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

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about your parent’s parenting philosophy and the role it played in your development.
I was born the eighth child of a loveless married couple. By the time I entered the world, my father had already left my mother emotionally, and although my mother was a kind, loving, and gentle soul, she suffered from severe depression. Before I was born, my father fell in love with another woman, and they conceived a child just one year prior to my birth. While growing up, I never knew why my father was so angry and distant. As I grew older, I learned, amongst other things, that his anger probably stemmed from not being able to be with his other family. Everything that I am is as a result of my childhood. Because my father did not believe in giving his children “things” or assisting with life’s goals, I learned that I was expected to work extra hard to get what I needed and wanted. Because of him and his parenting style, I have always faced every challenge head-on and conquered every obstacle. I was angry at my parents for a long time because of my rough childhood, but as an adult, I realized that their behaviors stemmed from generational pain. Now, as I look at my accomplishments and that of my brothers and sisters, I feel blessed. I no longer feel angry about what I endured. Our childhood taught us survival skills, and, in the end, those skills allowed us to thrive. I am so excited about my next short film, “RIP RAP ROAD.” The film is about one of the most pivotal events of my childhood. It will premiere in the fall of 2021!

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?
Rabran Enterprises, LLC, is a multifaceted company that consists of three main divisions: film production, books, and licensure consulting. My company is set apart because it is built upon empowering women to take their lives back and to fulfill their dreams, despite their circumstances. My book, “HEY RACHEL! REAL TALK. REAL RELATIONSHIPS. REAL ADVICE.” (amazon.com)stems from giving advice to the lovelorn via my relationship blog, HEYRACHEL.ORG. At a certain point, I realized that I continued to receive the same questions on my blog “How do I make him want me? What can I do to make him happy? Why won’t he marry me? Why won’t he take this relationship seriously?” And they were also questions that I asked myself throughout most of my tumultuous relationships. One day, after being mistreated, yet again, I decided to take my relationship life back  and also to write a book that would help other women ditch the dog lovin’ syndrome!! I am happy to say that after diligently practicing what I preached, that I am no longer a dog lovin’ sista! My short film, “RAGGITY ANNS” (raggityanns.com), stems from being told that I had a great writing voice, which led me to pursue screenwriting. My book was a huge influence as the plot is based on relationship drama. My script received coverage from Paramount Studios, and the coverage suggested that I change the focus of my plot. As hard as I tried, I was unable to let go of my vision of the project. With help from some awesome folks, and through trial and error, we made the film happen! I am proudest of receiving twelve film festival selections, one honorable mention, nomination for Best Women Short, and the Audience Award at the Arizona Soul West Fest. Nine months ago, I left my 9 to 5 to pursue consulting in order to be able to focus more on filmmaking and writing. After 10 years of planning and 20 years of experience in the field, I opened CHILD CARING CONSULTANTS, INC (childcaringconsultants.com). It is a one-stop-shop for anyone who is seeking to get licensed to open a Child Care Facility (Foster Care Agency, Adoption Agency, Group Home, Maternity Home, etc.) or maintain substantial compliance with Licensing and other state child welfare agencies. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart, and the plan was to jump right back into the game after raising my son. Planning is the Key!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Everyone knows that I LOVE ATLANTA, and when folks come to visit, the sky is the limit. If the weather is great, the party starts at my house on “Club Patio” (my famous backyard patio). There, we eat, drink, reminisce and soak in the Atlanta Sun or bask in an amazing warm night. We would visit such quaint areas as Virginia Highlands and Inman Park, shop in Buckhead, catch a movie at Atlantic Station, let the kids run in the water at Olympic park, and check out a few museums. Stone Mountain and Lake Lanier are also favorite hangouts. We would then go to Paschal’s and the Beautiful for soul food, Ray’s on the River for brunch, Two Urban Licks for great food, drinks, and entertainment, and the list goes on and on. I have lived in many cities, but Atlanta feels like, tastes like, and will always remain my home! What do I like least about our city? Absolutely nothing!   

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout to my family and friends! I love you guys for always being honest with me, encouraging me, and supporting all of my crazy ideas. To the best assistant in the world, Cheryl Neal-Jennings, you are my toughest critic and biggest cheerleader. I could not do what I do without you! Love all of you!

Website: Raggityanns.com, HeyRachel.org, Childcaringconsultants.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggityanns/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HEYRACHELorg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.neal.393
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgd4unoffZFXOp7LomOf3A
Other: LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/dp-nws-rachel-neal-0728-story.html / Atlanta Journal – Constitution: https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/douglasville-author-short-film-starts-get-attention-festivals/PPsht42lzf8ORmwyNj9N3N/

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