We recently connected with Lavonda Bowman and have shared our conversation below.

LaVonda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The process of launching a business typically starts as a spark of inspiration or a problem that you feel compelled to solve. For me, it began as I was learning more about entrepreneurship to grow my credit repair and tax firm; I became more aware of the gaps in the market where people needed more tailored guidance in their careers and small business ventures, particularly in underserved communities. But having an idea is one thing—execution is a completely different beast.

In March of 2021, I decided to rebrand my then 10-year-old tax and credit repair firm to a Career Development and Small Business Consulting Firm after being approved for and receiving our first business funding. I remember the moment when I decided I wanted to help like-minded entrepreneurs build their careers and businesses. I was talking to a friend who had so much potential but lacked the direction and confidence to start her own business. That conversation lit a fire in me to not only help her but to create something that could benefit others in a similar situation and SEE IT THROUGH!

I started sketching out what the business might look like: Who would I serve? What services would I offer? What unique value could I provide? These initial thoughts quickly turned into research. I spent days reading up on market trends, examining what other consulting firms were doing, and figuring out how to carve out my niche. I also had to identify my target audience: people like my friend, who had the drive but needed structure and support to get their ideas off the ground.

Next came the planning phase. I spent hours creating a rough business plan, which included everything from service offerings to pricing structures to marketing strategies. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave me something to build on. I also began looking into the logistics—how would I register my business? What licenses or certifications would I need, if any? I had to figure out the legal structure (sole proprietorship versus LLC) and tackle the financial side, like budgeting, accounting systems, and available funding resources.

Once I had a rough plan, the next month was about research and setting up. I reached out to mentors and fellow entrepreneurs to get advice. I attended workshops on business startups, particularly focusing on consulting and professional services. I investigated funding options, including bootstrapping versus seeking investors or loans. For my business, I started using my own savings, and minimizing, however I had received additional grants as well as other resources such as free and discounted business software and other business available tools.

I also registered the business, which felt like a major milestone. I remember the day I received my official business certificate—it made everything feel so accomplished. That same day, I set up a business bank account, and a week later, I had my website up and running. I kept everything simple at first, knowing I could scale as I grew.

In the first few months, I focused heavily on networking. This was crucial because, in consulting, word-of-mouth and relationships are everything. I attended local community events, reached out to small business owners, and began building partnerships. I even hosted small free workshops to get my name out there. These events not only built my reputation but also allowed me to test out my business model in real time.

Of course, there were challenges. The first two years were a whirlwind of learning. I had to figure out how to balance administrative tasks with client work. Marketing was another hurdle—getting people to know my brand and trust me as an expert took time. But I kept adjusting, tweaking my services and my approach as I received feedback from clients.

The first time I successfully helped a client—seeing their business thrive through streamlined strategies, processes and the funding I was able to provide the business —was one of the most rewarding moments. It validated all the hard work I had put in. As I helped more clients, I began expanding my services and even brought in a small team of like-minded individuals to help manage the workload.

And that’s how it all started: one idea, followed by research, planning, execution, and follow through—step by step, day by day and my business is now a SBA Certified 8(a) Trusted Business which provides set-aside business funding and contracts bringing in more revenue and a larger client-base.

LaVonda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a serial entrepreneur, I have always been passionate about finding and creating opportunities that empower others to succeed. My journey into business began with experience and understanding of the challenges individuals and small businesses face in navigating their careers and industries, which led me to establish a business consulting firm. Through this firm, I provide career and small business development services, offering tailored strategies to help individuals and organizations grow, scale, and thrive in competitive markets.

In addition to my consulting firm, I am a proud partner in a successful trucking and broker/dispatch company. This venture has allowed me to expand my expertise into logistics, an industry that’s critical for keeping businesses running and goods moving across the country. Our company specializes in reliable, efficient transportation solutions, connecting clients with the best routes and brokers to optimize their supply chains.

My passion for giving back to the community is reflected in my non-profit organization, which focuses on supporting and uplifting youth. Through this initiative, we work with our sponsors to provide mentorship, career development, and personal growth opportunities for young people, especially those who are underserved. I believe that empowering the next generation is key to building a better future.

