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

Hi Waneka, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I worked for a nonprofit organization specializing in Career Explorations for those who were nonviolent ex-offenders. While there, I assisted them with education and job training which included helping to complete resumes and cover letters. Even though these individuals were considered underserved and underprivileged, they were still able to obtain employment using the resume and cover letter created. Soon after, I started completing resumes and cover letters for friends and family members which yielded employment for them as well. I came to the realization that I can reach people way beyond my circle and help them to make a career change as I’ve done with many others.

What should our readers know about your business?
Because I have been creating resumes and cover letters for 11 years while being employed for other organizations, transitioning into a business of my own was not difficult. I had already established a network of employers and partners who could help propel my business forward. The difficult part was trying to run a business while being a mother and finding a balance between the two. While doing this, I learned that communication is the key to keep your business going. You have to continue to promote your business even if no one is listening. You have to continue to promote even if you’re not getting enough “likes” on social media. You have to continue to promote even if your clientele hadn’t increased the way you perceived. I had to establish a level of trust in my clients to reassure them that while results are not always guaranteed, their satisfaction is. What I’m proud of the most about my business is the reach I was able to obtain. Being able to have clients outside of the United States was a huge accomplishment and proof that I’m doing something right. I want the world to know that it is possible to run a business and raise a child and make them both successful.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Because Birmingham has such a rich history, I would take my best friend on a tour downtown and visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute along with Kelly Ingram Park and 16th Street Baptist Church. We would then grab a bite to eat at a black-owned restaurant called Yo Mama’s to have some of their famous chicken and waffles. In the evening, we will have a drink at a bar inspired by a hotel located in Port of Spain, Trinidad called Queens Park and grab a late-night snack from Granny’s Fish and Grits, a food truck that has been featured on the Food Network. Before she leaves, we will visit Vulcan Park to see the largest cast-iron statue in the world and the symbol of Birmingham, AL as some would call it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shoutout to my fiance. Once I decided to start my business, he purchased all of the equipment needed to move forward. Because he is well known in the city of Birmingham, he has networked with local businesses and colleges to spread the word about iBuild Careers and to increase clientele. He has continued to support my dream and I can’t thank him enough.

Website: www.buildcareers.org
Instagram: @ibuildcareers
Linkedin: Waneka Johnson
Facebook: iBuild Career