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

Hi Dr. Stephanie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Tuscumbia, AL, and later settled in Nashville, TN, after finishing college. I currently reside in McDonough, GA. Growing up, my family made attending church, Bible study, and choir practice regular parts of our routine. My parents emphasized the importance of prayer and seeking guidance from God in everything we did. This upbringing has profoundly shaped my approach to decision-making, as I continue to rely on prayer and listening for direction from God. I carry forward the lessons learned from my upbringing by consistently integrating prayer and spiritual reflection into my daily life. This practice not only provides me with a sense of peace and clarity, but also serves as a compass guiding me towards fulfilling my goals and aspirations.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, WR Real Estate Academy, is authorized by the Georgia Real Estate Commission to offer the 75-Hour GA Salesperson pre-licensing course and thirteen CE courses tailored for real estate agents. Additionally, I gratefully serve as the President and CEO of Atlanta Black Business Week. Our mission is to foster growth and success in the Black business community in Atlanta. We have four pillars. Those pillars are: 1) Enhancing business guidance and education, 2) Advocating for Black-owned businesses, 3) Engaging in community services, and 4) Fostering networking opportunities.

What distinguishes me is the fusion of my academic expertise with a fervent entrepreneurial drive. With a doctoral background and a relentless dedication of all of my businesses, I bring a distinctive viewpoint shaped by academia and entrepreneurship.

This journey to where I am today hasn’t been without its challenges. I have faced financial setbacks and navigated through failed business ventures that didn’t align with my true passions. However, with each setback, I turned to prayer, seeking divine guidance to set me on the right path. Through these trials, I have learned invaluable lessons – emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing one’s spiritual gifts, staying true to one’s passions and purpose, and resisting the urge to conform to societal norms. By adhering to these principles, we all can cultivated a life filled with abundant joy.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of abundance for my son and to be remembered as a Woman of God, steadfast in my faith and dedicated to making a positive impact on the world around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta, known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving community of Black-owned business, offers an abundance of experiences to explore. If I had a friend visiting, our itinerary would include a visit to my church, Zion Baptist of Marietta, followed a delicious meal at Poor Calvin’s – my favorite restaurant in Atlanta.  Afterwards, we would visit Cigar City Club – another one of my favorite places in Atlanta. I enjoy a nice cigar. On another day, we would delve into the rich history of the Sweet Auburn historic district.

On the other hand, depending on the time of year they visited, we would attend the original Sundress and Seersucker event in May or the Atlanta Cigar Week festivities in September, ensuring an unforgettable experience of the ATL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents and son deserve credit and recognition for their contributions to my story.

Website: www.whitericksrealty.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephaniericks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt7TNBhjAVoVJJRQ0K56qzA

Image Credits
Mr. Jeno (Headshot) and David Brown (The full black ensemble)

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