Meet Lenaka Bounds | Author, Editor, Proofreading Expert

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

Hi Lenaka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were several factors that influenced my thought process. The first one being, my deep love for written words, and the craft of writing in general. Secondly, I felt there has always been a strong need for great writing. Top-notch professional writing, whether it be for books or the corporate industry etc, is a great skill to have. Not everyone is good at writing, and it’s a skill that I have always been good at, and loved since I was a young girl. Thirdly, becoming my own boss and being able to run my business my way, not holding back on my creativity, was also part of my process. Being financially independent has always been a goal of mine. The possibilities to learn and grow are endless.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Early in my career, I worked as a receptionist for a growing video production company for a few years. This was my first time working in a busy corporate setting, where I learned how to operate a busy multi-line phone system, handle all incoming and outgoing mail, greet customers, and perform various administrative duties, sometimes at the same time. Talk about an interesting and intimidating experience! But, I picked up on things quickly and learned many new skills from coworkers and the management staff. Providing excellent customer service, became one of my strongest professional attributes.

My customer service career continued a years later, as I moved on to work for yet another busy company.. The retail book and magazine industry was also new to me. I learned many new things about the corporate and retail world that still influences me today.

After four years of employment, the company I worked for, that had been in business for over 90 years, closed their doors permanently. This was a super tough time during my employment history, because the country was also dealing with a recession. But, I was still optimistic about my career and future, because I had recently earned my college degree.

I worked a full time job during the day as a new Mom, while attending night classes. Earning my degree was an ultimate goal of mine. I majored in Business Administration Management.

Good things continued to happen for me, career wise, as I accepted employment straight out of college with a company that I had always wanted to work for. Working in the federal corporate industry, greatly influenced and shaped my career and the opportunities I have had over the years. My professional skills are a mixture of: customer service, supervision, management, human resources, and executive level administration. A combined 19 plus years of business experience.

I got where I am professionally through hard work, ambition, and the deep understanding that sometimes you must follow before you lead. I learned many great business practices from top management, military, and administrative professionals that I will never take for granted. It is a special thing, when a mentor takes you under their wing to really teach you something. Not necessarily to scare you to death, but to prepare you to stand on your own two feet when they decide to step down.

But, it was not easy. I faced many challenges and uphill battles throughly my professional career. I had to learn over time. I had to mature into the professional I am today. But, I want to be clear when I say this. I did not do it by myself. There will always be someone who is more experienced than you. I say, swallow your pride. Wipe the chips off your shoulders, and learn from them. Then, when you are ready, put your own spin and mark on the things you are passionate about.

One of the toughest and most import lessons I have learned is that change is constant. My former manager used to say this often. I understood what he meant as my career progressed. Another tough and life-changing lesson that I learned, is to never settle for less than I deserve. I believe I deserve the best! I expect the best at this point in my life!

I want the world to know that I love hard! I’m a true Cancerian to my heart and soul. I love helping others. I love inspiring, motivating, and teaching others. Most of all, I love writing about life. The good. The bad. The ugly. I love expressing through words and through motivational speaking, that you can do anything you set your mind to. My story and my journey is not over yet!

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?
If my best friend came to visit the area for a week, I would definitely take her to a beautiful nature trail near the lake. Why? The outdoors is calming and relaxing, and who wouldn’t want to take a nice stroll next to a pretty lake?

I would definitely have to make a homemade meal, something we both really like. I’m thinking a homemade burger, loaded will all the good stuff would be perfect! I would also try out a new restaurant or two. I’m thinking barbecue or Mexican. Cocktails, or a nice bottle of red wine, catch a good movie, some shopping at the mall, and a selfcare trip to the spa and nail salon to relax and unwind. I love music, we both do. A nice jazz spot to chill and vibe out, have fun girl time, and just laugh. Friendships are special. Overall, the week would be filled with lots of selfcare, good food, and fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my Mom, Jessie Bounds who passed away in 2015. She had a huge influence on me. She inspired me in ways that I do not think she knew about. She was hardworking, a great cook, and she taught me how to cook good southern homemade food. I will never forget learning how to clean and prepare, and cook homemade pinto beans, seasoned just right. She was tough in her own way, because she had to be. If my Mom preserved through all her challenges, I know I can too.

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