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

Hi Erica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am an Army Brat, which means I moved around a lot. So, I’m not really from anywhere, but Georgia is where my parents are from and where I’ve settled down. It’s where I feel most at home now. Moving often during my upbringing really shaped who I am. It influenced my character and taught me the importance of not taking friendships for granted and how to truly connect and engage with people. When you’re always starting over, you get pretty good at making new friends. Being an Army Brat also instilled in me a strong work ethic. It taught me the importance of hard work and doing what’s right. Living in different countries was eye-opening. It gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures and ignited a passion in me to explore and travel the world.

 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I have two businesses: Essential Business Connections LLC and Diva’s Prerogative LLC. At Essential Business Connections, we’re all about going the extra mile for our clients. We are a Human Resources/Employee Relations firm. I specialize in helping HR leaders and business executives maximize profitability and increase revenue through positive employee relations strategies. Whether it’s implementing innovative strategies or offering unique service models, I’m dedicated to making sure our clients feel like more than just a number. They’re our top priority, and I’m honored to have their trust. That’s why I go above and beyond to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.
One of the things that gets me excited about my work is hearing success stories from my clients and witnessing the tangible impact on their bottom line. Whether it’s seeing significant revenue growth, thanks to happier, more productive employees, or substantial cost savings resulting from reduced turnover and operational efficiencies, these success stories exemplify the transformative power of positive employee relations and remind me why I love what I do.

Now, getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Establishing my firm’s reputation and spreading the word about our expertise and services has been quite the uphill battle, especially as a relatively new Human Resources consulting firm. But you know what they say: nothing worth having comes easy. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, tackle obstacles head-on, and never lose sight of my passion for helping others succeed.

And speaking of lessons learned, maintaining strong client relationships has been key. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building trust, understanding their needs, and being there every step of the way. Those relationships are what truly make our business thrive.

Now, let’s talk about Diva’s Prerogative LLC. This isn’t just your average travel and lifestyle boutique. We’re all about creating curated products specifically for Black women, focusing on positivity and self-love. Whether it’s stylish passport covers that add a touch of luxury to your travels or accessories that make every journey unforgettable, we’re here to enhance every aspect of your adventure.

So, there you have it. Essential Business Connections LLC and Diva’s Prerogative LLC aren’t just businesses—they’re a reflection of my passion for making a difference and bringing people together. And I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, let me paint you the perfect picture for an unforgettable week in the area with my bestie! It would include good food, pampering, and unforgettable experiences. We’d start our mornings right at Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, fueling up on delicious bites to kick off our adventures. Then, we’d dive into the vibrant flavors of Tassili’s Raw Reality with a a punany wrap and we would have afternoon tea at The Dirty Tea.

For brunch vibes, we’d hit up Pretti Plates for some mouthwatering treats and a brunch experience like no other.

Now, let’s talk pampering. We’d indulge ourselves in luxury at Platinum Beauty Bar and Spa, soaking in all the relaxation and rejuvenation they have to offer. And of course, we’d treat ourselves to some fabulous nail care at Soak and Polish Nail Bar because, why not?

But wait, there’s more! Our week wouldn’t be complete without some fun activities. We’d immerse ourselves in the captivating world of The Black Hair Experience, celebrating beauty and culture in all its glory. And for a taste of local flavor, we’d hop on the Hop N Go Tour, exploring the hidden gems and hotspots of the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to give a shout-out to my amazing parents, Roosevelt and Deloris Walton. My work ethic comes straight from my daddy. When I was little, he worked multiple jobs just to make sure my siblings and I had everything we needed—and even some things we just wanted. I admire how he’s always been my biggest cheerleader, constantly encouraging me and letting me know how proud he is of me.

And then there’s my mama. She’s my hero. Besides raising four kids, she’s got this incredible knack for fixing and building things. Seriously, there’s nothing she can’t tackle. She’s self-taught and absolutely fearless. Growing up, I was surrounded by love, care, and endless inspiration to just be myself.

Website: https://divasprerogative.com and https://essentialbusinessconnections.com

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

Image Credits
Adrian Shelby Photography Studio

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