What sets my businesses apart is the personalized approach I take with every client, be it an individual looking to launch a business, a company needing to streamline operations, or a young person seeking direction. I am deeply invested in their success and work closely with them to create customized, actionable plans that deliver results. My approach is rooted in real-world experience, having successfully navigated the challenges of multiple industries myself.

What I am most proud of is the impact I’ve made across these different ventures, from helping entrepreneurs take the leap to start their businesses to mentoring youth and creating job opportunities in the trucking and logistics space. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that with me, it’s not just about offering services—it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and achieving meaningful success.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When it comes to business funding, I am very intentional about exploring every avenue that won’t saddle my clients, or myself with long-term debt obligations, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship. I’ve always believed in finding creative ways to secure capital without relying solely on loans. This mindset led me to focus on winning business grants and securing contracts with local cities, counties, and school districts.

The process hasn’t been easy, but persistence does pay off. I dedicate a lot of time to research and grant writing, ensuring all business proposals align with the needs of the firm. One of my proudest achievements was successfully winning several grants that provided not just capital but credibility for my business. These funds allowed me to cover key startup expenses without the financial strain of debt, giving me the flexibility to grow at my own pace. Additionally, securing contracts with municipalities and school districts provides a steady income stream, further strengthening the financial foundation of my businesses.

Through these experiences, I’ve become a strong advocate for pushing start-ups to pursue grants and contracts over traditional loans. Grants are often underutilized, and they come with far fewer risks than taking on long-term debt. This approach helps lower credit risks, allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than worrying about loan repayments. I also serve as a Funding Placement Agent, helping businesses navigate these opportunities and secure funding that aligns with their financial health and growth plans.

For those businesses that do require external funding, I assist in finding the right sources, but I always encourage exploring non-debt options first. Additionally, as an SBA 8a Certified Business-Owner, I’ve been able to access additional resources and opportunities reserved for minority-owned businesses, which has been invaluable in scaling my ventures.

I’m a big believer in taking smart, strategic steps in financing, and I always advocate for reducing financial risk wherever possible, especially for start-ups.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey from a side hustle to a full-time career is one of resilience and perseverance. It all began back in 2011 when I started preparing taxes on the side. At the time, I was working a full-time job, but I saw an opportunity to help people navigate the complex world of tax preparation, especially for those who couldn’t afford expensive services or didn’t understand the intricacies of the tax system. What started as a way to make extra income during tax season gradually turned into something much bigger.

In those early days, it was just me, my laptop, and my determination. I worked out of my home, balancing my day job with nights and weekends dedicated to tax preparation. As word spread about my services, the business began to grow. But with that growth came challenges.

One of the biggest milestones—and hardest lessons—was when I took a leap of faith and leased my first office space. I wasn’t fully prepared for the financial commitment, and I struggled to make ends meet. Eventually, I couldn’t afford the rent and was evicted from that space. It was a humbling experience, but instead of letting it defeat me, I took it as a learning opportunity. I didn’t give up. I worked even harder, saving every penny, and today, I’m proud to say that I own my own suite, a space that represents the growth and perseverance of my business.

Along the way, there were also money issues, difficult clients, and moments where I felt used or taken for granted. But I always remained professional, choosing to act with humility and keep my intentions focused on helping others. In the end, those values paid off. Every time I faced hardship, I found that my persistence and positive attitude brought me even greater success. My struggles were often rewarded with “double for my trouble,” as my efforts and humility opened up new doors of opportunity and growth.

That side hustle I started in 2011 has scaled into something much larger than I could have imagined. Today, my business goes beyond tax preparation to encompass consulting, mentoring, and even work in industries like trucking and youth development. Looking back, I’m grateful for every challenge because they shaped the business and person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: royaltybowent.com, lsjlogistics.net, godmomcares.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Royalty-Bow-Enterprise-LLC/100086586892740/?_rdr, https://www.facebook.com/people/The-LSJ-Logistics-Corporation/100089209178940/?locale=hi_IN, https://www.facebook.com/p/A-GOD-Moms-Hand-61554191170523/?locale=nl_NL