Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abena Souffrant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Abena, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

I remember the moment vividly when I transitioned my business into a business consulting firm in 2018. It was a decision fueled by my desire to help others, and while the journey had its ups and downs, I kept persevering because I knew I was meant to make a difference.

Then, in April 2022, I decided to participate in a govcon bootcamp with Coach Latasha Brooks. It was a decision that changed the trajectory of my business and my life forever. I officially started my govcon journey on June 1st, 2022, and within the first 45 days, I was awarded eight contracts. It was an incredible feeling of excitement, exhilaration, and fulfillment. But it was also scary, and I had to take a step back to assess what I had gotten myself into. From there I have been known as the Shopping Contract Queen.

With the guidance of my mentor, I was able to niche the services of my business, and that’s how the title of B2G Strategist was born. Since then, my journey has been filled with both success and challenges, but I continue to push through because I genuinely enjoy this space. It’s a feeling of fulfillment and purpose that I never thought was possible.

Looking back, I realize that the craziest thing that ever happened to me was getting those 8 contracts. It was a sudden and unexpected hit that took me by surprise, but it was also the most exhilarating and fulfilling experience of my life. Every day, I wake up excited to tackle new challenges and help other women and minority-owned businesses enter into the government contracting arena. Though this is not my first business or even my first successful business, there are valuable lessons that I’ve acquired along the journey. I’m grateful for the challenges and the triumphs because they have all led me to where I am today. To my fellow business owners, hang it there.

Abena, 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?

My name is Abby Souffrant and I’m excited to share my story with you. I’ve been a business owner for the past 12 years, but my journey to entrepreneurship didn’t start off that way. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I struggled to find a job in my field. Despite earning an MBA in the hopes of securing a job, I found myself burnt out and disinterested in the corporate world.

As a busy stay-at-home mom, I wanted to spend more time with my family and was grateful for any freebies that came our way. Through attending various dinners where business concepts were pitched, my husband and I were introduced to the ecommerce business model in 2011. We started our first business selling candles, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. We tried our hand at several other ventures, from inflatable bounce houses to co-working spaces, before stumbling upon government contracting during the pandemic.

As I took free classes to learn about government contracting, I became intrigued but hesitant to pursue it further. However, I found my mentor, Coach Brooks, online and was so impressed with her that I joined her Govcon bootcamp. From there, my business A&L Business Solutions was born. We specialize in helping small businesses offer their products and services to the government, solving the problem of understanding government rules, regulations, and language barriers.

Our hands-on approach to sourcing opportunities, writing proposals, and managing deadlines sets us apart from others in the industry. As someone who has been in my clients’ shoes, I understand the challenges and complexities of government contracting firsthand. I’m always staying up-to-date on changes in the industry and am proud to say that my clients’ success is my success.

What makes me different is that I’m boots on the ground – I’m out in the field, learning and playing alongside my clients. I’m always striving for everyone to win because when my clients succeed, I succeed. I’m most proud of the clients whom we’ve taken under our wings and helped win contract opportunities. It’s not just theory for me – it’s real, and I’m grateful to be able to witness the results in real-time.

So to potential clients, I want you to know that I’m committed to helping you succeed in government contracting. My team and I will do everything in our power to ensure that you have the tools, resources, and support you need to thrive. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my business.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For me, the biggest lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success comes from working alone. Growing up, I was always taught to be self-sufficient and to rely on myself for everything. However, as I got older and started pursuing my own goals, I quickly realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable.

It was only after I started collaborating with others and building a support network that I began to see real progress in my work. Not only did I learn from others’ experiences and perspectives, but I also found that having a team to rely on made me more productive and accountable.

In retrospect, I realized that my earlier belief in self-sufficiency was holding me back from achieving my goals. By trying to do everything on my own, I was limiting my own potential and missing out on the benefits of collaboration.

The backstory behind this lesson is that I grew up in a value system of individualism and independence above all else. As a result, I was conditioned to believe that asking for help was a sign of weakness and that success came from being a lone wolf. However, I eventually realized that this mindset was limiting me and that success is often a team effort.

Overall, unlearning this lesson has been a transformative experience for me. By embracing collaboration and building a support network, I’ve been able to achieve more than I ever could have on my own. So for anyone struggling with a similar mindset, I encourage you to be open to collaboration and to seek out others who can help you achieve your goals. Always do your due diligence to see the fruit of someone’s labor before collaboration. Research is inevitable.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me, the best way to gain new clients has been through good old-fashioned word of mouth. It’s amazing how powerful it can be, especially in a world where social media and advertising are everywhere. Knowing that the majority of my clients come to me because someone recommended my services makes me feel so grateful and fulfilled. I take pride in providing excellent service and it’s rewarding to see that my clients appreciate it enough to recommend me to others. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in and I feel fortunate to have such amazing clients who trust and believe in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abbysouffrant.com
• Instagram: @abbyncontracts
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrsabby
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/abbysouffrant
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@abbysouffrant