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What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Traveling and photographing unique structures and buildings.
Did you grow up in Oregon? If not, what brought you to Oregon, and how long have you lived in Oregon?
No, I did not grow up in Oregon. When traveling as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, I got an assignment at Kaiser Permanente, Westside. I enjoyed the area and the feel of the community and moved here two years later as a permanent resident. I have been here since 2019.
Tell me more about your business.
CLATAK Consulting is a reputable consulting firm known for its expertise in providing solutions to effective communication in organizations. CLATAK Consulting serves a wide range of clients from different industries, helping them to achieve their business communication goals. We are a team of highly qualified and experienced consultants who use a unique and result-oriented approach bridging the communication gap to avoid the domino effects of poor communication. We offer unique solutions addressing: Team collaboration, team building, conflict resolution, executive coaching, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a mental debrief.
Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) Certified: COBID #13305
Office of Minority Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE) Certified: OMWBE #D3F0028215
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? When did you establish your business?
My business opened in Washington County February 2021. What inspired me is the need I saw for individuals and organizations to learn how to see and remove barriers to effective communication. As COVID 19 came in March of 2020, all the plans, ideas, and dreaming became a reality for me as an entrepreneur.
How did you finance your business? Do you have any advice for others who need business capital?
I used my savings and 401k to start this business.
What role does your business play in fulfilling your personal mission and vision?
Our Mission is 'to provide effective communication strategies using a ten-point plan and a five-point method, creating a synergistic environment that empowers individuals to thrive and grow.'
Our Vision is 'to be the catalyst to igniting and enhancing communication as bridge builders who empowers individuals and teams, facilitating conversation and training in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), building strong relationships that result in creating a community that all humanity can realize their full potential.'
What is your most inspirational moment or major accomplishment as a business owner?
My most inspirational moment was getting my first major client from the second largest transportation organization in the State of Oregon. I could say with certainty that we at CLATAK Consulting was 'winning' and here to stay.
Have you encountered any obstacles or barriers as an entrepreneur of color?
Yes, the main barrier has been getting non people of color in business to open the door of opportunity for CLATAK Consulting to work within Washington County. I am an overcomer, so I begin to market my business services outside of Washington County and was received. A special shout out to Multnomah and Lane Counties for helping my business not just survive but to thrive.
As you look over your entrepreneur journey, is there anything you would have changed? What are your next steps?
Yes, I would have built into my initial financial plan a better contingency plan. My next steps are to continue growing new business for CLATAK Consulting and stay active around the State of Oregon address issues that matter and affect black and brown people and their businesses.
Did you have a mentor? If so, what role did they play in your business success?
No formal mentor, but a lot of good hearted entrepreneur who answered some of the necessary questions I had as I begin to step out with this business venture.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
I would advise them to count the opportunity and financial costs beforehand. I would tell them to count the opportunity cost and toll of starting a business. Also, I would tell them to consider the changes this decision will make to the family dynamic. Additionally, I would tell them to assess the financial strain that goes along with it as they are waiting for their business to produce financial capital. Lastly, I would tell them to dream big, achieve all they are meant to in their new business and unleash the entrepreneur inside of them!
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