Carter’s Business Consulting

By Terry L. Watson

Residing within less than 300 miles of the coast of Virginia, identifying LaWanda Carter as a “beach bum” is a safe and close assessment. She also loves to travel the world at least once a month, whether by bus, train, or plane. She is a wife to her husband of twenty years and a mother of two sons, with one deceased who she calls an angel. Professionally, Lawanda is the face and owner of Carter’s Business Consulting, LLC.

LaWanda describes Carter’s Business Consulting as a DIY funding roadmap. Her products are fully customized for each business, breaking down her client’s personal and business credit and showing them exactly which lenders to apply for and in which order. She also offers an online group coaching program, a video-based interactive program that involves assignments checked by herself or her team. This program covers her client’s vision for their business, narrowing down their niche in real estate, personal credit building techniques, business credit building techniques, and information on getting funded. They also have weekly Zoom calls for additional assistance.

Next is a 1-1 Coaching program, where LaWanda works directly with clients to help them start, scale, and grow their business. These plans are customized to their business’s needs and include assistance with securing funding.

LaWanda graduated with honors from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in finance. She began consulting businesses in 2020, right in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. She says, “I was a licensed real estate broker, and the pandemic caused my business to decline tremendously. I mainly worked with first-time home buyers, and people were not purchasing or selling properties; however, real estate investors were. The problem I saw from some new investors was that they needed more capital to start. I began to study and meet with lenders to determine the requirements for funding approvals. Next, I created spreadsheets with the data I collected from various lenders and banks. I also researched and learned more about personal and business credit to see what it looked like to have excellent credit profiles. I used myself and my husband to test what I learned, and together, we were approved for $270K in funding on our first try. That experience was a game changer for real estate investors and business owners because I could help them get the money they needed to keep their businesses open during a pandemic.”

Losing her son was a very challenging part of LaWanda’s journey. Through that experience, she has understood a greater purpose for her life. “My first-born son passed away six years ago from an autoimmune disease. He was only 23 years old. As I watched him suffer from his illness, I knew that no amount of money could fix him. I realized that you can have all the money in the world, but it’s pointless if you are not enjoying your loved ones and yourself. I had been working night and day since he was a baby, trying to provide for my children’s every need and want. But what he needed the most, I was unable to provide. I left my job as a longshoreman for 20 years and started focusing on what I loved to do most; real estate. Now I have time to enjoy my life and not be worried about money and providing for my needs and wants. I now focus on making memories,” she said.

LaWanda shares that she loves assisting others with making their dreams come true. “We have watched families living paycheck to paycheck gain more financial freedom. I help people start doing what they love and turn it into a real estate business. It gives me peace knowing that I am walking towards my purpose.”

Her advice to other aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs is straightforward. She says, “Before you take any leaps, ensure you have done all your research. Always remember that who you keep in your company matters. The conversations that you have matter as well.” h

LaWanda plans to begin hosting workshops, training, and conferences with other great likeminded individuals. With her determination and proven ability to deliver results, that will surely happen. To learn more about LaWanda and her company, Carters Business Consulting, LLC, please visit their website.

By KALA SLADE

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Kala Slade is the super stylish owner of Unikornish, the brand that celebrates one’s individuality. The Greensboro, NC, native has been a serial entrepreneur and hairstylist for 24 years and counting. She’s tried her hand at all types of businesses that intrigued her. For the most part, if she wants to do it, it’s done.

So how did Unikorn-ish come into the picture? Well, Kala has dealt with depression and anxiety, and to help, she joined a group called ‘I Rock My Curves,’ a modeling agency for plus-sized models. At first, it was a hobby to get her mind off the things she was dealing with, but as she grew within the agency, it became so much more.

Entering the industry at 42, Kala did not fit the usual profile, but she used that to her advantage. “I wanted to do something that would encourage others to accept their differences, walk in it, and be comfortable with who they are.” That was when she gained the nickname ‘Unicorn Chick.’ When she started modeling, Kala constantly changed her hair, keeping it original.

Overall, this boost in self-confidence and the inspiration from the ladies in the agency motivated her to open Unikorn-ish, which was officially established in August 2020. Unikorn-ish offers many brightly colored, unique items, from t-shirts, hats, and lip gloss to duffle and messenger bags. She also sells limited edition items from time to time.

Kala’s primary goal is to give back to her community. To do so, she has partnered with the local nonprofit Peace of Hope, founded by her best friend. The organization provides various services for those struggling with mental health and illness. With each purchase made on Unikorn-ish, 10% goes to Peace of Hope. “I love being able to work with someone so close to me, and at the same time, I am able to help strengthen their business as well,” Kala says. Kala believes, “It’s our differences that make us,” and loves that through Unikornish, she can encourage and help others.

Finding a group of people who love unicorns just as much as she does is icing on the cake. Kala’s work through Unikorn-ish has kept her and others pushing through major and everyday issues. She notes that the business has a sense of hold on her and says, “when I want to give up, it won’t let me go.”

Kala also says she feels accomplished seeing the joy on customers’ faces, and witnessing the impact it has on their lives. “A lot of times, God does things, and you think He’s giving it to you for other people. In reality, He’s giving it to you too. I thank God daily for His grace and mercy and for putting me in a position where my testimony helps others.”

As her business grew, there were a few challenges. One was learning her target audience and ensuring she reached them. Plus becoming more tech-savvy in a now heavily virtual world. Although Kala has come out of her shell more, there were times when she second-guessed her purpose. But just like the original unicorn she is, Kala flew past the problems. She stretched outside her comfort zone through prayer and skill-building and broadened her horizons. She took classes that would help her invest in her business and herself as a person.

Through her journey, Kala found her ‘why.’ She says, “If I can remember that there’s somebody else out there feeling and thinking how I’m feeling today. If I can say something or do something that can give them hope for one more day, that’s my ‘why’. I want to make sure no one feels alone in this.” www.unikornish.com h

As for the future, Kala’s primary focus is the growth of Unikorn-ish. “It’s bigger than just me; I just want people to embrace themselves and be ok with that.” She is also working to create a platform where anyone can join her, talk about what’s going on in their lives, and create opportunities to pour into your girls.