and Georgia Aquarium. I would take them to go visit some historic places like the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr., Apex Museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. We definitely would have to go play some Top Golf, check out some art shows and festivals. I’ll take them shopping at the famous Lenox Square mall, Atlantic Station, and Phipps Plaza and top it off with some good eating at Pappadeaux’s, “This Is It”, and Old Lady Gang restaurants and definitely share the experience of the rooftop revolving restaurant at the Hyatt Regency!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Lashon Dorsey or Wellnessandfit916 and Melanie Brodnax of Mjb Fine Homes and Realty. These 2 beautiful ladies have always supported and encourage me from the very beginning. They’ve been there throughout my journey and I appreciate them so much!

Website: www.iamaruby2u.com
Instagram: @iamaruby2u
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiquita.tillman

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