Meet DeAnna Broome | HR Consultant for small businesses

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

Hi DeAnna, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
It’s all about my faith. I have been in some situations where it seems like nothing is going my way. All the doors that I’m trying to open are locked and I cannot force my way in. What I do is stop trying to force it, and wait on God to tell me what to do next. Now, I don’t literally hear him talking to me. Instead, I get an intense feeling that I have to do this. Most of the time it does not make sense to me, but I go with it. Others call it their gut feeling, I call it God.

I started my consulting business in May 2021 after being laid off from a major bank. I have spent money on advertising, buying business cards, car magnets, shirts, basically anything, and everything to attract clients. I even joined my local chamber of commerce and started networking like crazy. Unfortunately, I still was not getting any clients, but I still had that feeling to keep going. My former managers would call me and ask me to apply for positions at their branch locations and that feeling would tell me no, keep going. There is a reason why I am no longer with that company and it’s my job to not place myself in that situation again. If they can let me go once, they can do it again.

I know God did not place that dream of me being my own boss in my heart just to take it away. I know now that I cannot force my way to something. God has a path laid out for me and I must be still and listen to which way He is telling me to go. Even though it took me nearly four months to get my first client, my faith kept me going.

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?
I own and operate Virtuous HR Solutions, which is an HR consulting company for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. My focus is on keeping businesses operating by keeping them out of the courtroom and keeping employees happy and engaged. Although I can do other HR tasks, my passions are employment law and employee engagement. I love helping people and watching them learn and grow. I want to change the way businesses hire, retain, engage, and develop their employees. My goal is to educate small business owners on the how to’s of daily HR tasks. I am looking for them to eventually do things on their own. I don’t just want to help small business owners with their HR tasks, I want them to learn what I know.

It was not easy to get where I am today. I had to go through an eviction, an arrest, financial issues, many declined job applications, and a layoff. Along with my faith, I have always tried to stay optimistic. I will look for the positive in the current situation. The eviction lead to more help with the baby. The arrest gave me the motivation to go back to school. Financial issues was an opportunity to learn more about finances, credit, and mindful spending. The declined jobs showed me that I was meant for bigger and better.

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.
I love parks, more specifically parks with bodies of water. The first stop will be the Millennium Gate Museum. I love the area and the outdoor space! The bonus is that Atlantic Station is not that far from it. For lunch, the stop has to be Thumbs Up Diner. I am IN LOVE with their catfish sandwich! Other places that I find fun are the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. Who doesn’t love animals?! Marlow’s Tavern and Farm Burger will also take my money.

I have been a mom for 9 years, 10 if you include the pregnancy, so drinks and nightlife are a foreign language to me now.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband Justin Broome. He is the reason why I am running my own business now. When I told him what I wanted to do, he did not flinch or hesitate to support me. He has encouraged me, given me criticism when I needed it, and reminding me to take some time for myself. Thank you Justin for everything! You are truly my soulmate and answered prayers.

Website: https://virtuoushrsolutions.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtuoushr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamdeannaleigh

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjRQrPWxlN5icvbCRTRQIw

Image Credits
Abby of Lynn & Lace Portrait Photography