We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg and Cheryl Clarke and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Greg and Cheryl, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We both had dreams of becoming entrepreneurs and part of it was because of our fertile selves. Cheryl recognized that as she continued to work outside of the home, her pay was disappearing to child care. So when we realized that we were expecting our third child, she started the process of looking into creating the child care business that is still running to this very day. It is beneficial for individuals to find their respective niche and become owners instead of employees. There is nothing wrong with being an employee BUT you must strategize a possibility to see how you can use your hours outside of your employ.
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?
We are a husband-and-wife team – better known as, “The Couple Specialists” who share the same passion for helping couples build stronger & healthier marriages to go from HURTING to HEALED. What sets us apart from others is the shocking reality that most couples fail in less than 6 months in either their business, their respective relationships, or potentially both! Right now, what most people are teaching is just to individuals or just to the couple, wherein we come in by understanding that it is not “either/or” but “both/and” we develop BOTH at the same time. We gained wisdom over time, life is the ultimate teacher. We have been together for over 30 years, married for 27 years, and are proud parents of six wonderful children, all young adults now. In addition, we both have earned degrees in our respective fields. Cheryl is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Greg is an Early Childhood Education Teacher, together we are both Certified Relationship & Life Coaches, Ordained Ministers, and Motivational Speakers. We use our platform to offer foundational tools that come along with sharing the uncommon wisdom we have been bestowed. We have been inspiring thousands of couples. We refer to ourselves as a walking intervention for couples.
By no means was it easy, in 2012 our marriage fell apart. We were feeling overwhelmed and frustrated living paycheck to paycheck. The day-to-day stressors and communication struggles became too much. We separated for two years, we went to couples therapy to work on the marriage and a business coach for our finances. It was challenging to balance the demands of a business, relationship, and raising a family but it can be accomplished. We have built a stronger connection with God, and integrated techniques that have been effective to increase our relationship and business goals simultaneously.
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.
We were both born in New York and raised in Boogie-Down Bronx. New York City is a melting pot of different cultures and people, so there’s something for everyone to do. So we would definitely embrace the sights, sounds, food, and culture during the visit. The first piece of advice is to have an idea of what you want to do and book in advance, whether it’s a show, dinner reservations, or if it’s somewhere popular. Booking in advance can make the experience so much easier. Everything doesn’t have to be planned out; however, we would want to spend as much time as possible exploring each day and night instead of figuring out the logistics. You can sleep after your trip! The experience would begin as soon as you land. If it was their first time in NYC, you’ll want to start your visit by viewing all the must-see attractions. Weekend New York itinerary includes…fun tourist spots right out of the gate by hopping on the subway to hit all boroughs starting with the Bronx. It’s some great spots in the Bronx to visit like Yankee Stadium (a great photo shoot option), Little Italy walk-through and grab a Slice of Pizza, or head a little further up in the Bronx for some Jamaican food from Fish N’ Ting. Next, Manhattan then head up to Harlem to take some pictures in front of the Apollo Theater, and NYC hit Sylvia’s or Melba’s Soul Food Restaurant. If we were taking them to Brooklyn then it would be the Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or Coney Island. When hanging out in Queens, you are talking about Citi Field, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, or Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Usually, Manhattan gets all of the prestige from the tons of shows, Central Park, or just walking around Time Square or taking a double-decker bus tour.
To experience New York in 2 days or less is quite the challenge, however, you don’t need to check off every single thing to have an incredible time. So to advise or lockdown one particular bar, speakeasy, or restaurant in this city would not be actually helpful as we have every kind of pallet experience you can desire and fulfill.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would love to shout out our church family at Zoe Ministries through our spiritual mentors, Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan & Pastor Debra Jordan, as they have been integral pieces in our overall spiritual development as well as a couple and business owners. Also, we must also acknowledge all of the individuals that we have assisted over the years via our various brands from Greg and Cheryl Clarke. Speak Your Power Now or the Value of Money Collective because, without our clients and supporters, we would not be relevant.
Website: www.gregandcherylclarke.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregandcherylclarke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GregandCherylClarke/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregandcherylclarke