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

Hi Lequvia, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?

My favorite quote is one that I wrote at the age of 16, “Success is the positive result of using your God-given talents to serve others.” The quote was inspired by the numerous shows I watched that always highlighted external examples of success that were sometimes negative instead of positive examples. It was in that moment, I decided to define success for myself. What I like about the quote is that since I was little girl, I always had a desire to help and a heart to give. I admired many philanthropists and humanitarians, well-known celebrities and lesser known, hidden gems. The quote serves as a reminder of my purpose in life to add value through my gifts, wherever my feet tread.

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?
As the owner of D.I.V.I.N.E. Blogger, LLC, my focus is on writing, editing, blogging, and social media (brand ambassador, admin, and influencer.) Although I had studied business since high school and college, graduating with an Associate’s in Business Administration and BS in Accounting, my story of entrepreneurship began in 2012 with my first freelance assignment. I was 26, working as a staff accountant and was asked by a church member to help create content for her nonprofit blog that was centered on educating students and the community. This assignment lasted until 2014 and by that time I had joined the Just Write! Support and Mastermind Group which helped me to define who I was as a writer and later as a business owner. It was also during this time, I started a writer’s blog for Just Write! that I continue to maintain today with monthly content as an extension of the Embassy International Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I helped a business owner and author with some social media ideas and she helped me see that there was a potential business for myself that could meet the needs of the Just Write! group and my local community. What sets me a part within my business is that I am able to connect with people in any environment who have also challenged and encouraged me. I am a messenger and scribe by nature who has a way with words where I can decipher what people need to express. The acronym for D.I.V.I.N.E. represents my ‘why’ which is to help “Develop Intellectual Visionaries’ Individual Needs Exceptionally.” What I am most proud of is that I have been able to provide insight and services to some amazing authors and entrepreneurs who are hidden gems in their respective fields who had a message but didn’t know how to convey those messages. I count it a blessing that people consider me an expert and advisor for their businesses. It’s been a joy meeting other creatives who have shared similar beginnings to how their projects developed. The constant edification and creative momentum is what keeps me going. This journey has not been easy as I have navigated career changes and breaks that almost caused me to abandon my gift of writing. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to not allow others’ criticism of what I should be doing to control me and to just let the creativity and inspiration from gifts flow organically.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, I am a fan of great music, food, and the arts so I would definitely suggest checking out the New Black Wallstreet Market in Stonecrest, GA that has a great selection of stores, gourmet shops, and fine dining. They also have a tea room and jazz club. Some other great eateries within Metro ATL include LowCountry Steak and New Southern Cuisine, Life Bistro (great vegan restaurant), and Huskey’s Kitchen (one of many great brunch places). For self-care, I recommend iwi Fresh Farm to Skin Spa and iwi Fresh Farm Oasis. For a fun night of karaoke and food, I highly suggest Metro Cafe Diner, a 24 hour karaoke spot/diner in downtown Atlanta, City Winery ATL for an intimate concert (great spot for neo-soul, R&B, jazz, and great comedy), Arabia Mountain or Stone Mountain for a great hike and nature walk, Serenbe for a peaceful retreat away from the city, and the High Museum of Art for amazing art collections.

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

I dedicate my shoutout to God. He is the reason I am still here and the inspiration behind my business. Writing became my therapy at 13 when my mother gave me my first diary. I couldn’t verbally express what I was dealing with from my environment so my diaries and journals became my way of opening up on paper and before God. This part of my story is why I’m an advocate for others telling their stories authentically and unapologetically. I wholeheartedly believe words are powerful and it is my prayer that my words and content continue to be used to help others convey their messages personally and professionally.
Furthermore, I would like to thank the following people:
Arthur Gass, Jr. and Crystal Wilder, two of my college friends from Darton College and Albany State University who supported me through a very difficult time and transition in college. I will always be thankful and grateful for their encouragement, love, and friendship through the years.
Delecia Butts, former coworker, friend, and prayer warrior who saw my gift in writing and encouraged me to not limit myself by seeking more writing opportunities. Thank you for holding me accountable professionally and spiritually.
Kimberly Thompson, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Just Write! Support and Mastermind Group who recognized that I was a writer and author who could meet a need in my community. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, insight, and ministry and being one of many accountability partners and business collaborators.
MiMi Q. Atkins, author and serial entrepreneur who I have been blessed to know as a friend, family, and fellow film buff who has given me sound wisdom and advice on business and writing through the years. Thank you for understanding my journey and being my business and creative consultant.
Finally, I would also like to thank the many people I encountered through the years from school, college, graduate school, career, and community who have shared their stories with me which inspired me to not only be a great listener and encourager but a storyteller. I thank you all for entrusting me with your stories and experiences.

Website: https://www.divinebloggerllc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinebloggerllc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lequvia-ousley-ma-ms-cmbp-6a48b833/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinebloggerllc

Other: Email : info@divinebloggerllc.com Blog: https://www.thewritemoment1.blogspot.com

Image Credits
Darika Harris-Chase, Media Productions Studio Lequvia Ousley Gretta Thomas, Stonecrest Chamber of Commerce Kimberly Thompson, Global EnterUption Literary Group, LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.