Today we’d like to introduce you to Teia Acker.
Teia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, its a story alright. Following the direction of my father (who was born in Dothan, Alabama and raised in West Palm Beach Florida) and his love for education- yet inability to obtain it, I decided to obtain a Masters Degree in Business Administration. What my father did not prepare me for was for a world of layoffs, rejection and fear of being overeducated and overqualified for the average position. After being laid off three months after he passed, I knew that my life as an employee would soon die as well.
Faced with the reality of being a recent divorcee, a single mother of two, and enough debt to cover the cost of a small island, I decided to step out on faith and open my own business. Entrepreneurship was something I admired but never had the faith to attempt. Now, on the brink of seven years, I am showing others how to take the LEAP (as Steve Harvey said) and go for it. Today, I have over 13 Liaisons in 12 States and one country internationally, a successful podcast #GETNOTICED!, and I would not trade the journey for anything else.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?|
Smooth!! Ha! (she laughs)… Absolutely not. It is hard to transition from guaranteed money to “I hope they like me and my business money.” Establishing a brand, setting pricing and hoping your business platform takes off requires faith, time and most importantly, patience.
There were many struggles. I sacrificed a lot to get to this point. I drove the same car when I had money to get another. I chose to forego designer bags and shoes (even though I could afford it) to purchase printers, ink, licenses, accountants and attorneys. I figured it would eventually pay off and it did. My decisions and sacrifices have opened many doors to include this platform. I am able to travel and do business because of the established platform.
Audiences such as the ones I have obtained in Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami are all due to attending events and conferences. Networking with the right people made the struggle of getting to the table worth it. I constantly remind myself, “its enough to make you cry but not enough to make you quit.”
Ebony & Ivory Professional Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Established in 2013, Ebony & Ivory Professional Services is dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. While there are many businesses that provide services similar to ours, EIPS’s vision is to establish an immeasurable difference from the competition by exemplifying quality service and customer satisfaction. We are a company that has gained valuable expertise throughout various industry segments.
Our experience enables delivery of business solutions that embrace all components of your organization. We connect entrepreneurs with the right people, processes, and services. By partnering with them, we leverage our knowledge to help you take your business to the next level. We are here to help entrepreneurs #GETNOTICED. We specialize in all things business, from the paperwork of conception- to the website construction and flyer creation and distribution. We are essentially the one-stop-shop for small businesses, entrepreneurship and the development of leaders.
As a company, we are most proud of serving over 4ooo clients with resume and cover letter service. We are proud of the serving over 200 clients and small businesses with custom step & repeat backdrops. We are proud to work with companies like Microsoft and Google Startup Grind. We have secured contracts with the Atlanta Junior Falcons and The Atlanta Phoenix Female Football Club. What sets us apart is our visibility. When we say “Let Us Help You GETNOTICED!”… that’s exactly what we do. We offer exposure that will propel businesses beyond their city and state.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined by achieving a goal. Whether large or small… it the attainment of a bar set. My criteria for success is not tangible. Many look successful but are not. You can not measure success but you can obtain it. Various people strive for various things. Am I not successful because I don’t drive a certain car or have a certain look? Am I not successful if I don’t make a million dollars in one year? The concept of success should abide in the person desiring it. The levels of success should only be measured by the person striving to achieve them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ebonyivoryps.com
- Phone: 404.965.8210
- Email: info@ebonyivoryps.com
- Instagram: @ebonyivoryps
- Facebook: @ebonyivoryps
- Twitter: @ebonyivoryps
Image Credit:
Photographer: Aubrey Bryant of Savannah Head Shots
MUA: Ryan Washington
Wardrobe: Express, Inc. & Aldo
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