Meet Shontia Marshall | Lioness Logistics Owner

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

Hi Shontia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Lioness Logistics was actually an idea initiated by my husband. We have both always wanted to build a business that was lucrative and that could also benefit our family for generations. In 2018 we were both working for corporations when we begun discussing the plan to get into the transportation industry. We did our research, educated ourselves, began networking with those who had years of experience in the industry, and ultimately made the decision to move forward with starting our own business. My husband decided to get his CDLs, because we didn’t want to just buy a truck and hire a driver with no hands on experience. While he was doing so, I learned the Freight Brokering side of things. The logic behind starting a Freight Brokerage, prior to investing in trucks, was to build relationships directly with shippers. This benefited us tremendously once we purchased our own trucks. The direct relationships we have with manufacturers are priceless. We cut out a lot of middle men by getting a large percentage of our loads directly from shippers which means more money in our pocket! Your bottom line is what counts.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m extremely proud that my husband and I stepped out on faith and started Lioness Logistics. It was not easy and it was scary. I’m from a little country town in Alabama where I was taught that going to college, working a good job, and retiring was the the only way to be successful. My parents grew up during a different time where minority entrepreneurs were almost unheard of. Definitely no fault of theirs. They taught me what they knew and I thank them. I don’t regret my journey which molded me and prepared me for today. The irony is, my IT knowledge and Computer Information Systems degree help me everyday to build out processes, automate, and work more efficiently in my own business. Working in IT prepared me for this male dominated industry which is now changing as more women are breaking into logistics! Its exciting to witness more women take part in transportation whether starting in freight brokering, dispatching, or becoming drivers.

Over the years I’ve learned that you cannot do it all by yourself. You have to ask for help and learn from others. You also have to constantly educate yourself and evolve. Because of what I’ve learned through experience, trial, and error I’ve become passionate about providing resources and trainings to those starting out. We will be launching our Full “Course” Menu™ which outlines a list of courses which we constructed based on feedback from our supporters that will help others along their journey.

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 Atlanta, we would definitely start off the morning with a good brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s. Atlanta has the best brunch spots! After brunch, we will visit Chateau Elan in Braselton for a nice Wine Tour. Everyone who comes to Atlanta want to visit the Trap Museum, so we would definitely have to go there as well! We can’t forget shopping! You cannot come to Atlanta and not shop. My friends and I have a great time just being around each other. Non stop laughing and talking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The transportation industry can be very demanding at times and with kids you definitely have to find a work life balance all while building your empire. The support and help that my family and husband provide is absolutely amazing. Without my support system, I would not be where I am today. My husband has pushed me so hard to believe in myself and put faith over fear. Also, my business partner is constantly challenging me to be a better version of myself. We are each other’s accountability partner. It’s always beneficial and better to have someone to discuss ideas with, vent to, and get business advice from. In this industry, you will definitely need that. You have your great days and days where you’re frustrated and feel defeated.

Website: www.lionessforbusiness.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lionesslogistics

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lionessforbusiness

Image Credits
Capture The Gift Photography