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

Hi Dr. Marissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I truly wanted to make a difference! I own two businesses – a global business management company and a coaching business. Both of those businesses are service based and both of those businesses give me the chance to truly make an impact. With my company, my team and I provide strategic solutions to companies around the world who need assistance in operational effectiveness, organizational development, or leadership training. We do consulting differently by sticking around from strategy creation to implementation to execution. We don’t see ourselves as just problem solvers, we see ourselves as a part of the team – committed to our clients whether they are stepping a step or a leap to the Next Level. With my coaching business, I equip millennial women of color with the skills to transform their passion-filled idea to a purpose-filled and profitable business unit. I utilize my expertise and experiences as a serial entrepreneur and consultant to provide them the best possible resources. I got into business to create lasting change and through my clients’ success stories I know I am truly making a difference. My clients are experiencing their first 5-figure months, securing 6-figure contracts, negotiating national distribution deals, and much much more! I hope to continue building future millionaires one business at a time.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Founder and CEO of Next Level Consulting, a global business management company providing strategic solutions to mid to large size enterprises around the world. As a global business manager, I missed out on the opportunity to work with small businesses. I started coaching and creating digital products as a way to service new and aspiring entrepreneurs. I utilize my experiences as a consultant and serial entrepreneur to equip millennial women of color with the skills to transform their passion-filled idea to a purpose-filled and profitable business unit. In addition to business coaching and consulting, I am passionate about community engagement and enrichment. I serve on the executive board for an Atlanta based non-profit and help to orchestrate their national program initiative. In addition, I create leadership development content for students of all ages and enjoy any opportunity to encourage youth to strive for excellence. One of my ultimate goals is to build more black and brown millennial millionaires through entrepreneurship. I am committed to opening up more about my journey to help inspire and encourage others. I am an author of an eBook entitled, “How to Effectively Prioritize,” that showcases a system I created to better manage my goals after struggling with anxiety for years. I truly believe that everyone has a beautiful and unique story and encourage everyone to share theirs with the world around them. The road has not been easy but has been extremely rewarding. I have learned the importance of balancing and prioritizing as well as not over exerting myself. I always reiterate to everyone I encounter, “the hustle is irrelevant if you work yourself to death.” Big goals are important, goal crushing is amazing, but you have to be healthy enough to execute!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I am a huge fan of brunch! Anytime a friend comes to visit we always have to check out a brunch spot – The Mill Kitchen & Bar, Hob Nob, Poor Calvins, and The Ivy are a few of my faves! Next, we have to have a little fun! I love visiting Ponce City Market and The Painted Duck. For any first time visitors, we have to hit up all the tourist spots (you have to check them all out at least once) – National Center for Civil & Human Rights, Aquarium, Coca-Cola Factory, and Piedmont Park. Also, it is a drive but so worth it – visiting Chateau Elan with all my friends that love wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve lots of recognition in my success story! I would not be who I am today without their love, support, and sacrifices. They put my desires before their own needs and my dreams before their own so that I could be the woman I am today. I owe everything to them!

Website: www.marissalayton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.layton_/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marissa-layton-027b8438
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/drlayton_
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nextlevelconsultingfirm/
Other: company website: www.nextlevelconsultingfirm.com