Meet Divine Collins | Founder of Being One Smart Sista, NPF

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

Hi Divine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had a few thoughts behind starting my business. I was starting from ground zero with very little guidance. However, I knew I had the tools to succeed and to help the young women I would work with succeed. For me, it was all about giving a young lady a chance that could change her life. That chance was given to me and it’s important to me to give that same opportunity to others coming behind me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently a graduating law student. I am excited about starting my career as an attorney! The road to law school was definitely not easy. More than anything, getting to law school takes a lot of time, dedication, patience, and money. Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an attorney so, the journey has definitely been incredibly long yet, worth it.

While on this journey, I learned that time will go by but, what matters is what you do with that time. I could have quit years ago but, I would not be where I am today — about to graduate law school. I have also learned that with success comes responsibility. People view you in a different light when you start to accomplish your goals and, in the same way others gave to you for your success, you should give to others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So, I am actually from Atlanta but, I currently live in Chicago. I’ve lived here for 3 years and may not be the best person to suggest things to do, but I can try! haha. My favorite spot in town is Whiskey Business. It is a fun rooftop restaurant with a really young vibe. They serve brunch on weekends and host different events at night (like movie night, concerts, etc.). Another great place to visit if you are a first-timer, is Navy Pier. Navy Pier has many different restaurants and other little fun things to do (ferris wheel and different boat rides). It is also a great place to view the city from the shore of the lake.

You, of course, have to visit restaurants that are known for Chicago’s staple foods. The list is as follows:
1. Harold’s Chicken/Uncle Remus/Sharks/JJs for your fried chicken and Chicago’s famous mild sauce
2. Portillos for Chicago’s famous hot dogs and roast beef sandwiches
3. Giordano’s for Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout a few people! Shout out to my parents. You both have sacrificed so much to provide for my siblings and I. I thank you both for constantly instilling sound morals in me and motivating me to pursue my dreams. Shoutout to my family as a whole. Every single one of you have contributed to my story in some way and I am forever grateful for all of you.

Shoutout to Ms. K Brown. Ms. Brown forced our entire class to apply for the Gates Scholarship, even though I did not believe in my application. If it was not for her, I would have never applied and would not have been able to afford Spelman and later law school.

Shoutout to so many of my amazing grade school teachers (Ms. Smith, Ms. Ray, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Brown, Ms. Rice, and so many more)! You all made school fun every day and always made me feel proud of my accomplishments.

Shoutout to Kris A. Kris has been in my corner since my freshman year at Spelman. I don’t know how I would have gotten through Spelman without you.

Shoutout to all of my best friends! You all motivate me every day. We celebrate each other’s successes and continue to be a part of each other’s visions.

Lastly, shoutout to the greatest institution, Spelman College. Thank you for helping me find myself as a Black woman in a world that did not accept me. Thank you for providing me with so many opportunities to advance myself, personally and professionally. Thank you for continuing to be a resource years after graduation.

Website: Beingonesmartsista.com

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Image Credits
@Adoshots