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

Hi Elle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2009, life had transformed me into a young wife and mother, blessed with twins. With the arrival of my children, I faced the dual challenge of steep daycare costs and concerns for one of my twins, who was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, making the idea of daycare even more daunting. I found myself in need of both flexibility and a source of income. On my very first Mother’s Day, my husband presented me with a brand-new MacBook, encouraging me to start a blog. This gift marked the beginning of my journey from blogging to professional writing, culminating in becoming a published author with a portfolio of over 12 books.

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?
I take immense pride in having learned to pursue my passion, particularly around Sickle Cell Advocacy. This passion has opened doors for me to collaborate with remarkable nonprofit organizations and seize incredible opportunities. In November, I have the honor of co-hosting the Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit alongside the Sickle Cell Community Consortium, a virtual event that reaches a global audience. It’s a profoundly rewarding way for me to contribute to a community I’m deeply connected with.

When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I lacked a clear vision for where I wanted it to lead. My strength was in writing, and as the landscape of blogging evolved, transitioning into book publishing became a natural progression for me. It took six years to publish my first book, but that achievement set the stage for many more publications to follow.

Entrepreneurship has demanded countless hours of work from me. I’ve had to establish work boundaries, learn to effectively see my goals and tasks through, and find ways to monetize my skills and talents. Moreover, managing work amidst the chaos of home life, particularly with a child battling two chronic conditions, has been a significant challenge. Initially, this situation was a source of constant worry for me, but over time, I’ve learned to channel my fears into advocating for research and improved treatments.

What fills me with pride and excitement is the realization that by advocating for others and creating books centered on health literacy, I’m not only helping my daughter learn how to care for herself but also ensuring that my work has a lasting impact on her future. Writing children’s books about sickle cell started as a means to educate my own twins, family, and friends. Now, it serves as a resource for other families to educate their child’s school, friends, and extended community. This evolution underscores one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned: speaking up and educating others not only empowers them but also creates a ripple effect, extending the impact far beyond the immediate circle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friends were visiting, I’d whisk them away on the Black Girl Magic Tour, a unique experience that aligns perfectly with my values and my admiration for industrious women making a difference. The tour holds a special place in my heart, not just for its empowering message but also because I share a friend’s history with its founder, Tarika, whom I knew from high school. Witnessing her dedication to uplifting her community mirrors my own efforts in advocating for those affected by sickle cell disease, making it a profoundly personal and meaningful activity for us to share.

After immersing ourselves in the inspiring stories and achievements of the tour, we’d dive into Atlanta’s vibrant vegetarian and vegan culinary scene. I’m eager to introduce my friend to some of my favorite spots, such as Cafe Sunflower in Buckhead, which offers a cozy atmosphere paired with a diverse menu of vegetarian delights. We’d also not miss out on the chance to indulge in the creative and mouthwatering offerings at Slutty Vegan, a place that’s as much about bold flavors as it is about a bold mission. And for a mix of modern and comforting vegan cuisine, we’d head to Herban Fix, known for its innovative dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful.

This combination of cultural enrichment and culinary exploration would not only showcase the best of what Atlanta has to offer but also create a memorable experience that celebrates our shared values and the beauty of giving back to our communities.

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 want to dedicate this shoutout to my 86-year-old mother, who instilled in me the importance of public service and the power of networking.

Website: http://CleverlyChaning.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleverlychanging

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellecole-100/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cleverlychangin

Facebook: https://facebook.com/cleverlychanging

Youtube: https://youtube.com/cleverlychanging

Other: Amazon Author Central Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellecole

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