Meet Lachauna Edwards | Attorney & NIL Consultant

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

Hi Lachauna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a combination of personal passion, professional dissatisfaction, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Firstly, I have always been passionate about law and advocacy, particularly in the realms of civil rights and education law. Over time, I realized that the traditional career path within a government role was not fully satisfying my creative and entrepreneurial spirit. During the pandemic in 2020, I started creating content on social media, focusing on empowering and encouraging healthy families through marriage advice and tips. This experience was transformative; I saw the rapid growth of my brand and the impact my content had on my audience.

As I engaged more with the creative space, I discovered a deep love for this new direction. At the same time, I was feeling increasingly constrained and unfulfilled in my day job. This realization prompted me to consider how I could leverage my skills and passions in a way that aligned more closely with my personal and professional goals.

The Supreme Court’s 2021 decision to allow athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights was a pivotal moment. It presented a unique opportunity to combine my legal expertise, experience as a content creator, and passion for advocacy. As a sports mom, I had always felt it was an injustice that athletes couldn’t monetize their brands simply because they were athletes. This change allowed me to step into a space where I could make a significant impact.

I spent considerable time educating myself about the NIL landscape, networking with key stakeholders, and understanding the needs and challenges faced by athletes and their families. I recognized a significant gap in knowledge and resources, particularly for parents trying to navigate this new territory. This gap was where I felt I could make the most significant difference.

Thus, I founded two companies: Mrs. Mommy Esq. LLC and Lachauna Edwards Law LLC. Mrs. Mommy Esq. focuses on consulting, speaking, and coursework, particularly through my “Sideline CEO” program, which educates parents on NIL. Lachauna Edwards Law handles the legal aspects, including contract review, negotiation, trademark protection, and business formation.

Starting my own business was about creating a platform where I could combine my legal expertise, personal experience, and passion for empowering others. It was about filling a gap in the market and providing invaluable support and education to parents and athletes. It was also about finding fulfillment and satisfaction in my work, ensuring I was making a meaningful impact while building a sustainable and rewarding career.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have two distinct yet complementary companies: Mrs. Mommy Esquire and Lachauna Edwards Law.

Mrs. Mommy Esquire is where I focus on consulting, speaking, and coursework. Through this company, I offer a range of services aimed at empowering parents to navigate the complexities of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape. I conduct workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions that cover everything from building a personal brand to understanding NIL compliance. My flagship program, “Sideline CEO,” is a four-week NIL accelerator course that educates parents on compliance, building a social media following, pitching for brand partnerships, and protecting their athlete’s brand. This program is supported by a grant in partnership with PNC’s National Center for Entrepreneurship and Clark Atlanta University, reflecting its impact and credibility. What sets Mrs. Mommy Esquire apart is the focus on equipping parents with the tools they need to advocate effectively for their children. I am most proud of the transformational stories from parents who have gained confidence and expertise through my programs.

Lachauna Edwards Law handles the legal aspects of my business. Here, I specialize in contract review, contract negotiation, trademark protection, and business formation. I work with influencers, athletes, and businesses to ensure their legal needs are met with precision and care. My expertise in NIL and my personal experience as an influencer allow me to offer a unique perspective that blends legal acumen with practical, real-world insights. What sets my law firm apart is the combination of thorough legal expertise with a deep understanding of branding and digital influence. I take pride in my ability to secure favorable terms for my clients and protect their intellectual property, helping them build sustainable and legally sound businesses.

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 friend was visiting the area, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots that truly capture what I love about Metro Atlanta.

Town at Trilith: This is a hidden gem in the suburbs where I live. It’s a town for creatives, and I love the vibe here. The community is vibrant and full of energy, with plenty of places to eat, shop, and enjoy various activities. The imagery and landscaping are beautiful, making it an inspiring place to spend time. We’d grab some great food and soak in the creative atmosphere. Being in the Town at Trilith always sparks my creative side.

The Beltline (Eastside): Biking through the Eastside Beltline in Atlanta is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s urban culture, with lots of street art, parks, and cool spots to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. The mix of green spaces and city life makes it perfect for an active and enjoyable day out.

In this season of my life, I spend a great deal of time at baseball fields, football fields, and gymnastic gyms supporting my children, so I don’t get out too often. But when I do, I’m always looking for places that offer a great mix of creativity, relaxation, and a good vibe. These spots do just that and ensure a memorable visit for anyone exploring the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my family. My husband and children have been my rock throughout this journey. Their unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement have been invaluable. My husband’s belief in my vision and his willingness to shoulder additional responsibilities at home have allowed me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. My children, with their enthusiasm and resilience, have been a constant source of inspiration.

Professionally, I owe a lot to my mentors and peers in the legal and business communities. In particular, Dayna Thomas at Dayna Thomas Law, whose Entrepreneurship Attorney Bootcamp gave me the additional knowledge I needed to navigate this legal space. Also, Brand Builders Group and Rory Vaden have helped me piece together my personal brand and all of my knowledge into a package that is clear and concise and helps me to stand out and be found by my audience.

A huge thank you goes to the organizations that have partnered with me and supported my initiatives. Clark Atlanta University and PNC’s National Center for Entrepreneurship have been incredible partners in the development and success of the “Sideline CEO” program. Their support has enabled me to reach and empower more parents and student-athletes than I could have on my own.

Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to the parents and student-athletes I work with. Their trust and collaboration have been the driving force behind my businesses. Each success story and positive feedback from them reaffirms my purpose and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachaunaedwards?igsh=MWlmMjRhNGZuczkxaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lachaunaedwards?si=pXKqdRBiNU78-3yF

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lachaunaedwards?_t=8n22zPZNgnC&_r=1

Image Credits
dihanahmphotography