Meet Dr. Angelic Gregory-McMillan | Life & Business Strategist, Author, Speaker, and Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Angelic Gregory-McMillan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Angelic, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Griffin, Georgia, a small town about an hour south of Atlanta. Growing up, the struggles I endured and overcame molded me into the serial go-getter and businesswoman I am today. I grew up in a low-income area and was raised primarily by my grandmother. My father was not in my life, and my mother struggled with substance abuse for most of my life. My background is similar to that of most kids who grew up in lower socioeconomic backgrounds. I faced challenges of poverty, discrimination, and little support and resources, and I had early exposure to a lot of things because of the environment I grew up in. It caused me to mature very quickly and take on adult responsibilities as a child. As the oldest of three, I naturally felt the need to be better and set an example for my younger siblings. I believe this was where I first began to develop leadership qualities. I was determined not to be defined or limited by our socioeconomic status.

For many years, I battled with issues of unforgiveness, shame, and not feeling good enough. Luckily, my coping mechanisms for these things manifested as focus, diligence, and the undeniable need to prove that I was not a product of my environment. Witnessing the effects of addiction on my mother and watching her lose custody of us had a two-fold effect on me. First, I realize now that I was afflicted with issues of abandonment, depression, self-confidence, and image issues as a child. At the time, I couldn’t identify these feelings with a name, but I did know that I had an overwhelming feeling of sadness, embarrassment, and even anger. The second effect it had on me was quite different. Instead of conforming to and accepting the ways of what I knew growing up, I did the opposite. I became an overachiever to compensate for the areas where I felt my self-esteem was lacking and where I felt I was not worthy. I enjoyed the confidence boost I got from excelling in different areas, and it always made my heart warm to gain approval and encouragement from my grandmother. I knew she expected me to make it, and I knew that I couldn’t let her down.

I would say that growing up poor and without a support system had both negative and positive effects on me. On one hand, it caused a turmoil of childhood traumas that I later had to heal from and deal with as an adult. Through counseling, self-awareness, and boundary management, I have been able to heal and recover from those traumas. On the other hand, I can say that my upbringing has made me mentally strong, aggressively ambitious, and created leadership qualities and discipline that I used to lay the foundation to build a better life. The biggest impact I feel my upbringing has had on me is creating a new mindset and outlook on life. I was able to take a wish, a dream of living a better life, and make it a reality. Now I have the opportunity to give back and make that a reality for others in similar situations.

What should our readers know about your business?

Rapid DOT and Drug Testing is a medical lab that focuses on the promotion of occupational health and safety through providing convenient and reliable drug and alcohol testing programs, policies, and certification trainings. Our goal is to deter substance abuse in the workplace through routine drug testing. We also support the rehabilitation of positive donors by partnering with multiple substance abuse provider agencies that assist donors through the process of recovery and successful return to the workforce. In addition to occupational drug testing, we also provide personal accountability screenings, court-ordered drug testing, and specialize in onsite drug testing to bring our services to our clients’ comfort and convenience.

As a licensed chiropractor and medical examiner for the Department of Transportation, I was introduced to drug testing after offering DOT physicals to safety-sensitive employees. Many of these employees were also in need of drug testing to be compliant with their jobs. I combined the demand for services with another purpose I was passionate about, which was creating a stance against substance abuse and providing the opportunity to assist those recovering in their journey to sobriety. A drug testing business was purposeful while simultaneously helping me break the generational curses of addiction and substance abuse that had run in my family for the past three decades. I want the world to know the importance of recognizing substance abuse and how a drug-free workplace not only saves lives but can be the motivation for someone to make a change for the better in their lives.

We are excited to launch our very first international location in Johannesburg, South Africa. An international location was pivotal, as many underdeveloped countries are still operating safety-sensitive positions and jobs with minimal regulation on substance abuse. My goal is to elevate and strengthen the economy in South Africa by helping build stronger companies with compliant drug-free workplace policies, promoting awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, and creating employment opportunities for local South Africans as our new locations grow. We are excited to expand into international business relationships.

