We were lucky to catch up with Rolanda Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rolanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Picture this: it’s early in the morning, and I’m already two cups of coffee in as I juggle the many responsibilities that come with owning not one, but two small businesses. The first is a business strategy and leadership development company, and the second specializes in creating custom gifts and decor. Both businesses are relatively new, having launched within the last two years, which means my days are filled with wearing multiple hats and tackling a diverse set of challenges.
On this particular day, I found myself buried under a mountain of tasks. I was backed up on orders for the gift and decor business, darting in and out of meetings for the strategy company, and squeezing in time to create content calendars and record promotional videos. Amidst all this, I was also trying to carve out moments to strategize for the future while being present for my family.

As I rushed from one task to the next, a thought crossed my mind: “Why am I doing this to myself?” The allure of a regular 9-to-5 job seemed almost tempting. In that world, I imagined myself completing tasks during the day, clocking out, and leaving work behind until the next morning. The idea of having evenings and weekends entirely to myself was undeniably appealing. (as a business owner just getting started there is no such thing as a day off or weekend)

But then, as quickly as the thought came, I realized something crucial: despite the chaos, I love what I do. The excitement, the flexibility, and the challenge of being a business owner are deeply fulfilling to me. There’s a unique thrill in building something from the ground up, in innovating and taking risks that a standard job just can’t provide. It’s in my blood, and even though it can be overwhelming, the satisfaction I derive from my work is priceless.

Reflecting on that moment, I understand that while the idea of a regular job might occasionally seem appealing, it wouldn’t truly satisfy me. The freedom to shape my own path, to create and adapt, is where I find joy and purpose. So yes, I am happier as a business owner, even if it means embracing a bit of chaos along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey with you. I am a Native American and Black woman from a small reservation in North Dakota. At the age of 17, I made the life-changing decision to join the Army. This decision opened up a world of opportunities, allowing me to travel globally and enjoy an incredible 20-year career. I began as a Military Police officer, but my love for guiding and supporting others led me to shift my focus to becoming a Career Counselor, a role I cherished for the last 14 years of my service.

As retirement approached, the pandemic presented a unique opportunity for me to explore new hobbies. I’ve always been creative, and getting a Cricut was the catalyst for my next adventure. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a business, thanks to the encouragement of my friends and family. I moved from crafting with a Cricut to operating a full workshop equipped with various tools, printers, and a cherished laser.

When it was time to retire, I attended an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, which sharpened my business acumen and connected me with two amazing partners. Together, we launched a business strategy and leadership development company. My background in human services, paired with a master’s degree in business administration, and my leadership experience, made this new venture an exciting and fitting transition.

With my custom gifts and decor business, I create everything from plaques and awards to jewelry and unique items you won’t find in stores. I delight in crafting pieces that bring joy to my clients. In our strategy and leadership development company, we are passionate about transforming organizations through tailored strategies and fostering employee engagement.

What sets us apart is our unwavering passion, innovation, and drive, fueled by faith and purpose. I am incredibly proud of the meaningful relationships we build with our clients and the impact we have on their growth and success. I hope to continue bringing creativity and inspiration to those we serve, making a difference in both individual and organizational journeys.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to unlearn, and I’m still working on it, is the quest for perfection. It’s a natural inclination of mine to aim for flawless outcomes, but I’ve come to realize that this mindset doesn’t always mesh well with the realities of business or life.

The backstory to this lesson is rooted in my experience with my custom gifts and decor business. During particularly busy times, my desire for perfection would intensify. I would find myself scrutinizing every detail of an order, often to the point of wanting to start over entirely. This approach was not only unsustainable but also counterproductive.

I had to learn to let go of perfectionism and trust in the quality of what I was creating. I began to remind myself that if a customer wasn’t satisfied, I could address it and make necessary adjustments. To my surprise, in the past two years, I’ve only encountered three instances where customers were unhappy with their orders, and each situation was a simple fix and a chance for growth.

This experience taught me that striving for excellence is important, but embracing imperfection can lead to learning and improvement. It’s a sweet reminder that progress often comes through the willingness to move forward, even when things aren’t perfect.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This part of my story is one I’ve seldom shared, but it’s a testament to resilience and love. I have three wonderful children, and at the time, my niece and nephew had been living with us for five years because my sister was in prison. My ex-husband and I had been together for seven years, and we were both nearing retirement from the Army when life took an unexpected turn. He chose to join a religious organization that I couldn’t align with, despite my effort to try for months. Eventually, we parted ways, and he filed for divorce.

Suddenly, I found myself facing retirement as a single mom of five, trying to reimagine a future that looked drastically different from what I had planned. Shortly after our separation, my mom and another nephew moved in, followed by two more nephews as I was retiring and launching two businesses. Overnight, I became a single mother of eight, responsible for ten lives, including my own.

Three years into this journey, one of my nephews has moved back to Colorado, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My home is brimming with love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep life exciting. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving and embracing the beautiful messiness of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.purposefueledleader.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandaalita_/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rolanda.mack
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolanda-hunter-84b987111/
• Other: https://www.rolandasdesigns.com/https://www.facebook.com/rolandasdesignshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/purposefueledleader