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

Hi Doris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was financial security and the ability to do things when I want to and how I want to. I was in the modeling industry since I was 14. I always loved styling, fashion and being in front of a camera. I’m an introvert but my alter ego comes forward when it’s photo shoot time. So, stumbling across trucking was exactly that! About a year ago some coworkers started buying vans & trucks to haul loads. I knew I didn’t want to drive unless I truly had to, but my goal was to be behind the scenes. I discovered dispatching by doing some research on trucking without a truck. I purchased a class from someone and hit the ground running. I. Know the transportation industry is lucrative and a must for our society. It’s also a pleasure to know you have a hand in everyday supplies we all need and depend on. I just needed a mentor and some encouragement to keep going even when I would hit road blocks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of modeling and truck dispatching currently I’ve always been in the mental health field working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health diagnosis. Working in this field has taught me patience, and different ways to view things and other people perspectives. it’s given me the ability to step outside of my own way and be different. I relate to a lot of the people I work with from my own childhood experiences, but my main goal when I interact with my clients is to show them there is another way! When I get drained with modeling and disappear for a while someone will find a photo of me somewhere and bring it to my attention and it reminds me to keep going because someone is watching you and relating to you in a way that may change their path in life. When dispatching trucks is driving me insane that day someone notices my company logo and start asking me questions about it and it starts to spark that fire again to keep going. I’m now currently part time/prn at my job to focus on my business 100%, but sometimes my clients are my “why.” I want to show them that it’s possible to be different and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

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.
Well I’m usually a homebody, but when my friends come in town I like to show them a good time! I’m very much into the arts and active activities. I love the Noda area in Charlotte NC and cute restaurants & boutiques in the area. Cabo Fish Taco is most likely my favorite, but there is so many more delicious spots to try out as well. As far as night life I’m very much into lounges and nice chill spots. @Izrealthepoet host some dope poetry & brunch events on Wednesdays and Saturdays so if you are ever in the Charlotte area during that time definitely check it out you won’t be disappointed. Stats Charlotte also have some amazing food and dope vibes for nightlife as well.

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?
Everything I do, everything I accomplish is dedicated to my mother Leslie Williams! She is no longer with me physically, but spiritually she’s always by my side! My mother always wanted to model when she was younger. My first casting call my mother took my photos and she spent her last to get me to that casting! I was terrified to walk across that stage in front of all those agencies at that time literally sweating! One agency chose me in Canada and the ball started rolling from there! I tried a lot of modeling gigs, I stayed quiet about the things I did to not sound like I was bragging, but as I got older I wanted to be out and proud with what I was doing! My mother was always my cheerleader and whenever I doubted myself she would tell me “Whatever you do don’t forget to stand back up and try again never give up.” whenever I feel defeated or feel like I’m in over my head in this entrepreneur life I sit down and those words kind of come to me instantly and I get up and try again! My accomplishments I dedicate to her because she didn’t get to see how far I’ve come! It was definitely not easy and still isn’t but she reminds me to never give up!

Website: https://www.jharmonitransportation.com/

Instagram: @hippiechic8787 (modeling page) @j_harmoni_transportationllc (dispatching page)

Image Credits
Michael Lopez Bond 1st photo in gold the gold dress designed by Chimizi Fashion Ezichi Emerem African print pants set photo designer & Owner of Chimizi Fashion Other photos are random action shots from modeling events photographer unknown.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.