We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angelik Holloway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelik, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

After my first year of business, I decided it was time to invest in marketing. I mean, how hard could it be? I had been a business owner before—running a tutoring service, hair braiding empire, and even a lemonade stand. But owning a law firm was a whole new ball game.
Over the course of my second and third years, I went on a hiring spree, bringing in so-called “marketing gurus” who promised to skyrocket my firm to fame. Spoiler alert—they didn’t. In fact, they left me $80k poorer and with a few more gray hairs.
One website/SEO “professional” subcontracted the work to a third party. I think even my lemonade stand website was better optimized. Then there was the Google Ads company that decided to run ads for the wrong practice area. They even advertised free consultations that my office didn’t provide, which did wonders for my exposure—exposure to false advertising claims, that is. Talk about destroying good will with prospective clients!
Here are a few lessons I learned from these marketing misadventures:
Do Your Homework: Vet your marketing experts like you’re cross-examining a hostile witness. If they can’t provide solid references or case studies, run.
No Time-Specific Contracts: Oh, the joy of being locked into a 12-month contract with a company that’s sinking your ship. Just say no.
Understand Your Needs: Not every marketing strategy fits all businesses. Figure out what works best for your firm instead of jumping on the latest bandwagon.
To my fellow small business owners, take my tale as a cautionary one. Investing in marketing is crucial, but throwing money at unqualified professionals is like tossing it into a bottomless pit.
Marketing may be a jungle, but with the right machete (read: research and due diligence), you can find your way through without getting too many scratches.

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.

Welcome to Edmonds Law Office, where our mission is to empower small service-based businesses in Georgia to thrive and excel. Allow us to introduce our esteemed founder and managing partner, Angelik “Angie” Holloway.
Simply Put: We help Georgia service-based businesses scale with confidence by creating risk mitigation strategies to help business owners avoid the courtroom, fines, penalties, and chaos.
At Edmonds Law Office, we specialize in Georgia Contract Law for small businesses. Our services encompass:
Contract Review, Drafting, and Negotiation: Ensuring your agreements are airtight and favorable.
Legal Advice: Expert guidance tailored to the unique needs of service-based businesses.
Business Formation: Helping you start your business on a solid legal foundation.
Commercial Leases, Employment Contracts, and Non-Compete Agreements: Protecting your interests and ensuring compliance.
The problem we solve: We help growing service-based businesses draft custom contracts to keep more profits in your pockets. As businesses scale, the opportunities for lawsuits, chargebacks, wrongful termination suits, and others rise. These events can be catastrophic for growing businesses–a worker’s comp claim without adequate insurance, a large judgment can bankrupt a cash-strapped business, or a former executive stealing confidential intellectual property to start a competing venture. We help ensure that the business you built is protected on solid legal grounds–with contracts, insurance audits, and practical people support.
Angie’s dedication and expertise have earned her numerous accolades, including:
Best of Georgia: Awarded in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Top 100 Black Lawyers: Recognized for her outstanding contributions and leadership.
Co-Chair, Young Lawyers Division, Small/Solo Law Firm Committee: Demonstrating her commitment to mentoring and supporting fellow lawyers.
Angie prides herself on building meaningful, collaborative relationships with her clients. Her intersectional lawyering approach combines straightforward, compassionate counsel with a deep understanding of the diverse challenges faced by small business owners.
When she’s not advocating for her clients, Angie enjoys life’s simple pleasures—immersing herself in mystery novels, hiking with her husband and their adorable furbaby Grover, and exploring the rich world of bold red wines.
Before focusing on business law, Angie fought for civil rights in federal courts across Georgia, tackling cases involving education discrimination, disability discrimination, fair housing discrimination, contract discrimination, and employment discrimination. She leverages this extensive litigation experience to help her clients avoid the courtroom through proactive legal strategy.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Transitioning from civil rights litigation to business contracts was one of the most challenging periods of owning my own law firm. I began my career in civil rights advocacy out of a deep-seated desire to help minoritized and disenfranchised groups fight against institutionalized racism. The work was intensely fulfilling, but it came at a personal cost. Over time, I developed bleeding ulcers due to vicarious trauma—the emotional toll of representing clients who faced systemic injustices day in and day out.
Emotionally, I had made up my mind to shift gears long before I took any practical steps to rebrand my firm. I thought the transition would be straightforward, not realizing how much work it would take to redefine my practice and attract a new client base. I underestimated the time, effort, and resources needed to pivot from civil rights litigation to business contracts. The enormously different payment structures–from contingency to flat fee or hourly work forced me to find an entirely new client base.
The first six months were particularly brutal. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to pay myself during this period. More distressing was my struggle to make payroll for my staff. To cover their salaries, I had to resort to using lines of credit, a move that kept me awake at night.
Looking back, there are several lessons I wish I had known before making the transition.
1. Prioritize a Solid Financial Plan
It’s crucial to have a robust financial plan that accounts for potential gaps in income during the transition period. This could mean saving up an emergency fund well in advance or securing a line of credit beforehand but using it strategically.
2. Don’t Underestimate Rebranding
Rebranding is not just about changing your logo or website. It requires a complete overhaul of your business identity, which takes time, energy, and sometimes more money than you might expect.
3. Create a Marketing Transition Plan
Begin creating a client funnel before you close your prior practice area. Starting your marketing efforts early can help create a smoother transition and ensure a steady flow of new clients as you phase out the old practice.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In the bustling world of business law, finding and connecting with the right clients has been a challenge. Traditional methods like Google ads and social media marketing (SMM) have their place, but I’ve found that LinkedIn and video have been game-changers in attracting and acquiring new clients.
LinkedIn has become an invaluable platform for me to connect with business owners, especially those in the scaling stage of their business. Here’s how it works:
Targeted Connections: LinkedIn allows me to zero in on service-based businesses in Georgia that are generating six figures. By sending personalized connection requests and engaging with their content, I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships.
Fit Calls: Several of these connections have translated into fit calls, where we discuss their legal needs and how my firm can assist them. This direct one-on-one interaction is far more effective than cold outreach.
Networking Opportunities: By participating in LinkedIn groups and discussions, I’ve expanded my network and visibility, positioning myself as a thought leader in business law.
Video content consistently outperforms other types of content on social media. Here’s why video has been crucial in my client acquisition strategy:
High Engagement: Videos capture attention quickly and keep viewers engaged longer than text or graphics. By sharing informative and engaging videos about legal topics, I’ve been able to showcase my expertise and build trust with potential clients.
Human Connection: Videos allow me to put a face to the name, making my firm more relatable and approachable. This personal touch goes a long way in converting viewers into clients.
Educational Content: Through video, I can explain complex legal concepts in a simple and digestible format. This educational approach positions my firm as a valuable resource for business owners.
The most efficient marketing strategy is still a work in progress, but so far, LinkedIn and video have proven to be powerful tools in getting in front of my ideal client base. Moving forward, I’m excited to combine both platforms to launch webinars. These webinars will offer valuable insights and further establish my firm as a leader in business law.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aedmondslaw.com
• Instagram: @aedmondslaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aedmondslaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edmonds-law-office1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDtA9HXuZawWqbk4g0DlZ8Q
• Other: Personal LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelikedmonds

  Book an appointment-https://calendly.com/angie-edmondslaw-newclients