We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Derricka Harwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Derricka, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
A habit that I feel has contributed to my success is most definitely my consistency and no excuses policy. I am always adamant about getting things done and getting them done accordingly. I don’t distribute excuses, nor do I accept them. I don’t put off what can be done today, and I remain consistent in my business with constant growth. I also don’t allow those who are outside of my business (and not contributing to it’s growth) to affect me, my thoughts process or how I ” move” in my business. I consider those to be distractions. Blocking out those distractions that don’t contribute to your growth will assist you in consistent growth, abundantly.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am one of the first African American women multi-millionaires in the credit repair industry. I am also a 7-figure business coach, at which I’ve assisted in creating 11 other millionaires, and over 30 mulit 6 figure business owners, I’m an award-winning published author, a 2-time proclamation recipient, an advocate for the community and I just received my honorary doctorates degree from Trinity International University in Atlanta GA.

What I am most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to create. Not only being able to put money into the community, but also education. Going on the “beautiful credit tour” to educate those on financial literacy who may otherwise have never been educated is a big deal to me. Also, giving our beautiful black and brown children someone wealthy to look up to aside from entertainers and athletes is huge as well. I’ve made it “cool” to be the award-winning author who drives a Gwagon lol it helps break stereotypes and displays that it’s possible to the next generation. I was also awarded Top 40 Under 40 by Memphis Urban Elite in 2020.

Consistency, Hard Work and A No Excuses policy is literally how I got in this position. You must work the way others won’t to live the way others can’t. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Some of the challenges I faced in my life were homelessness, and I don’t mean couch surfing, or staying at a friend’s home, I mean my license plate was literally my address at one point in my life. I lived in a 1995 Ford Explorer. I was also a product of the system prior to that, my biological father was wrapped in the prison system, I had an estranged relationship with my mother and in my young adult life I struggled with getting it together. I was on food stamps, section 8 and any other method of assistance you could imagine from our government. I met an amazing lady, I call her my angel Aunt Anna (Anna Bottoms Stewart), who not only saved my life because I was suicidal and ready to give up, but she gave my babies and I a home. That is what I’d call the changing point in my life. I got on my two feet from there, and I reunited with my first love and father of my children, and we created something epic, legendary and historical with our brand. The work we put in, not only for our family but the thousands of families we assisted will outlive us for generations to come and I’m so honored by that.

What I’d want people to know about me is, I’m not their competition, I’m proof that it can be done. I’m a walking, talking testimony. I didn’t seek to become a millionaire; I became a millionaire in the process of seeking a better me.

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.
Some of my favorite places to be when I’m not working … first is my home! I purchased my first mansion in 2017 and after several renovation processes it’s finally where I’m in love. It’s very impressive and I enjoy having my family and friends in a comfortable setting (especially with my children). We’d have the amazing award-winning Chef Tam from the Food Network and owner of Underground Cafe, prepare us a dynamic feast like only she could !

I also would take my family/ friends to the stables. One of my favorite things to do with my children is ride horses. It’s so peaceful, calming and serene that I want all my guests to experience this, especially in a world full of chaos.

And lastly SHOPPING! because what’s a trip without a little luxury spending. I work hard, so I deserve to play hard as well, as that certainly means spoiling the ones I love.

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’d like my husband and my 7 children to receive my “shoutout”. They have contributed greatly in the success we’ve had in our businesses. My husband literally birthed this business with me, and I couldn’t have done it without him. He worked 3 jobs at one time to assure we could cover bills while building this business and he never once complained of being over worked and exhausted, he’d come home daily and still give 100% to helping build our brand. Our children offer genuine love, support and understanding when it comes this business, that is so immense I can’t do anything but fall in gratitude. Without this kind of love and support I wouldn’t be having this interview today.

Website: www.DerrickaHarwell.com www.HarwellWebinars.com www.BeautifyCredit.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MrsDerrickaHarwell

Other: www.DerrickaHarwell.com www.HarwellWebinars.com www.BeautifyCredit.com

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