HSL Coaching:

As a woman from a low-income background, I founded HSL Coaching because I know firsthand the struggles and challenges that many women face when it comes to building a successful business and creating a legacy of wealth.

That’s why I started HSL Coaching, a coaching and consulting firm that focuses on life, business, and mindset coaching for women.

HSL Coaching’s mission is to empower women by teaching them the skills to overcome limiting beliefs and launch their own businesses. Through virtual coaching and my custom online course, I help clients learn how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and provide the steps to starting and launching their business idea.

One of the key aspects of HSL Coaching is the 90-day course on creating an entrepreneurial mindset to build and launch your business. This course is beginner- and user-friendly and includes weekly live group video meetings. Clients also have the option of joining a private Facebook community to interact and mastermind with their peers who are also in the coaching program.

After successful completion of the 90-day program, clients can apply to HSL Coaching’s year-long program, MEG (Mastermind Entrepreneur Gang!). This program provides continued support while clients are in their first year of business. It helps clients to expand and scale their business, focus on more detailed marketing strategies, and learn financial literacy and management of their business.

HSL Coaching also teaches clients important skills like building business credit, social media marketing and ads, business branding, business networking strategies, wealth management, the power of positive thinking, accountability, and goal setting.

I want people to be inspired by my brand and story. If anything, I want them to walk away from reading this article with a new perspective that if I did it, so can they. Nothing comes without hard work and dedication. I failed many times before finding success. The difference was using my hardships as a motivating factor to get back up and enthusiastically pursue my dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Beltline Karaoke Bars in Duluth
Hiking in North GA
Desta Ethiopian Kitchen for some delicious food!
Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar
And of course, I’d find my local black owned Gems in the area to visit and support!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give the biggest shoutout to my grandmother, but there are definitely a few other honorable mentions I cannot leave out.

Firstly, I thank God for my grandmother, Mrs. Annie Ray. May her soul rest in peace. I can only hope that one day I will be half the woman, mother, sister, and grandmother that she was. If it were not for her, I would not be where I am today. My grandmother was truly the rock that held it all together and the inspiration and motivation behind me. She gave her last with no regret or reserve. She spoke life and encouragement into me, and for that I will forever be grateful. She provided me with tough love, the truth even when it hurt, and the support and encouragement that I so badly needed. It takes a selfless person and a humble servant to give what she provided for me and my brothers. As painful as it was to lose you, I know that your work was exceedingly well done.

I must also give thanks to my uncle, who I don’t believe realizes the impactful role he played in my life. My youngest uncle was the first role model of success that I witnessed growing up. I remember his high school graduation and thinking, I can’t wait to accomplish that! He was the first man I witnessed in my family who held a steady job and began to make something of himself. He was the first example I saw of a dedicated father. He was the first example I saw of a real marriage. He was truly the first positive male role model I had in my life. I strived to be smart, independent, and “cool” like him. I cherish and am thankful for all the times he was there to help me with my homework, science projects, driving me to and from college on my breaks, and always keeping it real with me. It was the encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward.

As an avid reader, there are numerous books that have influenced and impacted my life. The first book I read on entrepreneurship was “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I have actually read this book several times. The first time I read this book, I was in middle school. The second time and times after, I read it as an adult, and that was when the shift in mindset was initiated. I was more determined than ever to create generational wealth. I’ve since read almost anything I could get my hands on that was related to entrepreneurship, wealth building, and more recently, mindset.

Last but certainly not least, I have to give thanks and a shoutout to my amazing support system! My loving husband, who has challenged me to dream and accomplish goals larger than life, My family and extended family, who support me near and far, My inspiring, ambitious, and loyal friends who keep me on my toes and traveling this world Each and every one of you has encouraged, loved, and supported me in some way, and I am truly grateful for you.

Website: https://happinessandselflove.com/

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

Other: 🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨 Our upcoming TEDx event is dedicated to raising awareness for domestic violence, mental health, and identity. Join us in South Africa for an unforgettable day of inspiration and empowerment. https://www.thebamtour.com/copy-of-selfish